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Living cost in Australia

VEVS Global Team
July 28, 2025
2 min read
Living cost in Australia

Living Cost in Australia: A Guide for International Students

Financial planning for your studies in Australia depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. According to the latest updates from Study Australia, the estimated annual living cost for visa purposes is:

  • AU$ 29,710 for a primary student applicant
  • AU$ 10,394 for a spouse or de facto partner
  • AU$ 4,449 for each dependent child

These figures are used by the Australian Government to assess your financial capacity during the student visa application.


1️⃣ Accommodation

Accommodation TypeAverage Weekly Cost (AUD)
On-campus accommodation110 – 280
Hostels/Guesthouses90 – 150
Shared rental95 – 215
Homestay (for under 18s)235 – 325
Private rental unit185 – 440

2️⃣ Food and Drinks

  • Groceries per person: ~122 AUD per week
  • Restaurant meals: 14 – 35 AUD per person
  • Overall food budget: 140 – 280 AUD per week

3️⃣ Transportation

  • Public transport (train, bus, ferry): 30 – 60 AUD per week
  • Student discounts may be available in major cities.

4️⃣ Entertainment

  • Depends on your lifestyle, but typically: 80 – 150 AUD per week

💡 Key Points

  • Costs can vary based on city (e.g., Sydney vs. Adelaide), accommodation type, and personal choices.
  • Living on campus or in a homestay may include utilities and meals.
  • Cooking at home is generally more economical than eating out.
  • Budgeting smartly is essential to manage your finances while studying.

For official updates and more guidance, visit VEVS Global.

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