Cost of Living in Australia 2026–2027

Hundreds of thousands of international students choose to study in Australia each year, a nation ranking among the top study-abroad destinations in the world. When planning to study, one of the main things to think about is the cost of living in Australia, which is a vital part of the overall cost of studying in Australia.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in Australia has set the minimum official financial requirement for the Subclass 500 student visa as AU $29,710 for one year of living expenses, which is approximately AU $2,475 per month, in addition to a one-time visa filing fee of AU $2,500. The non-accommodation portion of your budget, covering essentials like food, transportation, and utilities, would range from AU $800 to AU $1,500 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle in Australia.

AECC Expert Advice for 2026-2027: While AU $29,710 is the visa requirement, students should budget an additional 5-10% for annual CPI (inflation) increases in rent and utilities.

All financial benchmarks and living cost estimates provided in this guide are drawn from the Study Australia government portal and the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA), which sets the official financial benchmarks for student visa requirements. Explore the guide to understand all the various aspects associated with the overall costs of living in Australia for international students in 2026–2027.

Housing Cost of Living in Australia Per Month 2026–2027

Depending on your choice of student accommodation in Australia, your budget against the monthly expenses in Australia can be estimated as follows:

Source: Study Australia - Accommodation Options

City-Wise Average Cost of Living in Australia 2026–2027

The living expenses in Australia for international students greatly depend on the place of stay. For example, living in areas like St. Kilda West, South Brisbane, or Spring Hill may offer a lower average cost compared to the central business districts of metropolitan cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.

City-Wise Rent Comparison (Shared Room)

The Australian rental market is competitive, and prices are mostly determined by property type, proximity to transport facilities, and demand. An approximate average cost of living per month in different Australian cities is discussed below:

Source: Study Australia - Cost of Living Calculator

Did you know that studying in regional Australia, like at the universities in Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Perth, and others, significantly reduces your overall cost of studying? This happens because such locations offer not only highly affordable accommodation but also relatively low tuition fees. Sign up now to get personalised guidance on budgeting or your studies in Australia.

Transportation Costs in Australia 2026–2027

Travel expenses within different cities are included in the living expenses in Australia for international students. In general, you will need to make a lot of travel to get where you are going if you live far from your university. However, you can take advantage of some of the student discounts offered to international students to manage these costs.

Public transportation is another option for getting around the city. It is quite convenient and has good connections. Instead of using cabs, riding the bus, train, or even just a bicycle for transportation can be far less expensive.

Source: Transport for NSW - Opal Ticketing · Public Transport Victoria - International Student Support

AECC Expert Advice for 2026–2027: Victoria has started offering an International Student Travel Pass for 90, 180, and 365 days, which gives a 50% discount to eligible undergraduate students.

Utilities Cost in Australia 2026–2027

When living in Australia, a student's household expenses are also taken into consideration. It is important to pay necessary bills on time, including those for power, water, and internet. These essential utilities are included in the cost of the accommodations, but if they are not, you will need to factor them into the monthly cost of living in Australia.

Given below is a list of your typical household costs across the nation:

Source: Study Australia - Cost of Living and Budgeting Guide

Entertainment & Leisure Cost of Living in Australia 2026–2027

International students will probably find that the leisure and entertainment costs of living in Australia are somewhat higher. This vibrant environment could attract you with a variety of choices, including delicious food, movies, shopping, and more. In Australia, monthly expenses for shopping and entertainment might amount to about AU $150 – $400.

Here is an overview of the monthly expenses related to sports, clothing, and leisure activities.

Source: Public Transport Victoria - Regional Lifestyle Indices

Need budgeting tips from experts? Connect with the AECC Australian team of counsellors and learn from the experience of international students who have been placed in several universities across the country. Our counsellors extend support from the beginning of your application to helping you get settled abroad.

Healthcare Cost in Australia 2026–2027

When planning a study in Australia, one of the most important things that international students need to think about is the expense of healthcare abroad. International students must obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay to satisfy visa requirements. It is one of the undeniable and mandatory expenses that the overall cost of living in Australia comprises.

Source: Department of Health and Aged Care - OSHC Guidelines

Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medical Services

Although OSHC provides cover, international students would encounter an ‘out-of-pocket gap’ where the doctor’s fee is higher than the amount set by the government (the Medicare Benefits Schedule, or MBS) that the OSHC will reimburse. This amounts to the unplanned cost of living in Australia.

Source: Department of Health and Aged Care - Overseas Student Health Cover · Study Australia - Health and Safety Guidelines

AECC Expert Advice for 2026–2027: Bulk billing is becoming harder to find in metropolitan areas such as Sydney and Melbourne. Check with your provider's app for a list of partnered 'Direct Billing' clinics.

Food & Grocery Cost in Australia 2026–2027

When budgeting for the cost of living in Australia as an international student, you must not skip food and groceries, a vital part of everyday expenses. If you cook your meals instead of frequently going out to expensive restaurants, it can be more economical. Locating neighbourhood supermarkets in Australia that sell the ingredients for meals you can make at home is a useful strategy.

The overall grocery budget for a student who cooks could range from AU $300 - $600 per month or AU $70 - $150 per week. The prices for some basic supplies and food items are as follows:

Source: Numbeo - Australia Cost Calculator

Tips to Save Money in Australia for International Students

The most effective way to save money is through smart planning. By targeting an average expenditure of AU $2,500 per month as per the visa minimum, international students can effectively manage their finances. Exploring the different scholarships in Australia could also help offset the high cost of living in Australia for international students. Refer to the tips below for foolproof cost-saving planning:

Tip 1: Prioritise Your Location

• Choose Affordable Cities: Rent is the highest cost. Cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane, or regional areas, are significantly cheaper than student hubs like Melbourne and Sydney.
• Shared Accommodation: Always opt to live in a shared house/apartment with flatmates to split the rent and utilities. This can save over AU $1,000 per month compared to a private apartment.

Tip 2: Control Food Costs

• Cook at Home: This is the single biggest saver when trying to reduce your living expenses in Australia. Budget to spend roughly AU $300 – $600 per month on groceries.
• Shop Smart: Buy non-perishables in bulk and hunt for weekly specials at budget supermarkets (Aldi, Coles, or Woolworths).
• Avoid Takeaway: Limit eating out, as a single casual restaurant meal can cost AU $20 – $30.

Tip 3: Maximise Student Discounts & Transport

• Get a Student ID/Pass: Using your student card to claim discounts (10% – 20%) at museums, cinemas, retailers, and restaurants can reduce your overall cost of living in Australia.
• Master Public Transport: Utilise buses, trains, and trams. In states that offer it, like Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, apply for the student concession card to halve your travel costs.
• Walk or Cycle: For short-distance commutes, a bike is the cheapest option after the initial purchase.

Tip 4: Earn and Budget Strategically

• Find Part-Time Work: Your Subclass 500 Student Visa allows you to work part-time to supplement your living expenses.
• Track Spending: Use budgeting apps, like Splitwise, for shared bills, to track every expense against your AU $2,500 monthly budget. It can help you closely monitor your living expenses in Australia.
• Seek Financial Aid: Apply for both university and government scholarships, grants, and bursaries before and after arrival.

Tip 5: Be Smart with Finances & Utilities

• Use Low-Fee Banking/Transfer: Open a local Australian student bank account to avoid monthly fees and use money transfer services instead of traditional bank wires to save on international exchange fees.
• Manage Utilities: Be conscious of electricity/gas use, especially with heating and cooling, as these can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly bill if not managed.

Working Part-Time to Manage the Cost of Living in Australia

Taking up part-time jobs helps manage the cost of living in Australia for international students. The Australian student visa allows a work limit of 48 hours per fortnight when the academic session is on and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks or holidays. The Australian DHA decides your working hours, and the minimum wage of AU $24.95 + 25% per hour for all national and international workers has been set by the Fair Work Ombudsman - Minimum Wages.

AECC Expert Advice for 2026–2027: As of May 2026, the student visa work limit is strictly 48 hours per fortnight. While the minimum wage is AU $24.95, many retail and hospitality jobs pay Penalty Rates (higher pay) on Saturdays (125%) and Sundays (150%). Targeting weekend shifts is the best way to maximise your earnings within your visa limits.

In addition to the tips discussed above, here's a video covering things you can do to sustain yourself without burning a hole in your pocket while studying in Australia as an international student.

In simple terms, you require careful financial planning to cope with the cost of living in Australia for international students. Location, lifestyle choices, and personal spending habits influence overall budgets. Nevertheless, students can manage their finances through budgeting, utilising several student discounts, and applying for various part-time jobs.

All set to study in Australia? Connect with AECC experts to get comprehensive guidance on everything from preparing and applying to the best Australian universities to booking the best accommodation abroad.

Sources & References

Official Government Portal & Student Resources

• Study Australia - Accommodation Options - average weekly rent ranges for homestays, student halls, private rentals, and shared housing alternatives across major cities.
• Study Australia - Cost of Living Calculator - city-specific monthly living cost estimates and regional expenditure variations for international student budget planning.
• Study Australia - Cost of Living and Budgeting Guide - national baseline cost estimates for student household utilities, grocery budgets, and discretionary entertainment outlays.
• Study Australia - Health and Safety Guidelines - operational framework of medical support systems, emergency clinic procedures, and healthcare navigation protocols for foreign nationals.

Visa Regulations & Employment Frameworks

• Department of Home Affairs - Subclass 500 Student Visa Financial Capacity Requirements - official minimum funds threshold, financial capacity benchmarks, and upfront application fees required for legal visa issuance.
• Fair Work Ombudsman - Minimum Wages - statutory national minimum wage rates, casual loading rules, and award-specific weekend penalty rates for workforce compensation.

Public Transport Infrastructure

• Transport for NSW - Opal Ticketing - full adult commuter fare caps, smartcard zone structures, and international student concession exclusion policies within Sydney.
• Public Transport Victoria - International Student Support - eligibility parameters and 50% pricing discounts for the multi-day International Student Travel Pass across Melbourne networks.
• Public Transport Victoria - Regional Lifestyle Indices - baseline cost data for gym memberships, recreational travel, and localised leisure patterns within metropolitan boundaries.

Public Health Authorities

• Department of Health and Aged Care - OSHC Guidelines - mandatory minimum health insurance scope, ambulance coverage criteria, and institutional billing compliance for overseas student providers.
• Department of Health and Aged Care - Overseas Student Health Cover - medicare Benefits Schedule baseline fees, out-of-pocket gap medical expenses, and direct billing clinic infrastructure limits.

Institutional & External Data Indices

• University of Queensland - Living Costs Guide - institutional breakdown of student apartment averages, food expenses, and realistic monthly living budgets inside Brisbane.
• Numbeo - Australia Cost Calculator - crowdsourced consumer retail tracking for standalone grocery items, restaurant prices, and raw food basket costs nationwide.