If you’re an Indian student planning to study in Australia in 2025, understanding the
real cost of living is just as important as choosing a university or course. The official financial
benchmark for international students is now around AUD $24,505 per year, but your actual monthly
expenses will depend on your city, lifestyle, and how smartly you budget.
This guide focuses purely on living expenses in Australia for Indian students – monthly budgets,
city-wise differences, India vs Australia comparisons, part-time work and money-saving tips – so it perfectly
complements our main visa guide:
Study in Australia for Indian Students (Visa & Courses)
.
Living Costs in Australia 2025 – Quick Overview
The Australian Government’s updated financial requirement (around AUD $24,505 per year) is used as a
minimum benchmark for student visas. In reality, the cost of living in Australia in 2025 varies by
city and lifestyle:
- Sydney & Melbourne: Highest rents; expect your budget to be 20–30% higher than smaller cities.
- Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth: Moderately high but manageable with shared accommodation.
- Regional cities: Lower rent and quieter lifestyle, but fewer part-time job options.
For most Indian students in Australia, a realistic monthly budget is
AUD $1,800–$2,400 in big cities and slightly lower in regional areas – depending on how you manage
rent, food and transport.
Average Monthly Living Expenses for Indian Students (2025)
Below is an approximate breakdown of monthly living expenses in Australia for one student. These
are average ranges and will vary by city and lifestyle.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared room / apartment) | 800 – 1,500 | Higher in Sydney & Melbourne; lower in Adelaide and regional cities |
| Food & Groceries | 300 – 500 | Cooking at home reduces costs; eating out frequently increases budget |
| Public Transport | 100 – 200 | Student concessions are available in most states |
| Utilities & Internet | 150 – 250 | Electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi (often shared with housemates) |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) | 50 – 60 | OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders |
| Personal & Leisure | 150 – 300 | Gym, mobile plan, entertainment, shopping, outings |
In total, many Indian students find that monthly expenses in Australia fall in the range of
AUD $1,550–$2,800, depending on city, accommodation type and personal choices.
City-Wise Cost of Living in Australia (Student Perspective)
Living expenses in Australia differ significantly across cities. Here is a simple student-focused view:
- Sydney & Melbourne: Highest rent and transport costs. Expect the upper end of the budget
(AUD $2,000–$2,800 per month) if you live close to the city. - Brisbane, Perth & Canberra: Still major cities, but slightly lower housing costs compared to
Sydney/Melbourne. - Adelaide & Hobart: Often more affordable for students; good balance of cost and lifestyle.
- Regional cities: Lower rent and quieter environment but fewer jobs and less public transport –
good if you have a strong savings base or scholarship.
Always combine rent + transport + part-time job access when deciding which city suits you best.
Cost of Living – India vs Australia 2025 Comparison
Many families search for the cost of living India vs Australia 2025 comparison to understand how
much more they may spend abroad. While exact numbers depend on the city, lifestyle and exchange rate, the
difference is clear:
| Item | Typical Cost in Australia | Typical Cost in India (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly shared accommodation | AUD $800–$1,200 | Significantly lower in most Indian cities |
| Basic restaurant meal | AUD $18–$25 | Much lower in India for local restaurants |
| Public transport monthly pass | AUD $120–$220 | Varies widely; often lower but with fewer concessions |
| Groceries for 1 person | AUD $300–$450 | Lower in India; local produce is cheaper |
Overall, the cost of living in Australia for Indian students is significantly higher than in India,
but wages, education quality and global exposure are also much higher.
Living Expenses in Australia for Indian Students (Student Visa Focus)
For visa purposes, you must meet official financial benchmarks. For day-to-day life, you need a realistic monthly
budget and a solid plan. As an Indian student:
- Plan for at least 12 months of living expenses – not just the visa minimum.
- Consider first-month “setup costs” – bond, furniture, kitchen items, transport card, SIM card, etc.
- If your parents or sponsors are in India, factor in transfer charges and exchange rate fluctuations.
- Use part-time income only as a support, not as the only source of living expenses.
For a full explanation of visa funds, documentation and GTE,
see our main guide:
Study in Australia for Indian Students – Visa & Requirements
.
Sample Monthly Budget Examples (Indian Students)
Example 1 – Indian student in Sydney (shared apartment)
- Rent (shared room): AUD $1,000
- Food & groceries: AUD $350
- Transport (Opal card): AUD $160
- Utilities & internet: AUD $200
- OSHC & phone: AUD $80
- Personal & leisure: AUD $200
Estimated total: AUD $1,990 per month
Example 2 – Indian student in Adelaide (shared house)
- Rent (shared room): AUD $750
- Food & groceries: AUD $320
- Transport: AUD $120
- Utilities & internet: AUD $180
- OSHC & phone: AUD $80
- Personal & leisure: AUD $170
Estimated total: AUD $1,620 per month
These are only examples. Your actual living expenses can be lower or higher depending on how you manage rent,
food, transport and lifestyle choices.
Part-Time Work & Income Potential in Australia
Many Indian students use part-time work to offset living expenses. Common jobs include hospitality,
retail, admin, warehouse work, tutoring and campus roles.
- Typical student wages: around the minimum wage or slightly higher (varies by role and state).
- Hours: student visas usually allow limited work hours during study periods and more during breaks.
- Part-time income can cover a significant portion of your monthly budget if managed well.
However, you should not rely solely on part-time work to fund your entire stay. A solid savings plan and clear
sponsor support are essential.
Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students in Australia
- Choose shared accommodation: Splitting rent and bills with housemates reduces monthly costs.
- Cook at home: Weekly grocery shopping and home-cooked meals are far cheaper than eating out.
- Use student discounts: Public transport, cinema, museums and many services offer student rates.
- Buy second-hand: Use local marketplaces for furniture, bikes and textbooks.
- Track your spending: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to monitor every dollar.
- Avoid unnecessary subscriptions: Cancel unused streaming, gym or app subscriptions.
Quick Budget Checklist Before You Apply
- ☑ Estimate your monthly living expenses in Australia based on your target city.
- ☑ Keep at least 3–6 months of living costs as an emergency buffer.
- ☑ Research rental prices and student accommodation before arrival.
- ☑ Plan how family will transfer money from India (bank, forex card, remittance).
- ☑ Understand the difference between visa fund requirement and realistic spending.
FAQs – Australia Living Expenses for Indian Students (2025)
Q1. Is AUD $24,505 enough for a year in Australia?
It meets the minimum visa requirement, but actual living costs can be higher, especially in Sydney
and Melbourne. Most Indian students should plan slightly above this figure for comfort.
Q2. What is the average monthly living expenses in Australia for Indian students?
Many students spend between AUD $1,800–$2,400 per month in major cities, and slightly less in
smaller or regional cities, depending on rent and lifestyle.
Q3. Which Australian city is cheapest for students?
Cities like Adelaide and some regional centres are often cheaper for rent and daily expenses,
while Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive.
Q4. Can I cover living expenses in Australia with part-time work?
Part-time work can offset a good portion of your expenses, but you should not depend on it to cover everything.
You still need strong savings or sponsor support from India.
Q5. What’s the biggest expense for Indian students in Australia?
Accommodation is usually the largest cost, followed by food and transport. Sharing accommodation
is the most effective way to reduce your budget.
Q6. Do living costs vary by intake season?
Yes. Arriving in the main intake (February/March) can mean higher demand and higher rents. Mid-year intakes may
sometimes find more flexible accommodation options.
Q7. How much should I budget monthly for food in Australia?
Most students budget AUD $300–$500 per month for groceries and basic eating out, depending on
cooking habits and dietary choices.
Q8. Is the cost of living in Australia for Indian students increasing in 2025?
Living costs have risen in recent years due to rental prices, inflation and utilities. Smart budgeting and city
choice can help manage this.
Q9. How does the cost of living in Australia compare to India?
Australia is significantly more expensive than India for housing, eating out and services, but part-time wages and
global exposure are much higher as well.
Q10. Where can I get personalised advice on living expenses and budgeting?
You can speak with the Study Plus NZ team to review your target city, course and budget and build a
practical cost-of-living plan before you apply.
Next Steps – Plan Your Australia Budget with Study Plus NZ
A clear understanding of living expenses in Australia helps you choose the right city, course and
financial plan. Once your budget is in place, the next step is to align it with the right visa pathway.
- Read the full visa & course guide:
Study in Australia for Indian Students – 2025-26 Guide
- Compare destinations:
Study in New Zealand,
Study in Canada,
Study in the UK - Book a free consultation:
Talk to Study Plus NZ about your Australia budget
Whether you choose Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the UK, our team can help you align course, visa and cost of living so you feel financially prepared from day one.
