Cost of living in australia 5 things you must know as an international student

As an international student in Australia, it's essential to understand the cost of living in the country to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are 5 things you must know:

  1. Accommodation Costs:
    • Rent: Expect to pay around AU$150-300 per week for a shared apartment or AU$250-500 per week for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center.
    • Bond: You'll need to pay a security bond, which is usually equal to 4-6 weeks' rent.
    • Utilities: You'll need to pay for electricity, water, and internet separately, which can add up to AU$100-200 per month.
  2. Food Costs:
    • Groceries: You can expect to pay around AU$50-100 per week for basic groceries like rice, pasta, and vegetables.
    • Eating out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around AU$15-25 per person.
    • Snacks: A bag of chips or a sandwich can cost around AU$5-10.
  3. Transportation Costs:
    • Public transport: A single bus or train ticket can cost around AU$3-5, while a monthly pass can cost around AU$100-150.
    • Car ownership: If you plan to buy a car, be prepared for high costs, including registration, insurance, and fuel.
    • Bike: A good quality bike can cost around AU$500-1000, and you'll need to pay for maintenance and insurance.
  4. Health Insurance:
    • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): This is mandatory for international students and can cost around AU$300-600 per year, depending on your age and the level of cover.
    • Private health insurance: If you want additional cover, you can purchase private health insurance, which can cost around AU$50-100 per month.
  5. Other Expenses:
    • Entertainment: Expect to pay around AU$20-50 per person for a movie ticket, and AU$10-20 for a coffee or snack.
    • Phone and internet: You'll need to pay for a phone plan and internet connection, which can cost around AU$20-50 per month.
    • Miscellaneous: Other expenses, such as laundry, gym membership, and travel, can add up to around AU$100-200 per month.

To give you a better idea, here's a rough estimate of the monthly costs for an international student in Australia:

Total estimated monthly cost: AU$3,000-5,500

Remember, these are just rough estimates, and your actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and other factors. It's essential to budget carefully and plan ahead to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Australia.