Popular Topics
-
Study Destination
844 Views
Living And Studying In London As Indian Students
- April 17, 2025
- 6 minutes
- Admitix Editorial Team
-
-
All About Universities
652 Views
Harvard or IIT (UG): A Comparison For Indian Students
- April 15, 2025
- 8 minutes
- Admitix Editorial Team
-
-
All About Universities
463 Views
How To Get Into The University Of New South Wales (UNSW)
- April 18, 2025
- 5 minutes
- Admitix Editorial Team
-
-
All About Universities
460 Views
How To Get Into The University Of British Columbia (UBC)
- April 21, 2025
- 6 minutes
- Admitix Editorial Team
-
36 Views
Living Costs Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane for Indian Students
- June 26, 2025
Looking to know Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane Cost of Living comparison for Indian students in 2025? You are in the right place.
Australia is a top choice for Indian students, but knowing what it’ll really cost to live and study there is essential for planning.
While tuition fees may be similar across cities, living expenses can vary by thousands of dollars a year, especially between cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Here’s a detailed cost comparison to help Indian students decide smartly.
Overview: Australia’s Big 3 for Indian Students
| City | What It’s Known For |
|---|---|
| Sydney | Business & finance hub, beaches, vibrant multicultural life |
| Melbourne | Cultural capital, tech/startup scene, top-ranked unis |
| Brisbane | Affordable lifestyle, sunshine city, emerging education hub |
Monthly Cost Breakdown: Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane (2025)
| Expense Type | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | AUD 900–1,300 | AUD 800–1,200 | AUD 700–1,000 |
| Groceries & Food | AUD 350–500 | AUD 300–450 | AUD 300–400 |
| Transport (public) | AUD 130–160 | AUD 120–150 | AUD 110–140 |
| Phone & Internet | AUD 60–80 | AUD 60–80 | AUD 50–70 |
| Utilities (if not included) | AUD 100–150 | AUD 90–130 | AUD 80–120 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | AUD 150–250 | AUD 120–200 | AUD 100–180 |
| Total (Monthly Average) | AUD 1,700–2,400 | AUD 1,500–2,200 | AUD 1,300–1,800 |
- Brisbane is about 20–30% more affordable than Sydney on average.
- Melbourne offers a good balance between cost and lifestyle.
Accommodation: What Indian Students Typically Choose
| Type | Cost Range (per month) |
|---|---|
| Shared Apartment | AUD 700–1,000 |
| University Dorms | AUD 900–1,500 |
| Homestay | AUD 1,000–1,400 (meals included) |
| Studio Apartment | AUD 1,400–2,000 |
You Might Also Like: How to Find Accommodation in Australia as an Indian Student
Student Tip: How to Lower Living Expenses
| Strategy | Savings Potential |
|---|---|
| Use student transport cards (Opal/Myki/GoCard) | 30–50% fare discounts |
| Cook at home | Saves AUD 200–300/month vs eating out |
| Live in outer suburbs | Up to 25% cheaper rent than city centre |
| Buy secondhand books or use library | Save AUD 200–500/year |
| Apply for part-time campus jobs | Earn while you study (up to 48 hrs/fortnight allowed in 2025) |
Estimated Yearly Cost of Living (Excluding Tuition)
| City | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 22,000–28,000 |
| Melbourne | AUD 20,000–26,000 |
| Brisbane | AUD 18,000–23,000 |
Student Visa Requirement: You must show proof of AUD 24,505 (as of 2025) in funds to cover living costs, regardless of city.
Can Indian Students Work Part-Time?
Yes! As of 2025, international students can work:
| Type | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| During Study | Up to 48 hours/fortnight |
| During Holidays | Unlimited hours |
| Internships (Paid/Unpaid) | Allowed if integrated in course |
What Students Say About Living in Each City
| City | Student Vibe |
|---|---|
| Sydney | Fast-paced, competitive, great for networking and jobs |
| Melbourne | Diverse, artsy, great student life, strong uni culture |
| Brisbane | Relaxed, affordable, growing job scene, sunshine all year |
Recap: Which City Should You Choose?
| Best For | City |
|---|---|
| Top University Rankings | Melbourne, Sydney |
| Affordable Cost of Living | Brisbane |
| Finance/Business Internships | Sydney |
| Laid-Back Lifestyle | Brisbane |
| Tech, Media & Culture | Melbourne |
Need Personalized Help?
At Admitix, we help Indian students not only pick the right university but also plan for living costs, housing, part-time jobs, and city selection.
- Budget forecasting tools
- City-wise student housing help
- Job-friendly program matching
- Visa funds documentation guidance
Study smart. Spend wisely. Live better — with Admitix by your side.
FAQs: Cost of Living in Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane for Indian Students
1. Which Australian city is the cheapest for Indian students?
Brisbane is generally the most affordable, with lower rent and living costs compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
2. How much should I budget monthly as a student in Sydney?
Around AUD 1,700–2,400/month, depending on your lifestyle and housing choice.
3. Do international students get transport discounts?
Yes! All three cities offer student concession cards with discounted public transport fares.
4. Can I work part-time to manage living costs?
Yes, as of 2025, Indian students can work up to 48 hours/fortnight during semesters.
5. Is on-campus housing more expensive?
Usually yes — shared apartments off-campus are more budget-friendly than university dorms.