Which Australian cities are cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne for me as an international student?
Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin are often considered more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne for international students. Costs still vary by lifestyle, so compare rent, groceries, transport and other expenses before choosing a city. Melbourne and Sydney have similar overall monthly living costs in the Australian Government's cost of living calculator.
Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin are often considered more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. Your actual spending depends on lifestyle and suburb, so compare rent, groceries, transport and other costs before you pick a city.
How the Cities Compare
| City | Affordability note |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | Often considered more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne |
| Hobart | Often considered more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne |
| Darwin | Often considered more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne |
| Melbourne | Similar to Sydney overall in the Australian Government's cost of living calculator, though it varies by suburb and lifestyle |
What to Compare Before Choosing
- Rent, which is usually the biggest difference between cities.
- Transport costs and how far you would commute.
- Groceries and utilities.
- Job and industry opportunities in your field, since the best city also depends on your occupation and experience.
My Advice
Cheaper does not always mean better for you. Australia can be expensive for accommodation, groceries, transport and education, so shared housing and a careful budget help in any city. Shortlist two or three cities, price out real rent listings and then weigh them against your course and career plans.
This information is available on: studyaustralia.gov.au
How much will a month in Australia cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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