Lana Oconnell
Melbourne is one of the top cities for education in Australia and is ranked 5th in the world for students according to the 2025 QS Best Student Cities Ranking. It is also one of the world's most liveable cities. However, Melbourne is the second most expensive city to live in Australia, with Sydney taking the top spot. The cost of living for international students in Melbourne can vary depending on their lifestyle and spending habits, but on average, a student will need between AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,000 per month. The biggest expense for international students is usually accommodation, with options including university residences, shared apartments, and private rentals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking in cities with the highest cost of living in the world for international employees | 73rd |
| Ranking in QS Best Student Cities Ranking | 5th |
| Average monthly cost of living for international students | AUD 1500-AUD 2000 |
| Average monthly cost of living for a single person | AUD 3155-AUD 3434 |
| Average monthly cost of living for a family of four | AUD 5150-AUD 8061 |
| Average monthly cost of groceries | AUD 60-AUD 120 |
| Average monthly cost of social activities | AUD 100-AUD 200 |
| Average monthly cost of public transport | AUD 40-AUD 150 |
| Average monthly cost of car expenses | AUD 200-AUD 500 |
| Average monthly utility bill costs | AUD 100-AUD 200 |
| Average monthly internet costs | AUD 50-AUD 80 |
| Average monthly cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD 500-AUD 800 |
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What You'll Learn
Accommodation options and costs
The cost of living in Melbourne varies depending on your lifestyle choices and your country of residence. Melbourne is cheaper than Sydney, but it is considered one of Australia's more expensive cities.
Accommodation is usually the biggest living expense for international students in Melbourne. The location will have a huge impact on your accommodation costs. Areas closer to the city centre, such as Carlton and Fitzroy, tend to be pricier than suburbs like Footscray or Brunswick, which offer affordable options.
There are several accommodation options to choose from, each varying in cost:
- University Residences: On-campus housing is a convenient option, often providing a supportive environment with facilities like the internet and meals included. Prices generally range from AUD 200 to AUD 400 per week. While this option might seem more expensive, it can save money on transportation and utility bills.
- Shared Apartments: Renting a room in a shared apartment or house is a popular choice for international students in Australia. Monthly rent for a room in a shared apartment usually costs between AUD 700 and AUD 1,200, depending on the location and amenities. Shared houses or apartments often have lower rents, ranging from AUD 180 to AUD 350 per week. However, they may not include utilities, which could add to overall expenses.
- Private Apartments: Private accommodation is more expensive, ranging from AUD 400 to AUD 600 weekly. Private rentals may require additional budgeting for utilities, as they are rarely included in the rent.
To save on accommodation costs, many students opt for shared housing, which can significantly reduce expenses. Students can also use online platforms to find affordable house shares or rooms for rent.
The University of Melbourne provides a range of trusted and affordable student accommodation options. RMIT University also offers accommodation conveniently located nearby its Brunswick, Bundoora, and City campuses. These rates are all-inclusive, covering utilities, internet, and other services.
In addition to accommodation costs, there are other expenses to plan for, such as home setup costs. You should budget for AU$3,000-$5,000 to cover establishment expenses, such as bond payments, advance rent, furniture, and other household items.
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Food and groceries
Melbourne is one of the best cities for students, according to QS rankings. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities to live in, ranking 73rd in cities with the highest cost of living worldwide. The cost of living for a single person in Melbourne is estimated to be around AUD 3000-3500 per month.
The average cost of living in Melbourne for international students is estimated to be around AUD 1500–2000 per month, with accommodation being the biggest expense. Students can save money by opting for shared housing, which typically costs between AUD 700 and AUD 1200 per month. Private rentals are significantly more expensive, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from AUD 1200 to AUD 2000 per month.
Groceries and food are another significant expense for students in Melbourne. Weekly grocery bills can vary widely depending on dietary preferences and lifestyle, ranging from AUD 60 to AUD 120 per person. Shopping at budget supermarkets like ALDI or utilising local markets can help students manage their food expenses effectively.
In addition to groceries, students should also budget for social activities such as dining out, coffee shops, and entertainment. A reasonable budget for these expenses is around AUD 100 to AUD 200 per month. Melbourne offers a diverse range of cultural festivals, sporting events, and other low-cost or free activities that students can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Overall, while Melbourne is an excellent city for students, it is important to be mindful of expenses and make smart financial choices to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
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Public transport
Melbourne has an extensive and convenient public transport system, including trams, trains, and buses, which provide seamless connectivity across the city and its suburbs. The city also has an efficient transportation system and student-friendly initiatives, making it easy for international students to navigate.
Myki Card
To use public transport in Melbourne, you'll need a Myki card. This can be used on all trains, trams, and buses and can be purchased from train stations, ticket machines, and some convenience stores. The cost of the Myki card is AUD 6 (non-refundable). The cost of travel depends on the zones travelled and your ticket type. On average, students spend between AUD 40 and AUD 150 per month on public transport.
Myki Concession Card
Eligible international students can get a 50% discount with a Myki Concession Card. This can result in savings of over AUD 1000. The daily fare cap with the Myki Concession Card is AUD 9.20.
Free Tram Zone
Melbourne's city centre has a Free Tram Zone, where you can travel on the tram for free. This is perfect for short trips to popular attractions or universities within the CBD.
Monthly Passes
If you're using public transport every day, it might be more cost-effective to purchase a monthly pass. The cost of a monthly Myki pass for zones 1 and 2 is around AUD 180-186.
Other Options
Melbourne also has bike-sharing schemes and extensive bike paths, making cycling a popular choice among students. Additionally, for students living near campus, walking is a free and convenient option.
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Healthcare and insurance
Melbourne is one of the top cities for education in Australia, and it is also one of the world's most liveable cities. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities to live in. As an international student, you will need to factor in healthcare and insurance costs during your stay.
Healthcare in Melbourne
Healthcare in Australia is partly free. Essential hospital treatments are free, but GP visits and prescriptions carry charges.
Insurance for International Students in Melbourne
International students in Australia are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. This is a condition of the Student (subclass 500) visa. The only exceptions are students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden, who have alternative healthcare coverage from their home countries.
The type of insurance international students in Australia need is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This insurance covers medical and hospital services, but there may be some out-of-pocket expenses for treatments and medications. OSHC also covers ambulance cover, some pharmaceuticals, prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries.
The cost of OSHC varies by provider but generally ranges from AUD 500 to AUD 800 per year for a single. As of September 2021, the lowest cost for 12 months of singles cover was AUD 478. You can purchase OSHC through your university or an independent provider. You can also take out private health insurance to cover just yourself or your family.
When choosing an OSHC provider, you should compare providers and policies to find the right one for you. You should also speak to the providers before taking out cover to ensure you have the best cover with the lowest cost and highest benefits.
If you need to make a claim, you can either pay the bill upfront and get a refund from your OSHC provider, or have the bill sent directly to your provider for payment. For pharmaceutical claims, you must pay upfront and then claim back from your provider.
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Socialising and entertainment
Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture and top-ranking universities, attracting international students from around the world. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Australia, so students need to be mindful of their expenses.
Melbourne offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from cultural festivals and sporting events to dining and shopping. To make the most of these opportunities while sticking to a budget, it's important to plan and be mindful of expenses.
- Budgeting AUD 100 to AUD 200 per month for social activities, including cinema tickets, cafes, and events, is reasonable.
- Take advantage of Melbourne's numerous free or low-cost events and festivals. These provide excellent opportunities to enjoy the city without spending a fortune.
- Consider getting a part-time job or internship. Many universities offer part-time positions, such as library assistants or research assistants, allowing students to earn while staying on campus. Internships also provide valuable work experience in your field.
- Shared housing can significantly reduce costs. Suburbs slightly away from the city centre often have lower rents while still being well-connected by public transport.
- Use budget supermarkets like ALDI or shop at local markets to manage food expenses. Weekly grocery bills for one person can range from AUD 60 to AUD 120.
- Cycling is a popular choice among students due to Melbourne's bike-sharing schemes and extensive bike paths. This can help save on transport costs, which average between AUD 40 and AUD 150 per month for students.
- Be mindful of utility costs, which can add up. Utility bills for shared accommodation typically range from AUD 100 to AUD 200 per month, and internet costs are around AUD 50 to AUD 80 per month.
By following these suggestions and planning their expenses, international students in Melbourne can enjoy a rich social life while managing their finances effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of living for international students in Melbourne is estimated to be around AUD 1500–AUD 2000 per month.
Accommodation is the biggest living expense for international students in Melbourne. The city offers various options, including university residences, shared apartments, and private rentals. The monthly rent for a room in a shared apartment typically ranges from AUD 700 to AUD 1,200, while private rentals are more expensive, with one-bedroom apartments costing between AUD 1,200 and AUD 2,000 per month.
The cost of food in Melbourne varies depending on dietary preferences and lifestyle. Weekly grocery bills can range from AUD 60 to AUD 120 per person. Shopping at budget supermarkets or local markets can help keep expenses lower.
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of OSHC ranges from AUD 500 to AUD 800 per year, covering medical and hospital services. However, there may be out-of-pocket expenses for certain treatments and medications.
Melbourne offers a range of free or low-cost events and festivals. Opting for shared housing in suburbs away from the city centre can significantly reduce accommodation costs. Additionally, students can look for part-time jobs or internships within the university to earn money while studying.
