Cost of Living in Australia in 2025: Guide for Students and Families

Jemima Sultana

7 min read

Updated On Mar 24, 2025

Cost of Living in Australia in 2025: Guide for Students and Families

Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you

Cost of Living in Australia
Average Rent in Australia
Transportation Cost in Australia
Groceries Cost in Australia
Cost of Healthcare in Australia
Utility Cost in Australia
Entertainment and Leisure Activity Cost in Australia
Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students
How Expensive is Australia Compared to Other Countries?
Unravelling the Cost of Living in Australia with GetGIS

Australia offers a vibrant lifestyle, but managing expenses is key to enjoying it fully. From bustling cities like Sydney and Melbourne to affordable regional areas, the cost of living in Australia varies based on location, lifestyle, and personal choices. Understanding these expenses can help you plan better and make the most of your stay.

From rent and groceries to transportation and entertainment, every aspect of daily life comes with its own price tag. Knowing where to save and how to budget smartly can make a huge difference. Let’s explore the key expenses and how you can plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living in Australia

Living in Australia comes with exciting opportunities, but it’s important to plan for daily expenses. From rent and utilities to dining out and transportation, knowing the key costs can help you budget wisely and enjoy life without financial stress. Check out the cost of living in Australia for different aspects below.

Cost of Living in Australia for Single Persons and Families

The cost of living in Australia varies significantly for bachelors and families, depending on location and lifestyle. Below is a table comparing the cost of living in Australia with rent to help you plan your budget effectively.

Particulars	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	City Centre: AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,000/month Suburban Areas: AUD 1,200 - AUD 1,800/month	City Centre: AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,200/month Suburban Areas: AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,200/month	City Centre: AUD 3,000 - AUD 5,000/month Suburban Areas: AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,500/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 80 - AUD 150/week	AUD 150 - AUD 250/week	AUD 200 - AUD 350/week
Transportation	AUD 30 - AUD 60/week	AUD 50 - AUD 100/week	AUD 150 - AUD 250/week
Utilities	AUD 150 - AUD 200/month	AUD 180 - AUD 250/month	AUD 250 - AUD 400/month
Entertainment	AUD 50 - AUD 150/week	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week	AUD 150 - AUD 300/week
Personal Expenses	AUD 50 - AUD 150/week	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week	AUD 150 - AUD 300/week

Also Read: Australian Visa Types You Should Know in 2025

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

Studying abroad comes with expenses, and understanding the cost of living in Australia for international students is essential for budgeting. With a balance of affordability and quality, students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while pursuing a world-class education in Australia. The table below breaks down the average monthly costs for key expenses.

Particulars	Monthly Expenses (in AUD)	Monthly Expenses (in INR)
Accommodation	800 - 2,000	43,658 - 1,09,147
Food and Groceries	280 - 480	15,280 - 26,195
Transportation	75 - 216	4,093 - 11,787
Utilities	270 - 490	14,734 - 26,741
Entertainment	100 - 120	5,457 - 6,548
Personal Expenses	80 - 90	4,365 - 4,911

Average Rent in Australia

There are various factors such as the type of accommodation (apartment, house, shared rental), location, and amenities that influence rental prices. The below table represents the average rental for each of the accommodation types.

Type of Accommodation	Average Monthly Rent (AUD)	Average Monthly Rent (INR)
Homestays	450 - 1,200	24,558 - 65,488
Halls of residence	440 - 1,100	24,012 - 60,030
Apartment	750 - 1,700	40,930 - 92,775
Shared apartment	650 - 950	35,472 - 51,844
Campus Accommodation	110 - 280	6,003 - 15,280

Quick Read: Pros and Cons of Living in Australia

Transportation Cost in Australia

Transportation costs in Australia can vary depending on factors such as location, mode of transportation, and individual preferences. Here is a breakdown of average transportation expenses in Australia, including public transport fares and fuel costs.

Particulars	Price (in AUD)	Price (in INR)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	4.70	256
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	150.00	8,186
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	6.00	327
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	2.90	158
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	58.00	3,165

Suggested Reading: How To Get a Job in Australia From India?

Groceries Cost in Australia

Understanding the average expenses for groceries can help individuals plan their budgets effectively. Here is a breakdown of the approximate costs for groceries in Australia.

Product	Price (AUD)	Price (INR)
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	2.35	128
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	3.76	205
Rice (white), (1kg)	3.19	174
Eggs (regular) (12)	6.52	355
Local Cheese (1kg)	13.84	755
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	13.04	711
Apples (1kg)	4.89	266
Banana (1kg)	4.19	228
Oranges (1kg)	4.48	244
Tomato (1kg)	6.52	355
Potato (1kg)	3.75	204
Onion (1kg)	3.28	179
Lettuce (1 head)	3.35	182
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	2.33	127

Also Read: 11 Best Cities in Australia to Live in 2025

Cost of Healthcare in Australia

The healthcare system in Australia consists of public and private services. Public healthcare provides free or subsidized treatment, but you may still have to pay a gap fee for services. Private healthcare can also be accessed through insurance, offering additional coverage and options for medical treatment.

Healthcare Service	Cost (in AUD)	Cost (in INR)
General Practitioner visit	90-100	4,911 - 5,457
Specialist consultation	130-230	7,094 - 12,551
Prescription medication	25-35	1,364 - 1,910
Dental	300-500	16,372 - 27,286
Physiotherapy	50-200 per session	2,728 - 10,914
Eye test	60-80	3,274 - 4,365
Hospital admission	500-1000	27,286 - 54,573
Emergency room visit	500-1000	27,286 - 54,573
X-ray	200-400	10,914 - 21,829
Mental health consultation	100-200	5,457 - 10,914

Check Out: 10 Best Benefits of Australia PR for Indians

Utility Cost in Australia

Utilities costs in Australia can be a significant part of the monthly expenses. Here is a breakdown of the approximate costs in Australia.

Particulars	Cost (AUD)	Cost (INR)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	269.30	14,696
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	40.75	2,223
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	81.22	4,432

Entertainment and Leisure Activity Cost in Australia

Enjoying Australia’s vibrant entertainment scene comes with varying costs, from movie tickets to outdoor adventures. Here are the average expenses for a few leisure activities across the country.

Particulars	Price (AUD)	Price (INR)
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	72.09	3,934
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	25.51	1,392
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	21.00	1,146

Also Read: Best Way to Get PR in Australia for Indians in 2025

Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students

Australia offers world-class education and globally recognised degrees, but these benefits of studying in Australia for Indian students come at a price. So, it’s essential to fully understand the financial aspects. Tuition fees and cost of living in Australia vary based on the university and city you choose. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs to help you plan your budget for studying in Australia effectively.

Tuition Fee Cost in Australia

In Australia, the fee structure of colleges is designed to provide international students with valuable practical knowledge that is worth the investment.

Here is an overview of the average cost of studying in Australia for Indian students based on educational levels.

Education Levels	Annual Tuition Fee Cost (AUD)
Cost of studying for a bachelor's in Australia	15,000 to 33,000
Cost of studying for a master's degree in Australia	20,000 to 37,000
Cost of studying Doctoral degree in Australia	14,000 to 37,000
Cost of studying MBBS in Australia	12,000 to 20,000
Cost of studying dentistry in Australia	14,000 - 37,000
Cost of studying nursing in Australia	20,000 - 35,000
Cost of studying engineering in Australia	24,000 - 38,000
Cost of business degree in Australia	29,000 - 49,000

Tuition Fee Cost of Universities in Australia

The cost of tuition fees in Australian universities can vary depending on the specific program you choose. Universities charge tuition fees based on factors such as the level of study, the field of study, and the duration of the program.

Top Universities	Average Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD)	Average Tuition Fees (in INR)
University of New England	18,000	9,82,324
University of Wollongong	16,000	8,73,176
Victoria University	22,000	12,00,618
University of Melbourne	35,000	19,10,074
Australian National University	36,000 - 37,000	19,64,648 - 20,19,221
University of Sydney	37,000	20,19,221
University of Queensland	32,000	17,46,353

Do you worry about the exorbitant tuition fees? Explore this detailed article on the Best Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students!

Cost of Living in Australian Cities for International Students

The cost for international students in Australia varies across different cities. Each city offers a unique educational experience with its renowned universities and programs.

Here is a breakdown of the approximate cost of living in Australia for international students and the top universities in each of these cities.

Cities	Universities	Cost of Living (AUD)
Melbourne	Monash University	2,800 - 3,500
	Deakin University
	University of Melbourne
	Swinburne University of Technology
Sydney	University of New South Wales	3,000 - 4,500
	University of Sydney
	Macquarie University
Brisbane	Griffith University	2,500 - 3,000
	University of Queensland
	Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Adelaide	University of Adelaide	2,000 - 3,500
	Flinders University
	University of South Australia
Perth	University of Western Australia	2,500 - 3,000
Canberra	Australian National University	2,700 - 3,500
Canberra	University of Canberra	2,700 - 3,500
Gold Coast	Bond University	2,300 - 3,000

Explore: 5 Best Student Cities in Australia in 2025

How Expensive is Australia Compared to Other Countries?

Australia makes up a large portion of the international expat community. When considering the cost of living in Australia, it's crucial to assess various factors, including living expenses.

To make an informed decision, comparing the cost of living in Australia to other countries is essential. By examining living expenses, such as accommodation and transportation, you can gain a better understanding of the financial aspects associated with living in Australia.

Country	Rent (USD)	Transport (USD)
Germany	1,077	111
USA	1,671	94
Canada	1,261	97
UK	1,331	107
UAE	1,969	63
Australia	1,661	141

Quick Read: List of Australia PR Requirements for Indians in 2025

Unravelling the Cost of Living in Australia with GetGIS

In conclusion, understanding the cost of living in Australia is crucial for anyone planning to study, work, or reside in this vibrant country. From accommodation and transportation to groceries and healthcare, each aspect plays a significant role in shaping your budget.

Do you need further guidance and support throughout your journey? Trust professional immigration consultant GetGIS. We provide end-to-end assistance and help you navigate the complexities of visa applications, work permits, and other immigration processes, making your transition to Australia smoother and more seamless.

Book Your Free Consultation

Useful Links for You:

Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Australia or Canada?

When comparing Canada and Australia for students, it becomes apparent that Canada outperforms Australia in aspects like the education system, cost of living, job prospects, student visa options, and pathways to permanent residency.

Is it easy to get a job in Australia?

The Australian job market is highly competitive, with varying demands for different jobs and skills, particularly among foreigners. For international individuals, the sectors with the highest demand include hospitality, construction, and education.

Which skills are in shortage in Australia?

Certain occupations, such as Health Professionals, Construction Trades Workers, and Sports and Personal Service Workers, have consistently experienced low fill rates.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Australia?

While there isn't a universal plan that suits everyone, however, in general, an individual might require around $20,000 per year, whereas an average family would typically need over $50,000 annually to cover expenses in Australia

Which course is in demand in Australia?

In Australia, technology-related fields like computer science, data science, and cybersecurity are highly sought after due to their strong demand and promising growth prospects in the job market.