Cost of Living in Adelaide for International Students
One of Australia's most affordable capital cities, Adelaide allows international students to live at very reasonable rates of AU $1,420 - $2,900+ monthly, while they still need AU $29,710 for visa filing.
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What you'll learn in this article
Did you know that Adelaide is one of the most affordable cities in Australia for international students, yet it consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities? Living in Adelaide as an international student offers a welcoming community and relatively low living costs compared to other major Australian cities. The average cost of living for students in Adelaide ranges between AU$ 2,592 and AU$ 3,074 per month.
The city is home to various prestigious universities in Adelaide that rank in the top 100 global universities, offering an enriching mix of history, culture, and academic excellence. With 29,000 students and a history of firsts, including admitting female students, Adelaide offers a top-tier education. Its affordable cost of living and high quality of life make it ideal for students aiming to make history.
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Accommodation Cost in Adelaide for International Students
Adelaide offers various housing options for international students, including city apartments, suburban homes, and university housing. Here's a detailed look at the various housing options and average rent:
| Housing Type | Accommodation Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| City Apartments | One-bedroom | AU $1,800 – $2,625 per month |
| Three-bedroom | AU $2,600 – $4,415 per month | |
| Suburban Homes | One-bedroom | AU $1,300 – $1,900 per month |
| Three-bedroom | AU $2,000 – $3,000 per month | |
| University Housing | Shared dormitory | AU $150 – $250 per week |
| Private room | AU $200 – $300 per week |
Rent Variations in City Centre vs Suburbs
Living in the city centre is more expensive due to its proximity to amenities and universities. Suburban rentals offer a quieter, more affordable living environment but may entail additional transportation costs.
Register with AECC and go through our Partnered International Student Accommodation options that are safe, secure, and cater to every need of international students.
Food & Grocery Costs in Adelaide
Food and grocery costs in Adelaide for international students are manageable, with a variety of options available to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Here's a detailed look at the cost of living in Adelaide for dining and fast food:
Cost of Dining in Adelaide
Adelaide offers a range of budget-friendly dining options, including restaurants and cafes that serve meals at various price points. Filipino students can enjoy familiar flavours at local Asian markets and eateries. Here are some costs:
Casual Dining
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: AU $20
- Mid-range restaurant (three-course meal for two): AU $100
Cafes and Fast Food
- Coffee: AU $5
- Fast food combo meal: AU $15
Cost of Groceries in Adelaide
Here's a detailed look at cost of purchasing groceries in Adelaide:
| Items | Average Price (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rice (1 kg) | AU $2.97 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | AU $11.66 |
| Eggs (dozen) | AU $6.18 |
| Milk (1 litre) | AU $1.82 |
| Bread (loaf) | AU $3.43 |
| Fresh Vegetables (1 kg) | AU $4.50 |
| Fresh Fruits (1 kg) | AU $4.78 |
| Cooking Oil (1 litre) | AU $5.67 |
| Fish (1 kg) | AU $18.00 |
Please note that all costs are subject to change with progressive years and the economic status of the country.
Transportation Costs in Adelaide
Adelaide offers a variety of public transport options that are both convenient and affordable, contributing to the overall cost of living in Adelaide. Here's a breakdown of transportation costs and options:
| Transport Mode | Fare Type | Average Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transport (Buses, Trams, Trains) | One-way Ticket | AU $4.25 |
| Monthly Pass | AU $115.00 | |
| Taxi | Start (Normal Tariff) | AU $5.00 |
| Per km (Normal Tariff) | AU $3.20 | |
| 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | AU $60.00 | |
| Other Transportation Costs | Gasoline (1 litre) | AU $1.90 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (New Car) | AU $40,000.00 | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (New Car) | AU $33,901.17 |
Travel Concession and Allowances
Children under five years of age travel free on public transport. Students get concession rates with an approved ID card, available through their school or tertiary institution. Students with disabilities may travel free with specific passes.
Pro Tip: The availability of buses, trams, and trains ensures that residents can commute easily, contributing positively to living expenses in Adelaide.
Personal Care Costs in Adelaide
Adelaide provides various options for essential personal care items, contributing to the overall cost of living in Adelaide. Here's a breakdown of common personal care expenses:
| Personal Care Item | Average Price (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Haircut (Men’s) | AU $25.00 - $45.00 |
| Haircut (Women’s) | AU $40.00 - $75.00 |
| Shampoo (400ml) | AU $5.00 - $8.00 |
| Toothpaste (140g) | AU $3.00 - $5.00 |
| Deodorant (150ml) | AU $4.00 - $6.00 |
| Laundry (per load, laundromat) | AU $4.00 - $6.00 |
| Laundry (dry cleaning) | AU $15.00 - $25.00 |
Essential Considerations for Personal Care Costs in Adelaide
- Student Discounts: Many salons and stores offer student discounts. Always ask if there’s a discount available.
- Budget-Friendly Choices: Opt for generic or store brands for toiletries and look for bulk-buying options to save money.
- Laundry Savings: Use shared laundry facilities at student accommodations if available, as they are usually cheaper than laundromats.
Pro Tip: You may join Student Housing Groups, such as Adelaide University's Accommodation Services or the official Adelaide Student Housing Co-operative, and even Facebook groups for international students to find suitable accommodation in Australia.
Or you can simply register with AECC and let your trusted partner help you through the process of securing safe housing in Adelaide.
Healthcare Costs in Adelaide
Cost of living in Adelaide includes accessible healthcare services for international students. Here's an overview:
Typical Healthcare Services and Costs
- General Practitioner (GP) Visit: AU $70 - $90 per visit
- Specialist Visit: AU $150 - $250 per visit
- Prescription Medication: AU $10 - $40 per prescription
- Emergency Room Visit: AU $250 - $500
- Dental Check-up: AU $100 - $200
Insurance Options
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Required for international students, costs around AU $600 - $800 per year
- Private Health Insurance: Additional coverage options available for extra services
Living expenses in Adelaide are manageable with health insurance, which mitigates high healthcare costs. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covers GP visits, emergency care, and some prescription medications, contributing to a manageable average cost of living in Adelaide. For more detailed information, consult your educational institution or health insurance provider.
Utility Costs in Adelaide
Adelaide's cost of living includes various utility expenses that students need to consider. Here's a breakdown:
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | AU $445.06 (Range: 330.00-498.00) |
| Mobile Phone Plan (with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | AU $40.83 (Range: 20.00-65.00) |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | AU $86.37 (Range: 60.00-114.00) |
Adelaide living expenses can be managed effectively with these tips, ensuring a reasonable average cost of living in Adelaide for students.
Clothing and Accessories Costs in Adelaide
The overall cost of living in Adelaide also includes expenses for clothing and accessories that international students need. Here's a breakdown of common items:
| Item | Average Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or similar) | AU $134.02 |
| Summer Dress (Chain Stores like Zara, H&M) | AU $102.29 |
| Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | AU $201.87 |
| Pair of Men’s Leather Business Shoes | AU $204.20 |
Adelaide stands out as an affordable and vibrant destination for international students, offering low tuition fees and living expenses. The city's cost of living covers reasonable expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, personal care, and clothing, making it easier to manage finances. By leveraging student discounts, opting for budget-friendly choices, and effectively managing living expenses, students can enrich their study experience.
AECC is here to provide expert guidance, helping you navigate and manage these costs, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling time in Adelaide. Sign up now and get FREE end-to-end counselling services, starting from university shortlisting and visa application to house hunting and flying to study in Australia.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Joel Noronho
Australia & New Zealand Education Specialist | 20 Years Advising International Students
Joel Noronho has spent over 20 years advising students on study in Australia and New Zealand. A large proportion of the students he works with are thinking about permanent residency from the outset, not as a distant possibility but as the primary reason for choosing a particular course or university in the first place.
That means Joel spends a lot of time explaining things that standard course guides do not cover. How the ANZSCO code for a particular occupation affects post-study work eligibility, which courses on the Core Skills Occupation List are currently most viable, and how changes to the points test affect the value of a degree from a regional university versus a capital city institution. This is knowledge that takes years to build.
Joel writes about Australian and New Zealand universities the way a counsellor who has seen hundreds of post-graduation outcomes would, with an honest assessment of which pathways tend to work and which ones look better in the brochure than they do in practice. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is based at AECC's offices in South India.
