Living costs
Understand typical student living costs in Sydney so you can plan and stick to a realistic budget.
This tool is designed to help you estimate how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia. You can compare accommodation arrangements, transportation options as well as other lifestyle choices.
Expense category | Monthly cost (AUD) |
---|---|
Food and groceries Shopping at supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi, or fresh food markets like Paddy’s Market, can help save money. |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
Accommodation Prices vary depending on location, type (shared house, studio, student housing), and proximity to campus. University accommodation may offer fixed rates. |
$980–$3,500 |
Transport Public transport in Sydney is convenient and affordable for students, with discounts available. Costs vary depending on travel frequency and distance. Rideshare services offer flexibility but can be more expensive. |
$130 - $800 |
Mobile phone plan Costs vary based on data allowance, call/text inclusions, and contract type. Prepaid options offer flexibility, while postpaid plans may include better value for heavy users. |
$30 - $100 |
Gym membership Costs vary depending on location, facilities, and contract type. Many gyms offer student discounts. There are on-campus fitness facilities, including the Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) gyms, which offer discounted student memberships. |
$70 - $100 |
Lifestyle expenses Put aside funding for entertainment and socialising. Lots of places including movie cinemas offer student discounts so keep your student card with you. |
$350–$650 |
Figures sourced from the Cost of Living calculator by Study Australia.
According to Care for Kids:
For international students, the Department of Home Affairs have set out financial evidence you must demonstrate. As a single student you must be able to show you have the financial capacity to cover living costs of at least $24,505 Australian dollars per year. There are additional costs for extra family members.
Using this amount as a guide, a single student living away from home will require at least $2,042 per month for accommodation, food, utilities and entertainment. The actual costs will depend on your lifestyle choices and needs.
For detailed information, please see step 2 of the government's student visa step-by-step guide.