Planning to study in Australia? Alongside finding the perfect course and university, it’s important to be prepared for the financial cost of studying abroad.
To help you understand what to expect, we’ve created this helpful guide to the cost of living in Sydney and Newcastle.
Budget breakdown: Living costs in Newcastle vs. Sydney
Accommodation
When choosing the type of accommodation to live in as a student, you may consider private apartments, shared rooms or university dorms, depending on your preferences and how much you want to pay.
The median weekly rental price in Sydney is roughly $900. A one-bedroom unit in the city centre costs an average of $750 per week, and a private room in a shared house has a weekly rent of $250 to $400. Of course, you can often find cheaper options in the outer suburbs.
In Newcastle, rents average around $650 weekly. A one-bedroom apartment will generally go for $550 per week, and a room in a shared house can be found for $150 to $350 a week.
When it comes to student accommodation, the University of Newcastle offers rooms ranging in price from $200 to $400 weekly. In comparison, student residencies in Sydney usually cost $350 to $500 per week.
Food and groceries
Groceries prices in Sydney are 7.85 per cent higher than they are in areas like Newcastle. Wherever you are, it’s a good idea to budget $100 per person for groceries each week.
Dining out can be expensive in Sydney, with breakfasts usually priced around $20, and a main meal at a mid-range restaurant costing $25 to $40. Adding drinks will also increase your bill.
Newcastle is more affordable, and you can expect to pay about $55 for a dinner for two at a bistro or neighbourhood pub.
Transportation
You’ll probably find you rely on public transport a lot during your time in Australia, as it’s an easy, cheap and affordable way to get around.
Sydney and Newcastle each offer a comprehensive network of bus, light rail, train and ferry services. Both systems are operated by Transport NSW and use the Opal card system.
As an international student, you may be eligible to receive discounted public transport fares in Sydney or Newcastle. You’ll also benefit from lower daily and weekly fare caps, meaning you will only ever be charged a maximum amount of $8.90 a day or $25 a week, regardless of how often you catch public transport.
Utilities
Don’t forget to allocate money for utilities, such as electricity, water and gas. As a guide, utilities for a one-bedroom apartment will generally cost $190 per month in Sydney or $180 per month in Newcastle.
You’ll also have to pay for your internet, which can range in price from $60 for a basic plan up to $100 for a premium provider.
Healthcare and health insurance
Another essential factor to consider is the cost of healthcare and health insurance. As an international student in Australia, you are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your stay. This typically costs around $600 to $800 per year for basic coverage, typically covering GP visits, hospital care, prescribed medication and more.
While healthcare services in regional areas can be more expensive due to fewer facilities and specialists, most of these costs are covered by OSHC. This means you can still access necessary healthcare services without a significant financial burden.
Entertainment and leisure
As a larger city with more opportunities for hosting local and international talent, sports, music and cultural events are generally more expensive in Sydney.
Expect to pay $100 to $200 for an act at a larger stadium or arena and $50 for live music, depending on the artist. In Newcastle, most ticket prices will cost between $30 and $100.
For a cheaper night out, a student ticket to your local cinema in Sydney will be around $24, or about $18 in Newcastle.
So, how much does it really cost to live in regional NSW vs. Sydney?
Both Sydney and Newcastle offer unique benefits that make them ideal international study destinations. Offering similar climates, incredible beaches and vibrant atmospheres, there’s no doubt that either place will make your time in Australia exciting, fun and worthwhile.
However, accommodation, food, groceries, utilities and entertainment are generally much cheaper in Newcastle. Therefore, the lower cost of living makes Newcastle a great option for budget-conscious students.
What other comparisons should I consider when choosing between regional NSW and Sydney?
While affordability is important, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing your perfect study destination. These include:
- Migration opportunities
- Employability
- Lifestyle considerations
- Access to services for physical and mental wellbeing
- Family or friendship ties
