If you have a dream to study in Australia, but are curious to know the living expenses in Australia. Australia is renowned for its world-class universities, diverse culture, and exciting lifestyle.

The cost of living in Australia can feel higher compared to Pakistan, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. From accommodation to transport, students need to carefully budget their expenses to manage daily life without financial strain.

When discussing living expenses in Australia, we include rent, food, travel, and other personal expenses. Knowing these details will help you prepare more effectively and focus on your studies without constant financial worries.

Cost of Living in Australia for Pakistani Students

Your total living expenses in Australia will include items such as food, accommodation, tuition fees, transportation, and personal expenses. The exact budget you have every month depends on your lifestyle and the location you choose to live in. Big cities like Sydney or Melbourne typically cost more, while smaller cities tend to have lower costs.

Expense Category	Cost in AUD (per month)	Cost in PKR (per month)
Accommodation (Shared)	$900 – $1,900	₨1,62,000 – ₨3,42,000
Food & Groceries	$560 – $1,120	₨1,00,800 – ₨2,01,600
Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water)	$140 – $280	₨25,200 – ₨50,400
Phone & Internet	$70 – $120	₨12,600 – ₨21,600
Public Transport	$80 – $220	₨14,400 – ₨39,600
Healthcare (OSHC Average)	$50	₨9,000
Personal Care & Entertainment	$320 – $600	₨57,600 – ₨1,08,000
Total Estimated Monthly Cost	$2,120 – $4,290	₨3,81,600 – ₨7,72,200

Accommodation

Accomodation will be your biggest expense, and it also depends on where you live. For example, Sydney is one of the most expensive cities compared to Adelaide, which is much more affordable. Students can also choose shared rooms because they are budget-friendly and offer the opportunity to live with other students.

Shared Rentals: Cost of living in Australia for shared rentals is around AU$85–215 per week per person.

On-Campus Accommodation: AU$90–280 per week.

Private Rentals: AU$185–440 per week (1-bedroom).

Homestays: AU$235–325 per week.

Hostels & Guesthouses: AU$90–150 per week.

Transportation

Transportation is an essential factor in student life. Whether you’re going to university or working part-time jobs, you’ll need transport. A convenient and affordable option is public transport, which works particularly well in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

On average, you’ll spend around AU$30–70 per week on transport. In some states, transportation is offered at 40 to 50% off to students, like the Opal card in Sydney or the Myki card in Melbourne. Some students also prefer riding bicycles in cities like Adelaide or Canberra, as it’s very affordable once the bike is purchased.

Food & Groceries

Food is one of the main expenses in student life. The cost of food & groceries depends on whether you eat at home by cooking or eat out. Cooking by yourself is the cheapest option, and shopping at supermarkets like Aldi, Woolworths, or Coles can save you a lot of money.

Average expenses in Australia are around AU$80 to AU$200 per week on food. Eating out is more expensive, with a meal at a restaurant or takeaway costing approximately AU$15–25.

Healthcare (OSHC)

Healthcare is a vital component of student life. International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their visa. Average expenses in Australia are about AU$45–55 per month (around AU$550–650 per year).

OSHC helps cover doctor visits, hospital care, ambulance services, and some medicines. The leading providers are Medibank, Bupa, NIB, and Allianz Care.

Overall, the living cost in Australia for international students depends on the city and type of housing. The government states that students must demonstrate an annual income of AU$24,505 (approximately AU$2,042 per month), but this is the minimum required to meet basic living expenses. In reality, most students spend around AU$2,500–3,000 per month. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, while places like Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane are more affordable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of living in Australia is higher for Pakistani students; however, they can manage with effective planning. The most significant living cost factors are accommodation, food, and transport, which can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while places like Adelaide or Brisbane are more budget-friendly.