Australia on a Budget: Monthly Living Expenses 2025
In this guide, we break down the average monthly living expenses across different Australian cities and share money-saving tips to help you stretch your dollars further.
💡 What’s the Average Monthly Cost of Living in Australia (2025)?
The total cost of living in Australia depends heavily on your lifestyle and the city you live in. However, here’s a general estimate for a single person living modestly:
| Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Approx. USD (at 1 AUD ≈ 0.65 USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | 900 ~ 1,400 | $585 ~ $910 |
| Groceries & food | 400 ~ 600 | $260 ~ $390 |
| Transport (public) | 120 ~ 180 | $78 ~ $117 |
| Mobile & Internet | 60 ~ 100 | $39 ~ $65 |
| Other expenses | 200 ~ 400 | $130 ~ $260 |
| Total | 1,680 ~ 2,680 | $1,092 ~ $1,742 |
👉 Living in Sydney or Melbourne tends to be more expensive, while cities like Adelaide, Perth, or Brisbane offer more affordable options.
🏙️ Cost Comparison: Major Cities (2025)
| City | Avg. Rent (Shared Room) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 1,300 ~ 1,800 | Highest rent, vibrant lifestyle |
| Melbourne | AUD 1,200 ~ 1,700 | Excellent cafes, high demand areas |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,000 ~ 1,400 | Warm weather, student-friendly |
| Perth | AUD 950 ~ 1,300 | Low competition, spacious suburbs |
| Adelaide | AUD 900 ~ 1,200 | Cheapest among major cities |
Tip: You can find lower rent by living further from the CBD and using public transportation.
🛒 Grocery & Dining
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Weekly grocery cost: AUD 80 ~ 120
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Coffee: AUD 4.50
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Fast food meal: AUD 12 ~ 15
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Casual dining (1 person): AUD 20 ~ 30
Farmers markets and budget chains like ALDI are popular for saving on groceries.
🚇 Public Transport
Each state has its own card system (Opal in NSW, Myki in VIC, Go Card in QLD). A monthly public transport pass costs between AUD 120 ~ 180, depending on the city.
Students and concession holders can get discounts of up to 50%.
📱 Utilities & Mobile
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Mobile plan: AUD 30 ~ 60/month (Unlimited calls + 20~40GB data)
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Internet (home): AUD 60 ~ 90/month (NBN, 50~100 Mbps)
💡 Money-Saving Tips for 2025
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Use public libraries for free Wi-Fi, printing, and quiet study spaces.
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Join Facebook groups like “Fairy Floss Real Estate” for cheap rentals.
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Apply for student/concession cards to get transport, museum, and cinema discounts.
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Buy second-hand items on Gumtree or Marketplace.
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Cook at home – eating out in Australia is expensive!
📌 Final Thoughts
Australia can be expensive, but with the right strategies, you can live comfortably on a budget. Cities like Adelaide and Brisbane offer more affordability, while Sydney and Melbourne provide more excitement (at a cost).
Track your expenses, plan ahead, and enjoy your stay Down Under without breaking the bank.
🔗 Helpful Resources
Have questions about specific cities or budgeting as a student? Leave a comment below!
