Australia remains a top destination for international students, but costs can vary drastically by location. In 2025, cities like Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra offer world-class education at 30–40% lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne .
This guide compares:
- Monthly living costs (rent, food, transport)
- Top universities in each budget-friendly city
- 2025 updates on student discounts and part-time work
- Adelaide – Australia’s Most Affordable Major City
Why It’s Great:
- Living costs: AUD $1,400–$2,000/month (27% cheaper than Sydney).
- Top universities: University of Adelaide (top 1% globally), Flinders University.
- Perks: Free tram travel in the city center, vibrant festivals, and coastal attractions like Glenelg Beach.
Budget Breakdown:
| Expense | Cost (Monthly) |
| Shared Rent | AUD $600–$800 |
| Groceries | AUD $250–$350 |
| Transport | AUD $60–$80 (student concessions) |
- Gold Coast – Sun, Surf, and Savings
Why It’s Great:
- Living costs: AUD $1,300–$1,800/month (rent 40% lower than Sydney).
- Top universities: Griffith University, Bond University (highest student satisfaction).
- Perks: Beachside lifestyle, theme parks, and part-time jobs in tourism/hospitality.
2025 Tip:
Griffith University offers regional study bonuses (+5 PR points for skilled migration).
- Canberra – Australia’s Student-Friendly Capital
Why It’s Great:
- Living costs: AUD $1,300–$1,900/month (cheaper groceries and utilities).
- Top universities: Australian National University (ANU), University of Canberra.
- Perks: 23% of the population are students, strong public transport discounts.
Scholarship Alert:
ANU offers 25% tuition fee waivers for high-achieving international undergrads.
- Brisbane – Affordable Urban Living
Why It’s Great:
- Living costs: AUD $1,600–$2,300/month (subtropical climate = lower heating bills).
- Top universities: University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
- Perks: Free CityHopper ferries, thriving startup scene for internships.
Work Opportunity:
Part-time jobs in hospitality pay AUD $25–$30/hour (higher than Adelaide).
- Perth – High Salaries, Lower Costs
Why It’s Great:
- Living costs: AUD $1,500–$2,200/month (rent 30% cheaper than Melbourne).
- Top universities: University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University.
- Perks: Mining/engineering jobs pay AUD $30–$50/hour for students.
2025 Update:
WA government offers $10,000 grants for STEM graduates working regionally post-study.
| City | Monthly Rent | Transport | Total Monthly Cost |
| Sydney | AUD $900–$1,800 | AUD $150–$200 | AUD $2,500+ |
| Melbourne | AUD $800–$1,700 | AUD $150–$200 | AUD $2,400+ |
| Adelaide | AUD $600–$800 | AUD $60–$80 | AUD $1,400–$2,000 |
| Gold Coast | AUD $600–$1,150 | AUD $60–$100 | AUD $1,300–$1,800 |
| Gold Coast | AUD $600–$1,150 | AUD $60–$100 | AUD $1,300–$1,800 |
*Source: Numbeo 2025, Australian Gov. Data *
- Choose Shared Housing: Save AUD $200–$500/month vs. private apartments.
- Cook at Home: Groceries cost AUD $70–$150/week vs. AUD $20/meal eating out.
- Use Student Discounts: Myki (Melbourne) and Opal (Sydney) cards offer 50% off transport.
- Work Part-Time: Earn AUD $22–$30/hour (20 hrs/week cap).
- Study Regionally: Gold Coast/Adelaide students get extra PR points for skilled visas.
While Sydney and Melbourne offer prestige, cities like Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra deliver:
- Lower costs (save AUD $10,000+/year)
- High-ranked universities (e.g., ANU, UQ, Flinders)
- Pathways to PR through regional incentives