How much should I budget each month for living in Australia, apart from tuition?
Plan for roughly AUD 1,800 to 3,000 per month in Australia, excluding tuition. Accommodation is the biggest line, and your city makes a large difference. Sydney and Melbourne can cost more than Adelaide, Perth or Hobart, so build the budget around your own location and lifestyle.
As a planning figure, you may need around AUD 1,800 to 3,000 (approx INR 1.20 to 2.00 L) per month in Australia, not counting tuition. Where you live and how you live will move this number up or down. Use the breakdown below to build your own estimate.
Estimated monthly costs
| Expense | Approx monthly cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 900 to 1,800 (approx INR 60,111 to 1.20 L) |
| Food and groceries | 300 to 600 (approx INR 20,037 to 40,074) |
| Local transport | 100 to 200 (approx INR 6,679 to 13,358) |
| Utilities | 100 to 200 (approx INR 6,679 to 13,358) |
| Internet and mobile | 50 to 100 (approx INR 3,340 to 6,679) |
| Study materials | 50 to 150 (approx INR 3,340 to 10,019) |
| Personal expenses | 150 to 300 (approx INR 10,019 to 20,037) |
Why the city changes the total
Sydney and Melbourne can be more expensive than cities such as Adelaide, Perth or Hobart. Remember to include rent, groceries, transport, utilities and personal spending, and do not forget Overseas Student Health Cover and study materials when you total up the year.
My Advice
Start with accommodation, because it drives most of the difference between cities, and price two or three real listings before you finalise a figure. Keep a small buffer for surprises in your first months.
How much will a month in Australia cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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