Do you intend to study in Australia in 2025-2026? Budgeting for your stay requires an understanding of the cost of living. This resource helps Indian students plan financially for a successful academic journey by covering all they need to know about living costs in Australia, from housing and food to transit and student expenses.
Introduction
Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
As an Indian student, understanding the cost of living is crucial for smart budgeting. This guide breaks down the monthly expenses you can expect, from rent and food to transport and utilities, so you can manage your finances confidently while studying in Australia.
Living Expenses in Australia for Indian Students in 2026
| Expense Category | Average Yearly Cost (AUD/INR) |
| Accommodation (Rent) | AUD 12,000 - 18,000 (₹6.6L - ₹9.9L) |
| Food & Groceries | AUD 4,000 - 6,000 (₹2.2L - ₹3.3L) |
| Transport (Public) | AUD 1,000 - 1,500 (₹55K - ₹82.5K) |
| Utilities & Internet | AUD 1,200 - 2,000 (₹66K - ₹1.1L) |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) | AUD 600 - 900 (₹33K - ₹49.5K) |
| Miscellaneous (Phone, Leisure, etc.) | AUD 1,500 - 2,000 (₹82.5K - ₹1.1L) |
Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.
Cost of Living in Australia: Popular & Affordable Cities for Indian Students
Understanding the cost of living is essential for Indian students planning to budget effectively. From city-wise rent to daily expenses, this guide breaks down the estimated annual living costs in Australia’s most popular and affordable student cities to help you make informed financial decisions.
Top 5 Popular Cities to Live in Australia for Indian Students in 2026
| City | Average Monthly Cost (AUD/INR) | Average Yearly Cost (AUD/INR) | Notes |
| Sydney | AUD 2,200 - 2,500 (₹1.22L - ₹1.39L) | AUD 26,400 - 30,000 (₹14.5L - ₹16.5L) | Multicultural hub, top universities, high living costs |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,000 - 2,300 (₹1.11L - ₹1.27L) | AUD 24,000 - 27,600 (₹13.2L - ₹15.2L) | Vibrant student life, great public transport, moderate-to-high costs |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,800 - 2,100 (₹1L - ₹1.16L) | AUD 21,600 - 25,200 (₹11.9L - ₹13.9L) | Warm climate, affordable compared to Sydney/Melbourne |
| Perth | AUD 1,700 - 2,000 (₹95K - ₹1.11L) | AUD 20,400 - 24,000 (₹11.2L - ₹13.2L) | Isolated but affordable with quality institutions |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,600 - 1,900 (₹89K - ₹1.05L) | AUD 19,200 - 22,800 (₹10.5L - ₹12.6L) | Budget-friendly, growing Indian student population |
Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate. Estimates include accommodation, food, transport, utilities, health insurance, and other living expenses. Tuition fees are not included.
Top 5 Affordable Cities to Live in Australia for Indian Students in 2026
| City | Average Monthly Cost (AUD/INR) | Average Yearly Cost (AUD/INR) | Notes |
| Hobart | AUD 1,500 - 1,800 (₹83K - ₹1L) | AUD 18,000 - 21,600 (₹9.9L - ₹11.9L) | Quiet and scenic, low rent and living costs |
| Wollongong | AUD 1,600 - 1,850 (₹89K - ₹1.02L) | AUD 19,200 - 22,200 (₹10.5L - ₹12.2L) | Coastal city with cheaper living and strong student support |
| Gold Coast | AUD 1,600 - 1,900 (₹83K - ₹1.05L) | AUD 19,200 - 22,800 (₹10.5L - ₹12.6L) | Student-friendly with affordable housing options |
| Newcastle | AUD 1,650 - 1,900 (₹92K - ₹1.05L) | AUD 19,800 - 22,800 (₹10.8L - ₹12.6L) | Growing student hub with reasonable expenses and good connectivity |
| Canberra | AUD 1,700 - 2,000 (₹94.5K - ₹1.11L) | AUD 20,400 - 24,000 (₹11.2L - ₹13.2L) | Planned city, lower rent than Sydney/Melbourne |
Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate. Costs include rent, food, transport, utilities, internet, and insurance. Figures may vary based on lifestyle and accommodation type.
How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Australia in 2026?
New visa policy changes mean higher upfront costs, but smarter budgeting can ease the impact. This guide shows Indian students how to effectively reduce living expenses post-fee hikes.
How to Reduce Your Living Costs Post-Visa Policy Changes?
Australia’s updated visa rules, visa fee hikes, enrolment caps, and stricter Genuine Student criteria, have raised upfront expenses. Here’s how to cut living costs and make your budget stretch:
| Strategy | Impact |
| Choose Regional Study Locations | Regions like Hobart, Canberra, and regional NSW/Vic offer lower rent and living costs; extended post-study work rights and scholarships available. |
| Opt for Shared or Purpose-Built Housing | Split costs by living with peers or in student housing; shared utilities and bulk internet packages cut monthly bills significantly. |
| Maximise Part-Time Work | Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term; full time in breaks. Use university job boards and networking to find better-paying student roles. |
| Lock in Long-Term Rental Deals | Seek 12-month leases to avoid hikes; use bond cap schemes and rent negotiation tools. |
| Leverage Scholarship & Grants | Regional scholarships, institutions in targeted sectors (STEM, healthcare) often provide financial aid to offset extra visa costs . |
| Use Cost-Saving Apps | Grocery apps with student discounts (e.g. Coles, Woolworths), travel cards (Opal/Myki), and budgeting tools (e.g. Mint) help monitor and reduce expenses. |
| Apply Early & Budget Visas | Plan ahead to pay visa fees (now AUD 1,600+); include these in initial budgets to avoid last-minute financial pressure . |
Remember that every individual's lifestyle and financial situation is different. So it is important for you to tailor the given tips according to your circumstances.
FAQs
Q. Is Australia more expensive than the United States?
Ans. No, on average the living cost of the United States is higher than the cost of living in Australia. According to the World Population Review, Australia is only the tenth most expensive country to live in. Other countries that rank above Australia are Luxembourg, Ireland and Singapore.
Q. What is the average cost of living in Australia?
Ans. The average cost of living in Australia is INR 97,500 per month, excluding the rent. This includes a variety of other daily expenses such as food, medical and transportation. The average rent in Australia is INR 1.2- 1.1.3 Lakh inside the city centre and INR 1.1-1.2 outside the city.
Q. Is Australia cheaper than Canada?
Ans. No, in general, the average cost of living in Canada is lower than the cost of living in Australia. The average living cost in Canada is INR 87,000 whereas the average monthly living expense in Australia is INR 97,500. The given amounts exclude the rent. However, the average rent in both Australia and Canada remains between 1.2-1.3 Lakhs.
Q. How much does it cost to study in Australia?
Ans. The average living expense in Australia, excluding the rent, is INR 97,500. In addition to this, students will have to pay their monthly rent of around INR 1.1-1.2 Lakhs. Moreover, students will have to pay an average tuition fee of 15-20 Lakhs every year.
Q. What is the average tuition fee in Australia?
Ans. Your annual tuition fee to study in Australia can vary depending on your university and course. On average, the annual tuition fees for each course are below:
- Bachelor’s Degree - INR 11- 24 Lakh
- Master’s Degree - INR 12 - INR 27 Lakh
- Doctoral Degree - INR 11 - INR 23 Lakh
Q. How much does it cost Indian students to live in Australia?
Ans. On average, the cost of living in Australia is INR 97,500, excluding the rent. The average tuition fee can range between 15 - 20 Lakhs per annum. In addition to this, students will have to bear other basic cost of living in Australia such as monthly rent, medical expenses, and other tuition expenses.
Q. What are the cheapest cities to live in Australia?
Ans. Some of the cheapest cities and their average cost of living in Australia are:
- Sydney - INR 2.0 - 2.1 Lakh
- Melbourne - INR 1.97 - 2.0 Lakh
- Brisbane - INR 1.97 - 2.0 Lakh
- Perth - INR 1.93 - 2.0 Lakh
Q. Is Sydney a good option for international students in Australia?
Ans. Despite being the most expensive Australian city, Sydney is still one of the top cities opted for by international students. It ranks #7 in the QS Best Student Cities ranking. A major reason is that it is home to some of the internationally acclaimed universities. This includes the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).
Q. How can I reduce my cost of living in Australia?
Ans. You can reduce your cost of living in Australia through strategic planning. Opting for more accommodation outside the city limits and opting for public transportation facilities are some good practices you can do to reduce your monthly expenses. In addition, try to reduce your dependence on outside food and other entertainment that cost high.
Q. Which is the cheapest city in Australia?
Ans. Some of the cheapest cities with a lower cost of living in Australia are:
- Bendigo - INR 1 Lakh
- Wagga Wagga - INR 1.13 Lakh
- Bunbury - INR 1.14 Lakh
- Shepparton - INR 1.15 Lakh
- Rockhampton - INR 1.16 Lakh
Q. What is the average rent in Australia?
Ans. The average rent in Australia is INR 1.2- 1.1.3 Lakh inside the city centre and INR 1.1-1.2 outside the city. In addition to your rent, the average cost of living in Australia is around INR 97,500 per month. This includes a variety of other daily expenses such as food, medical and transportation.
Q. How much does it cost to complete a master’s in Australia?
Ans. The average tuition fee for a master’s course in Australia is INR 12 - INR 27 Lakh for each year. Your tuition can vary depending on your university or college and the course you opt for. In addition to your tuition fee, you will also have to bear other expenses such as enrollment fees, admission fees, practical fees and exam fees.
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