You’ve done your research on countries across the world and you’ve settled on Australia as your chosen study destination (we think you’ve made the right choice – just saying!). Now comes the hard part of deciding which city to live in.
If you’re considering how much you want to spend during your studies abroad and need to know which city offers the most for your budget, we’ve put together some handy guides to the cost of living in capital cities in Australia.
Melbourne
Keen to check out Melbourne’s famous laneways, food and drink, and arts and culture scene? We look at what it’ll cost you to live in one of the world’s most liveable cities.
For a private rental in Melbourne, data from CoreLogic shows the median cost for a house currently sits at $575 per week and $528 per week for apartments. Student accommodation options in Melbourne can range in price from around $322-$579 per week depending on the location and size. Living in a homestay is also an option, with prices ranging from $290-$395 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Melbourne?
Sydney
If stunning beaches and outdoor living are more your thing, here’s what you’ll likely be spending to live in the NSW capital, Sydney. Sydney consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Australia, but once you visit you can see why it’s such a popular location for students and professionals alike.
A private house rental in Sydney will cost an average of $775 per week and an apartment will cost $680 per week according to CoreLogic. If you are interested in student accommodation in Sydney, you can expect to spend anywhere from $350-$859 per week, depending on the style of room you choose (e.g. a room in a shared apartment vs a large studio). On the other hand, homestays in Sydney can cost from $260-$390 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Sydney?
Brisbane
Laidback but still containing everything a big city has to offer, Brisbane is a great place to study and live. Here’s what you can expect to pay in the Queensland capital.
Private rentals in Brisbane will cost a median of $638 for houses and $554 for apartments per week according to CoreLogic. For student accommodation, studio apartments start at around $469 per week and can be as expensive as $649 per week, depending on the location and size. A more affordable option, homestays in Brisbane can start from $230 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Brisbane?
Perth
Perth is a lovely spot to live and study in, offering an easygoing lifestyle and top-rated study institutions. If Perth seems like the city for you, it’s worth figuring out how much you’ll be spending.
Private rentals in Perth have a weekly median rent of $613 for houses and $538 for apartments according to CoreLogic. For student accommodation, private studios will typically cost $539-$665 per week, while private rooms in shared apartments will likely be cheaper. Homestays in Perth can range from $245-$350 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Perth?
Adelaide
Adelaide is an Aussie festival hub with plenty of great activities on offer, from beach days to winery tours and so much more. This is what you can expect from the cost of living in the South Australian capital.
For students looking for private rentals in Adelaide, you can expect to pay a median weekly rent of $568 for houses and $463 for units, according to CoreLogic. Student accommodation in Adelaide starts from approximately $380 per week for a private studio apartment; however, prices may fall below or above that figure depending on the provider, location and more. Homestays in Adelaide will range from $305-$385 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Adelaide?
Canberra
Combining Australia’s political epicentre, a great food and drink scene, and plenty of natural beauty, Canberra is a fantastic study destination. Here’s how much it’ll cost to live in the Australian capital.
In Australia’s capital, the weekly rent for houses costs a median of $686, while it is $569 for apartments/units, according to CoreLogic. Private studios in student accommodation buildings will usually cost $360-$390 per week on average; prices may be lower if you opt for a private or shared room in a shared unit. A homestay in Canberra can cost between $230-$400 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Canberra?
Darwin
Located in an area known as the ‘Top End’ of Australia, the NT capital of Darwin is a perfect spot for those looking for affordability and an outdoor lifestyle.
In Darwin, CoreLogic data shows the median cost for houses sits at $675 per week and $519 per week for apartments. For student accommodation, Darwin offers some of the cheapest options for capital cities in Australia, with certain private studios starting from $256 per week. A homestay in Darwin will cost between $295 – $350 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Darwin?
Hobart
The city of Hobart lies just off the Australian mainland on the island of Tasmania. It’s a small but bustling location, packed with arts, culture and fun things to do. We look at how much you’ll need to live on in this lovely little city.
Per CoreLogic data, houses in Hobart will cost $541 per week on average while units/apartments will cost roughly $463 per week. For student accommodation, studio apartments start from approximately $337 per week, and a homestay can cost between $250-$395 per week.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Hobart?
Learn more about Australia’s cost of living
If you want to get an individual estimate for your life as an international student in Australia, use our Cost of Living Calculator. This helpful tool is designed to help you discover how much it would cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia.
You can compare accommodation arrangements, transportation options, entertainment activities and much more.
