Living costs

Understand typical student living costs in Sydney so you can plan and stick to a realistic budget.

Cost of living calculator

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.

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General living costs

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.

Other budgeting considerations

  • You may need to purchase equipment for university, including stationery and study materials such as textbooks and laboratory coats. Essential items are listed in your Unit of Study Outline. Have at least $500 available at the beginning of each semester and keep an eye out for second-hand textbooks (make sure they are the right edition) and supplies to save money.
  • Printing and photocopying cost around 10 cents per page.
  • According to Tutor Finder, private tutoring costs range from $50–80 an hour, but mentoring support may be available through the University.

  • Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for international students. Costs will depend on your insurance provider and your level of cover. Check with your insurance provider for rates for your selected cover. 
  • You may have additional costs including fees for specialists and prescription medications. 
  • Alternative forms of coverage are available for non-student visa holders. Please check with a provider for details.

According to Care for Kids:

  • The average cost of long daycare (8am to 6pm) in Sydney is approximately between $70–190 per day. Some students may be eligible for government subsidies. 
  • Before school and after school care costs around $15–30 per day. 
  • Public school tuition is free for Australian permanent residents however, uniforms and levies can cost about $500 a year. 
  • Private schools may charge additional fees.
  • If you're an international student with school-age dependents in Australia, visit the Department of Education for approximate costs of schooling.

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.