Monthly Living Expenses in Australia for Foreign Students 2025

Monthly living expenses in australia for international students generally cost between AUD 1,200 and AUD 3,190 a month in 2025, depending on your identified city to live in, the kind of accommodation you prefer and your lifestyle. The Australian Government asks that international students prove that they can spend at least AUD 29,710 a year to receive the student visa because it is a realistic indication of how much students will need to cover the Australian living expenses. At the present rate of currency conversion (AUD to INR), now about 1 AUD = 56.68 INR (August 2025), this would work out to an estimated convergence of approximately INR 1,683,900. Monthly living expenses in australia for international students. This financial requirement is referred to as 75 per cent of the national minimum wage of Australia, as set out by the Department of Home Affairs, taking into consideration that students spend 25 per cent of the year out of course sessions.

Monthly Living Costs in Australia for International Students

Monthly living expenses in australia for international students .Basic Expense by Lifestyle (A$1,400-A$2,500) monthly. 

Government Requirements for Financial Proof

Financial Evidence Conditions by Governments. The monthly living expenses in australia for international students updated financial capacity requirements of the Department of Home Affairs (2025)

 Also Read: Explore Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

Accommodation Costs: The Largest Expense Component

Currently,monthly living expenses in australia for international students have their most significant monthly expenditure on accommodation, which constitutes 30-50 per cent of their budget. There are many choices that students can make with distinct characteristics, prices, and inclusions.

Comparison Table: Weekly and Monthly Accommodation Costs 

On-Campus Student Housing in Australia 

• Utilities: In most cases, these are included.

• Internet: Usually present (and in some cases at an additional cost).

• Furniture: Through and through provided.

• Duration: One semester or one-year contract.

Off-Campus Housing Options in Australia 

• Standard Apartments: Housemates may share their utility; in most cases, the internet is an extra expense.

• Individual Rentals: power and internet are not included, paid individually. Furnishings may not be included.

• Homestays: There are included meals in the price paid, and all utilities are paid.

Additional Housing Expenses in Australia 

Food and Grocery Expenses for International Students in Australia

Somewhere between 15 and 25 per cent monthly living expenses in australia for international students go to food and groceries. The typical international student spends AUD 300-600/month on food and groceries, and significant savings can be achieved by adopting wise shopping and home cooking as strategies.

Weekly Grocery Budgets

 The weekly grocery budgets are:

Dining Out Costs for International Students in Australia

The dining out costs for international students in Australia are:

 Dining out costs have increased 34% since 2019, with menu prices rising 4.3% in the past year alone.

Also Read: Australia Welcomes a Large Number of International Students

Transportation and Travel Expenses

Transportation costs are estimated to be about 5-10 per cent of the monthly expenditures of and monthly living expenses in Australia for international students vary based on the city in Australia you live in, the types of transport you use, and the frequency of use of the different transport modes. International students predominantly use the system of public transport, because of its relative cheapness and the extensive coverage of the major Australian cities.

Public Transport Monthly Passes

The public transport monthly passes in Australia are:

Appropriate approximation based on weekly limits and daily consumption

Alternative Transportation

Cycling Infrastructure and Costs:

Cycling Infrastructure Investment: Australia spends just 90 cents per capita yearly on cycling infrastructure compared to 714 cents per capita on road infrastructure. Nevertheless, in large cities, cycling networks are becoming better.

City-Wise Monthly Living Expenses Comparison

Monthly living expenses in australia for international students varies significantly across the cities, where there can be a difference of up to AUD 1,500 per month between the most expensive and the least expensive places to live in. The realisation of these differences is the essential part of international students preparing their budgets when studying abroad and selecting the most appropriate city based on their financial conditions.

 Detailed table of the City comparison 

Most Expensive Cities in Australia for International Students

The most expensive cities in Australia for international students are:

1. Sydney: $2,500 – $3,850 /mo

Breakdown for Students' Costs: 

2. Melbourne

Students Cost Summary 

3. Canberra: AUD 2,200-3,100/month

Cost Breakdown for Students:

Most Affordable Cities

Lowest Cost Cities

1. Adelaide

2. Brisbane: AUD 2,100-2,800/month

Cost Breakdown for Students: 

3. Perth: AUD 2,000-3,000/month

Cost Breakdown for Students:

Also Read: Cheap Diploma Courses in Australia for International Students

Health Care and Related Insurance Costs

International students are obliged to secure health insurance in Australia, and on average, they devote about 3–5% of their monthly living expenses to meet these costs.

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) - Mandatory Requirements

What OSHC Does and Doesn’t Provide? 

Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses

Such expenses include fun and leisure. International students spend roughly 5–15 per cent of their monthly budget on entertainment and lifestyle, roughly between AUD 150 and AUD 400. 

Gym/Fitness 

Common Entertainment Expenses

Shopping Budgets

City Entertainment Costs

Also Read: Cheap Colleges in Australia Affordable Options for Students

Money-Saving Tips for International Students

Money-saving tips for international students are:

• Student Discounts & Shared Living: Save AUD 350-750 per month on student ID benefits, shared accommodation and university facilities rather than their equivalents in the private world

• Smart Grocery Shopping: Save up to AUD 80-200 on food per month at Aldi, local ethnic stores, purchase of generics and bulk preparation of meals

• Free Entertainment Strategy: Use university events, free museums and community fairs to cut entertainment costs of AUD 100-200 per month on streaming subscriptions and sharing

• Transport: Student Transport Cards:  Adelaide students pay only AUD 10/month compared with full adult fares.

• Banking & Budget Tools: Track spending and find more savings by using the money-smart Budget Planner (a fee-free government budget planner tool) and fee-free student banking accounts to track expenses and find more savings opportunities

• Strategic Shopping Timing: Buy seasonal produce, end-of-season clothing sell-offs, and eat at app restaurants such as Too Good to Go for a discounted meal

Working While Studying: Income Opportunities

• Conditions of Work: International students studying in Australia are allowed to work 48 hours a fortnight during study and anytime during the semester break with the possibility of earning AUD 599 per fortnight at a minimum rate of pay

• Recent Wages: The minimum wage is set at AUD 24.95/hour (INR 1,414/hour) as of 2025, whereas popular student jobs are offered at the rate of AUD 25-45/hour based on the level of skills

• High-Demand Job Categories: Tutoring (AUD 25-45/hour), major chain retail jobs, hospitality, and campus jobs allow the flexibility needed by the student

• Tax Benefits: Students who earn less than AUD 18,200 do not need to pay tax, and a majority of student incomes fit in the bracket of 16 per cent tax (AUD 18,201-45,000)

• Job Search Resources: Includes Indeed, Student Job Board and university career services - the current total for student employment is over 700 across Australia

• Compliance Requirements: A Tax File Number must be obtained immediately on arrival, and the limit on work hours must be strictly followed to prevent cancellation of visa

Also Read: Level 1 Colleges in Australia: Guide to Top Colleges 

Currency Exchange and Money Management

• The Rates: 1 AUD = 56.68 INR (August 2025), and a yearly range of fluctuations between 51.47 and 57.25 INR; therefore, the exact timing of transfers can save you money

• Best Student Banking: Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB all have $0 monthly fee student bank accounts with international services - eligible to open 3 months before entry.

• Smart Transfer Services: Smart transfer services like Wise (0.35-2% fees), Remitly, and XE Money offer higher rates in comparison to those of traditional banks, which will save AUD 50-150 per transfer, in contrast to bank wire transfers

• Money Management Strategy: Aim to keep between 3-6 months of emergency fund, utilise middle-market exchange rates and do not accept airport currency exchanges, which are 5-10 per cent poorer rates

• Transfer Optimisation: Compare rates per transfer and plan to use forward contracts for planned high volume transfers, and allow between AUD 20-50/month at the bank and transfer services.

• Daily Banking Tip: Bank switching. Check the coverage of a bank in terms of ATMs, set automatic savings, and student banking packages to avoid monthly account fees.

Latest Facts & News Section

• New OSHC Requirements 2025: Overseas Student Health Cover costs now range from AUD 500 to 4,000 annually

• Minimum Wage Update: International students earn a minimum of AUD 21.38/hour with fortnightly earnings of $855.20

• Government Cost Estimates: Official Study Australia calculator shows monthly expenses AUD 1,400-2,500

• City-wise Inflation Impact: Sydney remains the most expensive at AUD 1,900/month, Adelaide is the most affordable at AUD 1,300/month

• Accommodation Shortage: On-campus housing is limited, driving 70% students to private rentals

• Transport Pass Changes: Monthly public transport now AUD 100-160 across major cities

Also Read: Best Colleges in Sydney Australia: Latest Guide

Conclusion

Monthly living expenses in australia for international students will be AUD 1,400-2,500 (INR 79,352-1,41,700) and will vary broadly by city, with Adelaide being the least expensive at AUD 1,600-2,200/month and Sydney requiring AUD 2,500-3,850/month to live comfortably. The Australian Government requires evidence of AUD 29,710 per year to receive a student visa, which is based on realistic costs, where students spend the bulk of their budget on accommodation (48-65 per cent), then on food (15-25 per cent) and through compulsory OSHC insurance, around AUD 37-50 per month. 

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