Living Expenses in Melbourne for International Students

Melbourne is the capital city of the state of Victoria. It is one of the most popular cities for students in Australia. Melbourne is well-liked by students since degrees from its educational institutions are respected throughout the world. Modern buildings, teachers with global expertise, and excellent student services are features of Melbourne's top universities. Melbourne is home to several esteemed universities, including Deakin University, Monash University, University of Melbourne, RMIT University, and numerous others. Additionally, you can lessen your financial burden by applying for scholarships offered by these universities. However, for international students, the second most considerable factor is living expenses after tuition fees. Based on the estimated tuition fees and living costs, students need to determine their budget to study abroad. The living expenses vary based on different factors, which are discussed below:

Budget for Living in Melbourne City

Before going to Melbourne City for study purposes, they need to make an estimated cost to bear living expenses. Living expenses include accommodation, food, transport, and other costs. The average monthly living cost ranges between AUD 1,846 to AUD 2,710. However, this cost can vary depending on the individual's preferences, lifestyle, affordability, and duration of living. 

Expenses You Need to Bear for Living Cost

Accommodation

A student’s housing selection depends on their lifestyle and preferences. There are different accommodation options like on-campus accommodation, single apartment rent, shared room, paying guest, etc. The table below presents generic accommodation costs in Melbourne.

• Expensive Areas in Melbourne: East Melbourne, Glen Iris, Toorak, Brighton, Camberwell, Beaumaris, Albert Park, and Hawthorn. 
• Inexpensive Areas in Melbourne: Ascot Vale, Boronia, Brunswick East, Collingwood, Frankston, Mill Park, Mitcham, Northcote, Nunawading, and Oakleigh. 
• Universities Offer On-Campus Accommodation: University of Melbourne, Deakin University, Monash University, etc. These universities offer accommodation, which includes meals as well. 
• Homestay in Melbourne: Private Rooms and Shared Rooms (Per week or only on weekdays) These rooms are packaged with or without meals. 

Food

Every individual has their own preferences and quantity of food items. But the below table shows basic items prices:

There are also other basic rooms that are required on a daily basis, such as salt & spices and juices. Moreover, students can have combo meals in restaurants, which cost around AUD 15. 

Transport

Students need to travel to areas for various reasons. So, keeping transport costs in the budget is mandatory. However, living in campus halls reduces transport costs as students get almost everything within the campus as it provides canteen service, stationery stores, and meals within the accommodation package. But, if a student takes off-campus accommodation, then he or she has to travel for various purposes like going to classes, going grocery shopping, buying reading materials, etc. But the cost varies according to the mode of transport and distances. In Melbourne, transportation expenses are reasonable.  A public transport card costs approximately AUD 183 per month. Additionally, you can travel by bicycle, skateboard, or foot.

Other Expenses

There are also some additional expenses that are also needed for students to lead a regular life. Those expenses are personal care items like soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, brushes, and toilet paper; cleaning items like bathroom cleaner, detergent, dishwasher, and sponge; basic clothes, shoes, haircut, and mobile bill. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city is the cheapest for international students in Australia?
Gold Coast

Which city in Australia is safest for international students?
Adelaide

Which city is good to settle in Australia?
Some of the best places to live in Australia, where most Brits are settled, include Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

Conclusion

Melbourne's renowned universities and exciting city life make it a top choice for students. While tuition is a key expense, living costs, including accommodation, food, and transport, are also crucial to consider. Monthly living expenses in Melbourne can range from AUD 1,846 to AUD 2,710, depending on lifestyle and preferences. Plan your budget around the obvious costs you will incur. It will help you avoid wasting money and cost-effectively manage the study period.