Cost of Living in Australia for Students 2026: Monthly Budget, City-Wise Expenses and Practical Tips for Indian Students

If you’re planning to study in Australia in 2026, understanding the cost of living in Australia for students is as important as shortlisting universities. For many Indian families—especially students applying from Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad—a realistic monthly budget helps avoid surprises after landing.

This guide breaks down typical student expenses in Australia (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending), shares a sample monthly budget for Australia in 2026, and includes FAQs students commonly ask during counselling.

Related IMFS Australia reads: Accommodation Options for International Students in Australia | Public Transport and Travel in Australia: Student Guide | Hidden Costs of Studying in Australia and How to Save

What is the average monthly cost for students in Australia in 2026?

The average cost of living in Australia for international students in 2026 depends on your city, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. A practical range for most students is AUD 1,900 to AUD 3,100 per month.

This typically covers rent, groceries, utilities, local transport, and basic personal expenses. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are usually more expensive, while Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and many regional areas can be more budget-friendly. The best strategy is simple: lock accommodation early, share where possible, and track spending weekly.

Student Expenses in Australia: A Budget Breakdown (2026)

Creating a realistic budget starts with clarity on where your money will go. Below is a practical breakdown of major student expenses in Australia.

1) Rent (Accommodation)

Accommodation is usually the biggest monthly expense. Your options include on-campus housing, shared apartments, homestays, or private studios. In 2026, many students budget around AUD 800 to AUD 1,900 per month for rent, depending on the city and housing type.

• Sydney / Melbourne: Higher rent, especially near CBD and major campuses
• Brisbane / Perth: Often more manageable, depending on suburb and commute
• Adelaide / Regional areas: Typically among the more affordable options

Practical tip: if your priority is saving money, consider shared accommodation and look slightly outside the city centre. Always compare rent savings against transport and commute time. For a deeper breakdown, read: Accommodation Options for International Students in Australia.

2) Groceries (Food)

Grocery costs depend heavily on eating habits. Students who cook at home usually spend much less than students who eat out frequently. A common range is AUD 80 to AUD 150 per week on groceries.

• Plan meals weekly to reduce impulse spending
• Buy store brands and bulk essentials where possible
• Keep eating out to a fixed weekly limit

3) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet)

Utilities may be included in rent for some shared accommodations, but not always. If separate, students should plan around AUD 100 to AUD 200 per month.

• Use energy-saving habits (lights, AC/heater, shorter showers)
• Agree on bill splitting rules with roommates from day one
• Compare plans if you’re paying independently

4) Transport

Australian cities generally have reliable public transport. Students may be eligible for discounted fares depending on the state and institution. Budget around AUD 50 to AUD 120 per month, based on travel frequency and distance.

• Consider weekly or monthly passes where available
• If you live close to campus, walking or cycling can reduce costs significantly

If you want to understand transport cards, typical commuting patterns, and how students save on travel, read: Public Transport and Travel in Australia: A Guide for International Students.

5) Other Expenses (Phone, Books, Personal, Entertainment)

This includes phone bills, textbooks/study supplies, personal items, and entertainment. A realistic range is AUD 200 to AUD 450 per month.

• Buy used textbooks or use university library resources
• Attend free campus events instead of paid outings
• Set a monthly cap for non-essential spending

Monthly Budget 2026: Sample Scenario

To make budgeting easier, here’s a sample monthly budget for students in Australia in 2026. Treat this as a planning reference and adjust based on your city and lifestyle.

• Rent: AUD 1,300
• Groceries: AUD 420
• Utilities: AUD 160
• Transport: AUD 90
• Other Expenses: AUD 320
• Total: AUD 2,290

If you are studying in Sydney/Melbourne and prefer a private studio, your rent can push your total closer to the upper range. If you choose shared housing and cook most meals, you can keep expenses closer to the lower range.

How to Reduce Cost of Living in Australia as a Student (2026 Tips)

• Choose shared accommodation early: It is usually the biggest cost-saver
• Pick the right suburb: A slightly longer commute can reduce rent meaningfully
• Cook at home: Even 4–5 home-cooked dinners per week lowers monthly spend
• Track expenses weekly: Small overspends add up quickly across 4 weeks
• Use student discounts: Transport, events, and subscriptions often have student pricing
• Plan part-time work realistically: Follow visa work limits and prioritize academics

Many students miss hidden expenses like setup costs, bond payments, seasonal clothing, and one-time purchases after landing. Read: Top Hidden Costs of Studying in Australia and How to Save.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Australia for Students (2026)

1) What is the average monthly cost of living in Australia for international students in 2026?

Most students should plan around AUD 1,900 to AUD 3,100 per month, depending on city, accommodation type, and lifestyle.

2) Which Australian cities are most expensive for students?

Sydney and Melbourne are typically the most expensive, mainly due to higher rental costs and general living expenses.

3) Which cities are more affordable for international students?

Many students find Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and regional locations more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, especially for accommodation.

4) Is shared accommodation cheaper than on-campus housing?

In many cases, yes. Shared off-campus housing can be cheaper, but it depends on location, inclusions (utilities), and transport costs.

5) Can international students manage living costs through part-time work?

Part-time work can support expenses, but you must follow visa work conditions and ensure work does not affect academic performance. It’s best to treat part-time income as support, not the sole source for your full monthly budget.

6) What are the most common budgeting mistakes students make?

The most common mistakes are underestimating rent, spending too much on eating out, not tracking weekly expenses, and choosing accommodation without considering transport and setup costs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cost of living in Australia for students in 2026 helps you plan confidently and reduce financial stress after landing. With the right accommodation choice, a practical monthly budget, and disciplined spending habits, you can focus on academics, internships, and long-term career outcomes.

If you want personalised guidance, IMFS can help you shortlist universities, plan scholarships, and map a realistic budget based on your target city. We work with students across Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad through counselling and structured application support.