Cost of Living in Sydney for International Students

If you are planning to pursue your studies in Sydney, you have made a great choice. Why are we saying this? Sydney has been ranked 6th among the best student cities in the world, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2025. The reasons include its openness to diversity and inclusivity, high quality of life, top-ranked universities, excellent employment opportunities, and its status as the financial and economic hub of Australia. However, one important factor to consider is the cost of living, which every student wants to understand before choosing a destination. In this article, we will answer the question, “What is the cost of living in Sydney, Australia?” and provide a breakdown of the key factors that contribute to it.

Also Read: Study in Australia

What is the Cost of Living in Sydney, Australia?

The cost of living in Sydney is defined by a variety of expenses, including groceries, rent, and transportation. Below, we will explore each of these factors in detail. But first, here’s a statistical representation of the expense distribution in Sydney.

Accommodation

Rent per month accounts for the largest expense category in Sydney, according to the chart. The reasons include high demand for housing, as Sydney is the top destination for international students and offers relatively expensive accommodations. 

Sydney offers a variety of accommodation to international students, some of which include:

Accommodation Type	Features	Rent per month
Private apartments	1 bedroom in city center, 3 bedroom in city center	AUD 3,363 – AUD 6,676
Student housing	Shared rooms in student apartments	AUD 1,280 – AUD 1,150
University halls	On-campus housing with common facilities	AUD 2,500 – AUD 4,000

Groceries

Markets account for the second-largest expense category in Sydney, according to the chart. Here’s a breakdown of the prices of basic grocery items:

Grocery Item	Price
Milk (1 litre)	AUD 2.61
Loaf of white bread (500g)	AUD 4.16
Rice (1 Kg)	AUD 3.82
Eggs (1 carton)	AUD 7.16
Apples (1 Kg)	AUD 4.91
Banana (1 Kg)	AUD 4.09
Oranges (1 Kg)	AUD 4.83
Tomatoes (1 Kg)	AUD 6.45
Potato (1 Kg)	AUD 3.68
Onion (1 Kg)	AUD 3.55
Water bottle (1.5 litres)	AUD 1.97

**The approximate grocery costs can be around AUD 300 to AUD 800 per month (excluding outside food).

Tips to Save on Grocery Costs

• Do grocery shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets such as Aldi, which offers cheaper prices on daily essentials.
• Choose home-brand products from supermarkets like Aldi and Coles over international-branded items. Home-brand products are often sourced locally, which means no import costs, thereby making daily essentials affordable.
• Buy fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets as they offer them at affordable prices.
• Sign up for the loyalty programs offered by supermarkets and make use of them to buy products at discounted prices.

Restaurant Food

Restaurants account for the third-largest expense category in Sydney, according to the chart. This is because dining out is common in Sydney, and the city offers a variety of dining options that entice people to try different cuisines. As a result, restaurant expenses account for the third largest share of overall costs. Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant prices:

Restaurant Type and Items	Price
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	AUD 25
Meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant	AUD 120
Coke (small bottle) at a restaurant	AUD 4.06
Small-sized water bottle at a restaurant	AUD 3.10

Transportation

Transportation costs account for the fourth-largest expense category in Sydney, according to the chart. Sydney has one of the well-connected public transportation systems in Australia, including buses, trains, and light trains. It is estimated that about 1.3 million people use public transportation during a work day. Daily commuting, especially for students traveling to universities, can add to the cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of the prices of various transportation modes:

Transportation Type	Price
Buses/Trains/Light Rail/Ferries (monthly pass)	AUD 216
Taxi 1 Km	Approximately AUD 6
Gas (1 litre)	AUD 2 (current rate)

** The approximate transportation costs can be around AUD 270 per month.

Tips to Save on Transportation Costs

• Apply for the Concession Opal Card that allows eligible students to travel on Sydney’s public transportation at discounted fares. Remember, international students on approved Australian Government Scholarships are only eligible for Concession Opal Cards.
• Travel during off-peak hours to get lower fares. 

Healthcare Costs

International students planning to study in Sydney are required to have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The OSHC helps to cover the cost of doctor’s visits, hospital treatments, emergency ambulances, and some prescription medicines. However, it does not fully cover some medical services, such as dental, optical, and specialist consultants.

Health Care Type	Price/Year
OSHC	12 months: AUD 76824 months: AUD 1,589

Tips to Save on Health Insurance

• Choose doctors who offer bulk-billing services for a lower cost.
• Make use of university hospitals as generally they are cheaper than the off-campus hospitals.
• Compare the prices of different OSCH medical service providers and choose the one that offers medical services at a cheaper price.

Utilities

Monthly utility costs account for the fifth-largest expense category in Sydney, according to the chart. While utilities are not as expensive as groceries and rent, students use gas, water, and other essentials regularly, making them the fifth-largest expense category. Here’s the breakdown of the prices of different utilities.

Utility	Monthly Price
Electricity	AUD 100 – AUD 150
Gas	AUD 40 – AUD 80
Mobile monthly plan	Approximately AUD 40

An Overview of the Average Cost of Living in Sydney

Here is a quick snapshot of the average cost of living in Sydney for international students:

Expense	Average Cost/Year
Accommodation Costs	AUD 37,000
Grocery Costs	AUD 6,600
Restaurant Cost (if visited frequently)	AUD 3,400
Transportation Costs	AUD 3,240
Healthcare Costs	AUD 1,178
Utilities Costs	AUD 2,700
Average Cost of Living in Sydney	AUD 54,000 per year

** Note: The average cost of living in Sydney can be as low as AUD 29,000 per year. This variation is due to factors such as your lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences.

Cost of Living in Sydney Compared to Other Major Australian Cities

Here is a comparison of the average yearly expenses in Sydney and other major cities in Australia:

Expense	Accommodation Costs/Year	Grocery Costs/Year	Transportation Costs/Year
Sydney	AUD 37,000	AUD 6,600	AUD 3,240
Brisbane	AUD 21,276	AUD 5,000	AUD 1,950
Melbourne	AUD 5,000 – AUD 25,000	AUD 4,500 – AUD 6,000	AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,000
Canberra	AUD 9,500 – AUD 18,500	AUD 4,000	AUD 2,500 – AUD 3,000

**Note: These costs are only estimates. These prices can vary depending on factors such as lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences.

Explore Scholarships in Australia to fund your studies.

Conclusion

Sydney, the largest city in Australia, offers international students world-class universities, a thriving job market, and a diverse international community. While living in Sydney as an international student can be slightly more expensive compared to other cities, proper budgeting and management makes the cost of living manageable. The key to keeping the costs down is sharing accommodation, buying groceries from budget-friendly supermarkets, and taking advantage of student benefits. 

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