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Cost of Living in Australia for International Students (2026 Guide)

Student Life

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students (2026 Guide)

Budgeting correctly before you arrive is as important as choosing the right course. This 2026 guide breaks down realistic living costs across Australia's major cities so you can plan with confidence.

Student Life7 min readActive Study Australia

One of the biggest surprises for international students arriving in Australia is the cost of living - especially in Sydney and Melbourne. Budgeting accurately before you arrive is as important as choosing the right course or preparing your visa documents.

Government Minimum Financial Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs requires international students to demonstrate access to a minimum amount of funds as part of their visa application. For 2026, the indicative minimum is approximately AUD $29,710 per year for the main applicant. These are minimum thresholds for visa purposes - actual living costs in Sydney or Melbourne typically run substantially higher.

City-by-City Cost Overview

Sydney (NSW)

  • Shared accommodation: AUD $1,400-$2,400/month
  • Groceries (one person): AUD $400-$600/month
  • Transport (Opal card): AUD $150-$250/month
  • Eating out: AUD $15-$25 per meal at a casual restaurant

Melbourne (VIC)

  • Shared accommodation: AUD $1,200-$2,000/month
  • Groceries: AUD $350-$550/month
  • Transport (Myki): AUD $120-$200/month

Want a personalised cost and pathway plan before you arrive?

Talk to our Registered Migration Agent and plan your finances alongside your visa strategy.

Brisbane (QLD)

  • Shared accommodation: AUD $1,000-$1,700/month
  • Groceries: AUD $300-$500/month
  • Transport: AUD $100-$180/month

Perth (WA)

  • Shared accommodation: AUD $900-$1,600/month
  • Groceries: AUD $300-$500/month
  • Transport: AUD $100-$170/month

Adelaide (SA)

  • Shared accommodation: AUD $800-$1,400/month
  • Groceries: AUD $280-$450/month
  • Transport: AUD $90-$160/month

Regional Cities

Cities like Wollongong, Geelong, Toowoomba, and Ballarat typically offer 20-40% lower housing costs than the nearest capital.

Work Rights and Income

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. Australia's national minimum wage in 2026 is approximately AUD $24.10 per hour. At 48 hours per fortnight, this equates to approximately AUD $23,000 per year gross - a significant contribution toward living expenses.

We build your full financial and visa plan as part of your free assessment.

Book a free consultation and arrive in Australia with a budget you can rely on.

Practical Tips for Managing Costs

  • Cook at home: A simple meal prepared at home costs AUD $5-$10 vs AUD $18-$30 at a restaurant
  • Share accommodation: Living with 2-4 housemates significantly reduces rent - the single largest expense
  • Use public transport: Car ownership is expensive and unnecessary in most cities
  • Shop at Aldi or IGA: Significantly cheaper than Woolworths or Coles for staple groceries
  • Apply for Medicare: International students from countries with reciprocal health agreements (UK, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Netherlands) are eligible

Building Your Budget Before You Arrive

Our team helps every student build a realistic financial plan as part of the onboarding process - one that accounts for tuition, living costs, visa fees, and skills assessment costs across the full duration of their study pathway. Book a free assessment with us today and we'll build your personalised cost plan alongside your visa and course strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start your journey to Australian PR?

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Migration Institute of AustraliaMember of Migration AllianceQEAC L085 AustraliaMigration Agents Registration Number 2318131Australian Government Office of the Migration Agents Registration AuthorityICEF Agency Status

We are a licensed Migration Agent. Our License details can be found here.

You can find more information about migration agents at the Migration Agent Registration Authority www.mara.gov.au