Thinking of Studying in Australia but Not Sure Which City Fits Your Budget?
You’re not alone. With tuition fees climbing and everyday expenses biting harder in 2025, international students are more cost-conscious than ever. And while cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer iconic university experiences, they also come with some of the country’s highest living costs.
That’s why many students are now considering places like Adelaide—where the rent is lower, the lifestyle is slower, and the savings are real.
Before you pick a university city, it helps to know what everyday life will actually cost. In 2025, the Australia student living cost for international students typically ranges from AUD 950 to AUD 1,400 per month, depending on where and how you live.
Here’s what you can expect to spend monthly, on average:
|
Expense |
Monthly Estimate (AUD) |
|
Rent (shared) |
$300 – $500 |
|
Food & Groceries |
$350 – $450 |
|
Transport |
$100 – $180 |
|
Phone & Data |
$30 – $50 |
|
Utilities |
$50 – $100 |
|
Entertainment |
$100 – $200 |
|
Total |
$950 – $1,480 |
These figures represent a typical student budget—but there’s big variation between cities. For instance, Sydney often tops the chart with higher rent and transport costs, while Adelaide offers some of the lowest student housing and public transport rates in the country.
Your personal lifestyle also matters. Cooking at home, using student transport discounts, and living slightly outside the city centre can all help reduce monthly spend—no matter where you study.
Next, let’s see how each major study destination compares directly.
If you're weighing up student expenses Adelaide vs Sydney vs Melbourne, here’s how the monthly costs stack up across major cities in 2025:
|
City |
Rent (Shared) |
Food |
Transport |
Phone/Data |
Utilities |
Entertainment |
Total Monthly |
|
Sydney |
$350–$500 |
$400 |
$180 |
$40 |
$80 |
$150 |
$1,200–1,350 |
|
Melbourne |
$300–$450 |
$400 |
$160 |
$35 |
$70 |
$130 |
$1,095–1,245 |
|
Adelaide |
$250–$380 |
$380 |
$120 |
$30 |
$60 |
$100 |
$940–1,070 |
These numbers make it clear: if you're looking to save, Adelaide student budget 2025 is hard to beat.
Sydney has it all—top universities, beach life, big-city energy—but it’s the priciest city for international students in 2025.
Melbourne blends academic prestige, vibrant culture, and slightly lower costs than Sydney—making it a solid middle-ground for many international students.
If you're comparing Sydney vs Melbourne living cost for international students, Melbourne wins on savings while still offering a major city experience.
Adelaide is the most budget-friendly capital city for students in 2025—and it’s gaining popularity fast.
For students comparing Adelaide student budget 2025 to major metros, the choice is clear—you’ll save hundreds per month with the same degree recognition.
|
University |
City |
Scholarship Example |
|
University of Adelaide |
Adelaide |
Global Citizens Scholarship (15–30%) |
|
RMIT or UniMelb |
Melbourne |
International Excellence (10–25%) |
|
UTS or UNSW |
Sydney |
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships |
Perfect! Here’s a concise and informative FAQs section:
Yes. You can save up to AUD 400/month in rent and transport alone. Adelaide also offers regional migration perks.
Plan for AUD 1,100–1,250/month, including shared rent, transport, and food. You can save more with student housing or meal prepping.
No. Adelaide is classified as a regional area, which gives international students 5–15 extra PR points and longer post-study work visas.
Yes, but competition is highest in Sydney. Melbourne and Adelaide offer more accessible casual roles for students near campuses.
If you're cost-focused, Adelaide is best. For lifestyle and balance, Melbourne works well. If career opportunities and prestige matter more, Sydney may be worth the extra cost.
Want a tailored budget plan or help choosing your ideal study city?
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Choosing where to study in Australia isn’t just about rankings—it’s about living costs, job access, and long-term PR opportunities. In 2025:
No matter your budget or goals, there’s a city that fits—and PickMyUni can help you find it.
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