The idea of living in Melbourne is a dream for many but of course, studying in one of Australia's most livable cities also means planning your finances wisely. While Melbourne can be more expensive than many students' home countries, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect—and where your money is likely to go—can help you settle in with confidence instead of worrying about unexpected expenses.
This guide breaks down the cost of living in Melbourne for international students, from accommodation and groceries to transportation and entertainment. Whether you're preparing your savings or creating your first monthly budget, we’ll share everything you need to know before starting your student life in Melbourne.
One of the first questions students ask before moving abroad is, "How much will it cost to live there?" The answer depends on your lifestyle, but having a realistic budget before you arrive can make settling into Melbourne much easier.
To give you a rough estimate, many international students spend around AUD 1,800 to AUD 3,500 per month, excluding tuition fees. Your actual expenses may be lower or higher depending on several factors, including:
The biggest mistake many first-time international students make is focusing only on rent. In reality, your monthly budget is made up of many smaller expenses that can quickly add up. These include groceries, transport, mobile plans, school supplies, and even the occasional coffee or weekend outing.
But here’s the good news: Melbourne offers many ways to manage your spending. Student discounts, free attractions, accessible public transport, and affordable supermarkets all make it easier to enjoy the city without stretching your budget too thin.
If you need a more detailed breakdown of costs, you can check out Study Australia’s cost of living calculator. This will give you a better idea of how much your average monthly living expenses in Melbourne could be depending on your spending habits and needs.
When planning your budget, keep in mind that moving overseas involves more than just your monthly expenses. There are several upfront costs you'll likely need to pay before, or shortly after, you arrive in Melbourne.
These one-time expenses may include:
Some of these costs only happen once, but they can easily add up to several thousand Australian dollars, so it’s best to track your expenses. Setting aside extra savings before your departure can help you settle into your new home without immediately worrying about your finances.
For most international students, accommodation takes up the largest portion of their monthly budget. However, there are many housing options you can choose from to fit your lifestyle and budget. The best choice depends on what matters most to you. Are you looking for convenience? A quieter family environment? Or simply the most affordable option?
The student residences option is a popular choice, especially for students arriving in Australia for the first time. These residences are usually located near universities, language schools, and public transport, making it easy to get around the city. Many also include furnished rooms, study spaces, communal kitchens, gyms, and social events that make meeting other students easier.
While student accommodation offers convenience and security, it also tends to be one of the more expensive housing options.
It's often a great choice for students who value convenience and want to settle in quickly without worrying about furnishing an apartment or arranging utilities.
Average Rent in Melbourne, Australia (Student Accommodation)
If you're looking for a more affordable way to live in Melbourne, sharing an apartment with other students or young professionals is one of the most common options.
Rent is divided among housemates, making it easier to reduce monthly living expenses in Melbourne while still living close to the city or your school.
Living in a shared apartment also gives you more independence and flexibility. You'll likely share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom while having your own private bedroom. Or, in some cases, sharing a room for an even lower cost.
Keep in mind that utility bills such as electricity, gas, internet, and water may not always be included in the rent, so it's important to check before signing a lease.
Average Rent in Melbourne, Australia (Shared Apartments)
For students who are new to Australia or still building confidence in speaking English, staying at a homestay can be an ideal option. Through homestay, you'll live with a local host family and get to experience Australian culture firsthand while practicing English in everyday conversations.
Many homestay packages also include meals and utilities, making it easier to predict your monthly expenses. Although you'll have fewer freedoms compared to renting your own place, many students appreciate having a supportive family environment during their first few months in Melbourne.
Average Rent in Melbourne, Australia (Homestays)
Renting your own apartment offers the most privacy, but it's usually the most expensive option.
Besides paying rent, you'll also need to budget for:
It's an option that's generally better suited to students who are moving with a partner, family members, or friends and can split the costs.
Average Rent in Melbourne, Australia (Own Apartment)
Once you've settled into your accommodation, it's the day-to-day expenses that shape your monthly budget. The good news is that many of these costs are manageable with a bit of planning.
One of the best ways to save money in Melbourne is cooking your own food. Instead of eating out every day, create a meal plan and take a weekly trip to the supermarket. This could greatly cut the cost of living in Melbourne, especially for a couple or for students sharing accommodations. Melbourne has many grocery stores offering a wide range of products, from fresh produce and pantry staples to international ingredients. You'll also find local markets where fruits and vegetables are often available at lower prices.
Your weekly grocery bill will depend on your eating habits, but preparing most of your meals at home is almost always more affordable than buying takeaway every day.
Tip: If you're sharing accommodation, you may also be able to split the cost of cooking essentials like cooking oil, rice, spices, and cleaning supplies with your housemates.
There’s no denying that Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, so seeing many restaurants and cafes everywhere will make you want to try every dish they’ve got. The thing is, eating out regularly can quickly become one of your biggest monthly expenses.
Many students find a balance by cooking during the week and treating themselves to cafe brunches or restaurant meals on weekends. You'll also discover plenty of budget-friendly options around universities and the CBD, making it possible to enjoy Melbourne's food culture without overspending.
Getting around Melbourne is relatively straightforward thanks to its extensive network of trains, trams, and buses. Most students use a Myki card to pay for public transport, and depending on where you live and study, commuting can become one of your regular monthly expenses.
One thing many international students appreciate is Melbourne's Free Tram Zone, which covers much of the central business district. Walking and cycling are also popular ways to explore the city, especially if you're living close to campus.
After accommodation, utilities and internet are the next things that will add to your average monthly living expenses in Melbourne. Depending on where you live, these costs may already be included in your rent, particularly if you're staying in student accommodation or a homestay. If you're renting a private apartment or sharing a house, however, you'll likely need to split these bills with your housemates.
Common utility expenses include:
You'll also need a mobile phone plan. Australia has several providers offering prepaid and postpaid plans, so you can choose one that suits your data usage and budget.
Health insurance is another important expense that international students need to plan for before arriving in Australia.
Most student visa holders are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. OSHC helps cover many medical services, including visits to a doctor, hospital treatment, and some prescription medicines.
However, it's worth remembering that not every medical expense is fully covered. Depending on your provider and policy, you may still need to pay part of the cost for certain treatments, dental care, physiotherapy, or optical services.
Tip: Keep a small emergency fund for unexpected healthcare expenses. Even if you rarely visit the doctor, having money set aside can give you extra peace of mind while living abroad.
When budgeting for life in Melbourne, it's easy to focus on rent and groceries while forgetting the smaller expenses that come with studying.
Depending on your course and institution, you may also need to budget for:
Some programs include most learning materials in the tuition fees, while others may require students to purchase textbooks separately.
The good news is that many schools provide access to libraries, online resources, and computer labs, helping students reduce out-of-pocket costs.
One of the best things about studying in Melbourne is that your life doesn't revolve entirely around the classroom. The city is packed with things to do, whether you're interested in food, sports, live music, art, or simply spending time outdoors.
Of course, entertainment can quickly become a major part of your monthly spending if you're not careful. But you don't have to spend a lot to enjoy the city.
Must-read: 15 Free and Affordable Things to Do in Melbourne
The city is home to beautiful parks, public gardens, beaches, walking trails, and cultural events that are completely free. You can explore Melbourne's famous laneways, visit museums on free admission days, browse weekend markets, or simply enjoy a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens with friends. The cost to live in Melbourne, Australia can add up, but exploring the city on a budget will definitely help.
Rather than aiming for an exact number, it helps to understand how your expenses are typically divided. Here's an example of how many international students allocate their monthly budget:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
| Accommodation | 900-2,500+ |
| Groceries | 300-600 |
| Public Transport | 120-220 |
| Utilities & Internet | 150-300* |
| Mobile Phone | 20-50 |
| Entertainment | 150-400 |
| Miscellaneous | 100-300 |
*Utilities may already be included in your rent.
Living in Melbourne doesn't mean you have to spend beyond your means. In fact, many students discover simple habits that help stretch their budget without sacrificing their overall experience.
Here are a few practical ways to save money:
Small savings may not seem significant at first, but they can make a noticeable difference over your studies.
If you're planning to improve your English while living in Australia, ILSC Language Schools Melbourne offers a range of flexible English language programs designed to support different goals, whether you're preparing for further study, advancing your career, or building confidence in everyday communication. The school’s central location makes getting around the city easier, convenient, helping students save time—and potentially reduce commuting costs—while settling into their new life in Melbourne.
How much does it cost to live in Melbourne, Australia as a student?
The cost of living in Melbourne varies depending on your lifestyle and accommodation, but many international students spend around AUD 1,800 to AUD 3,500 per month, excluding tuition fees. Rent usually makes up the largest portion of your budget, followed by groceries, transport, utilities, and personal expenses.
Is 3,000 AUD enough to live in Australia?
For many international students, AUD 3,000 per month can be enough to live comfortably in Melbourne if you manage your budget carefully. Choosing shared accommodation, cooking at home, using public transport, and taking advantage of student discounts can help keep your monthly expenses within this budget. Your actual spending will depend on your lifestyle and housing choices.
What salary is needed to live comfortably in Melbourne?
The answer depends on your lifestyle, family situation, housing arrangements, and your definition of "comfortable." Someone living alone in a private apartment will generally need a higher income than someone sharing accommodation with housemates. For students, it's generally recommended to arrive with enough savings to support your studies and treat any income from part-time work as additional financial support rather than relying on it to cover all living expenses.
How much money should I save before moving to Australia?
Aside from your tuition fees, it's wise to save enough to cover your initial settlement costs, including your student visa, airfare, accommodation bond, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and your first few months of living expenses. The actual cost will always depend on where you'll study, where you'll stay, and which airline you'll choose to get to Australia. Having a financial buffer can make your transition much less stressful while you settle into your new home and adjust to student life. Take note also that the Australia government ask applicants to see proof of funds during your Student Visa application process.