Cost of Living in Melbourne for International Students (2026 Breakdown)

Why Melbourne Is A Top Study Destination

Melbourne is one of the most student friendly and vibrant cities to study in Australia.

It has the world class universities, such as the University of Melbourne, RMIT, Monash and Deakin, all ranked among the best in the world as far as international education is concerned.

Melbourne is a city that integrates goodness of life with academic rewards and any type of employment and multicultural experiences. Another factor, however, the cost of living in Melbourne for international students is an essential factor when planning your budget.

This article serves as a detailed guide to help students understand the cost of living in Melbourne.

Whether it is housing and transportation, food and study gear, knowing the student expenses can make you budget well and have fun in the process of studying in Australia. For international students, a broad estimate of living costs in Melbourne can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

When planning your budget, using a cost of living calculator can provide a personalized estimate of your expected expenses based on your lifestyle and needs.

Moving to a new city like Melbourne comes with both challenges and excitement, making preparation and research even more important.

Overview Of Average Monthly Expenses 

The living costs in Melbourne can vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation, and individual expenditure. In 2026, international students can expect to spend between AUD 2,000 and AUD 2,800 a month on average, though these amounts may vary depending on personal choices and habits.

Category	Average Monthly Cost (AUD)	Notes
Accommodation	900 – 1,600	Shared apartment or on-campus housing
Food & Groceries	400 – 600	Based on home cooking and occasional dining
Transport	120 – 200	With student Myki card and concessions
Utilities (Internet, Electricity, Gas)	100 – 180	Depends on rental terms
Phone & Data	30 – 60	SIM only plans are cheaper
Personal & Entertainment	100 – 200	Gym, leisure, and travel
Total Estimated Monthly Cost	2,000 – 2,800	Moderate student budget

The average rent in Melbourne is generally lower than in Sydney and comparable to other major Australian cities, making it a competitive option for students.

When budgeting for your stay, consider the potential costs listed above as well as other common expenses such as textbooks, health insurance, and personal items. Actual expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, so it’s important to plan ahead and expect some fluctuation in your monthly budget.

Housing Costs – On Campus Vs Off Campus

On Campus Accommodation

On campus housing provides comfort and social togetherness.

Due to the presence of utilities and Wi-Fi, furnished rooms are expected to be about AUD 350 – 450 per week. Utility bills and other services such as internet are often included in the rent, making it easier to manage living expenses.

These centers usually have socializing space, libraries and 24 hours security.

Pros:

• Close to campus
• Safe & social environment
• Easier maintenance

Cons:

• Higher weekly rent
• Limited availability

Shared Apartments And Homestay

Shared apartments or homestays are very common with many international students in order to cut down the student expenses. Private rental is also a popular option for students seeking independence, offering a range of accommodation types and price points.

• Shared apartments: AUD 250 – 400 per week (depending on the location and the number of roommates).
• Homestay: ranging between AUD 300 – 450 a week (including meals and utilities).

Students moving into shared apartments or private rentals may need to budget for household items and personal items to set up their new home, such as furniture, kitchenware, clothing, and toiletries.

Such locations as Carlton, Brunswick, Footscray, and Clayton represent favorable centers because they are close to universities and rent is affordable.

Tips For Finding Affordable Housing

• Reliable websites will be used: Flatmates.com.au, Domain, Realestate.com.au.
• Share student Facebook groups to have listings.
• Post bulletin boards on a regular basis.

Pro tip: Ascertain always contracts, examines properties, and clarifies the inclusions of rent before signing a lease.

Tip: If you are securing accommodation from overseas, make sure you have a reliable way to send money for deposits or rent payments, as international transfers can take time and may have additional fees.

Additional Costs To Consider

Health Insurance (OSHC): The Overseas Student Health cover (OSHC) is mandatory to all international students who are studying in Australia. To begin with, the annual average price: 500-700 AUD. And the second will be providers, BUPA, Medibank, Allianz Care Australia. In addition to basic health insurance, students should also consider other costs and other expenses that may arise during their stay.

If you are planning to bring your family with you, your overall living expenses will increase significantly. Family members may need to be included in your student visa application, which can affect both the visa process and your financial planning. Accommodation, health insurance, and daily expenses for each family member should be factored into your budget.

Books and Study Materials: Depending on your course, you can spend an average of AUD 500 -1000 per year on the purchase of textbooks, laboratory equipment and stationery. All colleges currently give online or used textbook alternatives to save on expenses. Tuition fees are also a major expense for international students and should be carefully considered when planning your finances.

Personal and Emergency Funds: Always allocate an additional AUD 2,000 – 3,000 as a buffer fund in case of emergency funds in medical, travels or unforeseen costs. Remember to budget for other expenses such as phone bills, entertainment, laundry, and personal care products, as these can add up over time.

Health and Wellness

Maintaining your health and wellness is essential for international students living in Melbourne. One of the first steps is securing health insurance, which is a requirement for all international students. The average cost of health insurance in Melbourne ranges from AU$50 to AU$100 per month, depending on the provider and level of coverage. This is a crucial part of your living costs, as it helps cover medical expenses and gives you peace of mind while studying abroad.

To save money and stay healthy, take advantage of student discounts on gym memberships, fitness classes, and wellness services offered by many local providers. Many universities also have on-campus fitness centers with reduced rates for students. Preparing your own meals instead of eating out frequently not only helps you manage your expenses but also supports a balanced diet. By making smart choices about your health and daily habits, you can keep your living expenses in check and enjoy your time living in Melbourne.

Transportation and Getting Around

Getting around Melbourne is convenient and affordable for students, thanks to the city’s extensive public transport network. A monthly public transport pass costs around AU$105, making it a practical option for those living in student accommodation or private rentals. Using public transport can help you save money on transportation costs, especially if your university is within easy reach of tram, train, or bus lines.

For students looking to further reduce their monthly budget, cycling or walking to university is a great way to cut down on transport fees and stay active. Many student apartments and shared houses are within walking distance of major campuses, which can also help you save on average weekly rental prices by choosing locations with good transport links. If you plan to drive, remember to factor in parking fees and fuel costs, as these can add up quickly. By planning your daily commute wisely, you can keep your transport expenses manageable while enjoying everything Melbourne has to offer.

Food and Entertainment Options

Melbourne’s diverse food and entertainment scene means there’s something for every student’s taste and budget. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant typically costs between AU$15 and AU$25 per meal, but you can save money by preparing your own meals at home. The average weekly grocery bill for a student ranges from AU$80 to AU$120, depending on your eating habits and whether you share meals with housemates.

For entertainment, Melbourne offers a wide range of affordable options. Movie tickets, live music events, and cultural festivals usually cost between AU$20 and AU$50 per person. Many venues and attractions offer student discounts, so always carry your student ID to take advantage of lower prices. By balancing nights out with home-cooked meals and free or discounted entertainment, you can manage your living expenses and still enjoy the vibrant lifestyle that comes with living in Melbourne.

Career and Job Support

Finding part-time work is a practical way for international students to manage living costs while studying in Melbourne. Universities like RMIT offer comprehensive career support services, including job listings, resume workshops, interview preparation, and regular job fairs. These services are designed to help students find employment opportunities that fit around their study schedules.

International students are permitted to work part-time during their studies, with average hourly wages ranging from AU$18 to AU$25. This extra income can help cover accommodation costs, food, and other living expenses. Accessing university career services not only increases your chances of finding a suitable job but also helps you build valuable skills for your future career. By making use of these resources, students can ease the financial pressures of living in Melbourne and gain experience in the Australian job market.

How To Save Money As An International Student

Student discounts & concession cards: Myki Concession Card to get a discount on the transport. ISIC Card of international shopping, travelling, restaurant discounts.

Cooking at home & sharing Rent: You incur expenses of eating out every day which doubles your monthly budget. By cooking in communal flats, one can save AUD 200 monthly. Making your own coffee at home instead of buying it out is another simple way to save money for other experiences. Remember, your lifestyle choices—like preparing meals and drinks at home—can have a big impact on your ability to save and live comfortably as a student.

Choosing part-time jobs wisely: During study periods, international students are allowed to work to a maximum of 48 hours in a fortnight. Hospitality, tutoring, and retail jobs are preferred – with the balance of hours and reasonably remunerated jobs. Don’t forget, you’ll need to pay for recurring costs such as utilities and health insurance, so budgeting for these expenses is essential.

Cost Comparison – Melbourne Vs Other Cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin)

City	Average Monthly Cost (AUD)	Notes
Melbourne	2,000-2,800	Balanced lifestyle & job opportunities
Sydney	2,400-3,200	Highest rent prices
Brisbane	1,900-2,600	Affordable with warm climate
Adelaide	1,700-2,300	Cheapest option for students
Hobart	2,000-2,450	Peaceful, Economical lifestyle
Darwin	2,600-2,800	Ideal for students seeking part-time work

When comparing Melbourne to other Australian cities, it’s important to consider both the cost of living and public transportation options. Melbourne offers a well-developed transportation infrastructure and a balanced lifestyle, but it is also known as an expensive city, especially when it comes to average rent and daily expenses. While Sydney often has the highest rent prices, Melbourne’s overall costs remain high compared to most other cities in Australia.

How PTE MAGIC Helps Students Prepare Financially And Academically

When you study in Australia, in particular in such a lively city as Melbourne, it is not always easy to juggle your academic targets in Melbourne with your living expenses in Melbourne. That is where PTE MAGIC will be your needed learning companion.

Since 2016, PTE MAGIC has served thousands of students to master the English language by offering PTE Academic and PTE Core training so as to save time and reduce re-test fees as well as prepare to join the university world whilst still keeping their Melbourne student budget.

Affordable PTE Academic And Core Online Training

PTE MAGIC provides the online training programs at affordable rates to international students.

You need not be at a particular location to do your PTE test, you can do it at any location like your student dorm or at your preferred cafe in Melbourne.

Key benefits:

• Speaking and Writing assessment using AI and the algorithm of Pearson.
• The simulated PTE Academic reporting Mock exams.
• Flexible pricing, which is perfect in case a student uses it to manage student expenses in Australia.
• All modules are accessible to practice.

Academically and financially, it becomes easier to study in Australia as the monthly plan is cheap and you are not forced to waste much money on it.

Scholarship Preparation & English Score Improvement

Students seeking to spend on their budget as Melbourne students tend to target the scholarships which demand high proficiency in English.

PTE MAGIC offers itself as a high quality professional coach to enable you to reach the goal of 65 or 79 in PTE which will lead to university grants and international scholarships.

The trainers in the Pearson certified team customize their feedback to make you reach greater levels of fluency and grammatical correctness which are some of the elements that make you need minimal re-testing (sparing you hundreds of dollars on re testing expenses).

Community Support For Budgeting And Study Tips

Students discuss budgeting tips, housing tips, and PTE learning tips on Facebook, Tik Tok and YouTube (Moni PTE MAGIC) which provides an inclusive social media platform in which prospective Australian students organize and learn about studying in the country.

As a result of the community support, PTE MAGIC provides the international students with financial awareness and academic discipline, thus guaranteeing their success within and outside the classroom.

FAQ

Q1. What is the amount of money that I require spending on studying one year in Melbourne?

• Approximately AUD 30,000-35,000 for a single person, which is inclusive of tuition, accommodation, food and transport. Costs may vary for couples or families. To learn more about where you can apply using PTE, see the list of PTE accepted countries and universities.

Note: You can use a cost of living calculator to estimate your personal expenses based on your lifestyle and needs. The Study Australia website also provides helpful resources for international students planning their move.

Q2. Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?

If you are preparing for the PTE Academic exam as part of your plans to move to Australia, be sure to review these important PTE scoring changes you need to keep in mind.

• Yes. The average student budget in Melbourne is less by AUD 400-600 per month.

Q3. Will I be able to work as an Australian student?

• Yes. Until no more than 48 hours per semester, unrestricted when the semester is in recess.

Q4. What can be done to learn English fast before traveling to Australia?

• Enroll PTE MAGIC – provides online courses (flexible) in PTE Academic and PTE core.

Conclusion 

The first step to successful budgeting in terms of studying in Melbourne is understanding the cost of living in Melbourne for international students.

With well considered accommodation, transport, and cost it is possible to spend all that Melbourne could offer be it the best education in the world or the multicultural lifestyle of Melbourne.

But now with the new low-priced online programs at PTE MAGIC, you can not only polish your English but enable yourself to get scholarships and also fit into the academic life in Australia easily.

Learn in Australia, live in Melbourne and make intelligent preparation the guide!

Last updated on 27/11/2025