Cost of Living in Australia Expensive? Check the Facts Here!

Last updated on March 13th, 2025 at 08:43 am

Australia is a country that not only offers stunning natural beauty and excellent career opportunities but also serves as a popular destination for many people. With its high-quality education system and strong economic potential, Australia attracts numerous international students. 

Cost of Living in Australia

Before planning your trip to Australia, it is important to consider not only tuition fees but also the cost of living required to settle in this land of kangaroos. Below is a detailed overview of the estimated living expenses in Australia.

Food & Beverage Costs in Australia

Food is one of the essential needs to be met when living or settling in Australia. Therefore, it is crucial to budget wisely for your meals. 

There are two main options for satisfying your food needs in Australia: dining at restaurants or cooking at home. Restaurant meals in Australia generally range from AUD 17 to AUD 25 per meal, which is approximately IDR 174,741 to IDR 257,011. 

If we calculate based on eating at a restaurant three times a day, the monthly food cost would be around AUD 1,530, or about IDR 15,729,129. In major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, there are several Indonesian restaurants offering catering services at more affordable prices, which can help reduce food expenses.

Transportation costs

Australia's public transportation system, including buses, trains, trams, ferries, and more, is efficiently managed by both the government and the private sector. The public transport payment system uses prepaid cards, allowing users to access various types of transport with one card.

However, some regions still use ticket purchase systems or cash payments. The cost of using public transportation ranges from AUD 20 to AUD 65 per week, which is equivalent to IDR 205,582 to IDR 668,141.

In addition to public transport, bicycles are also a popular mode of transport in Australia. Bicycle prices range from AUD 600 to AUD 1,000, or approximately IDR 6,167,460 to IDR 10,279,661. Australia also has dedicated bike lanes with traffic lights to ensure a safe and convenient ride. 

Housing Costs

Accommodation costs are an important factor to consider if you plan to live in Australia. There are several housing options available for students, including renting houses or apartments, staying in student dormitories, homestays, or shared apartments. 

For students, it is advisable to share accommodation with friends to reduce living expenses. Rent for houses in Australia typically ranges from AUD 100 to AUD 240 per week, or approximately IDR 1,027,892 to IDR 2,463,919. 

If you live in a campus dormitory, you can save on transportation costs, with estimated expenses ranging from AUD 12,500 to AUD 25,000 per year, or about IDR 128,329,125 to IDR 256,822,544. 

For those living with family, homestay is an option to consider. Homestay costs in Australia range from AUD 270 to AUD 375 per week, or about IDR 2,773,683 to IDR 3,852,000. Rent for apartments in Australia typically ranges from AUD 2,000 to AUD 4,000 per month, or approximately IDR 20,544,000 to IDR 41,089,253.

Healthcare Costs

While studying and living in Australia, there are certain health concerns to consider. To ensure safety, the Australian government requires international students to have health insurance during their study period.

Read Also: Studying in Australia: Preparation, Requirements, Majors and Costs

Therefore, health insurance should be factored into your living expenses. There are several types of insurance available, both monthly and annual. Generally, health insurance costs in Australia range from AUD 1,080 to AUD 1,680 per year, or around IDR 11,087,604 to IDR 17,259,334.

Miscellaneous expense

In addition to the primary living expenses such as food, accommodation, healthcare, and insurance, there are other costs to consider. Phone and internet services are daily necessities, especially for studying and staying in touch with family back home. 

Living in Australia also includes entertainment expenses, which are important to prevent stress from constant studying. These costs can vary depending on the type of entertainment you choose. 

For instance, internet fees depend on the provider, while entertainment expenses such as movie tickets and visits to popular tourist spots vary in price. A budget of around AUD 100, or IDR 1,026,767, per month is suggested for entertainment. 

Additionally, it is essential to have an emergency fund that covers at least 3-6 times your monthly living expenses to deal with any unforeseen circumstances during your stay in Australia.

Total Monthly Living Expenses in Australia

Now that you have an overview of the various expenses required for living in Australia, it can be concluded that the average monthly living cost in Australia is around IDR 15,686,500. This amount can be reduced if you opt for more affordable accommodation, such as staying in dormitories, and using a bicycle as transportation to save on public transport costs.

Tips for Choosing Accommodation or Apartments in Australia

Choosing the right accommodation or apartment in Australia is a crucial decision. Here are some tips to help you choose a place that suits your needs and lifestyle:

Location: Ensure the accommodation is close to your university, workplace, public facilities, and transportation options to ease daily mobility.

Budget: Set a clear budget for rent or property purchase. Be mindful of additional costs such as utilities, internet, and building maintenance fees if living in an apartment.

Size and Amenities: Consider the size that suits your needs and look for amenities like parking, a swimming pool, gym, and meeting rooms.

Security: Ensure that the accommodation has good security, such as CCTV, secure entry systems, and, if necessary, security personnel.

Accessibility: Check the availability of public transportation such as train stations, bus stops, or other transport routes that are easily accessible for your daily commute.

Nearby Facilities: Consider the proximity to supermarkets, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues to support your lifestyle.

By considering the estimated cost of living and tips for choosing accommodation, you can make a more informed decision when selecting a place to stay during your time in Australia.

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