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Each year, more than 13 lakh students move abroad to pursue their higher education, starting a new chapter of life in a different country—a journey that can be both exciting and transformative. However, before taking the leap, it’s crucial to assess the financial implications that come with living abroad. Moving to a new country is an exciting prospect, but it can also be daunting, especially when it comes to comparing the cost of living in destinations like Australia and the UK. In this blog post, we will explore the average cost of living in Australia vs the UK to help you decide which destination is best suited for you.
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
Breakdown Of The Cost Of Living In Australia vs The UK
Both countries offer amazing lifestyle opportunities, lively cities, and top-notch education, but they come with different price tags. From rent and groceries to entertainment and travel, the cost of living can vary widely depending on where you settle.
In this section, we will break down the living costs in Australia and the UK, comparing everything from daily essentials to social activities. Keep reading to find out which destination suits your lifestyle—and your wallet—best!
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost In UK (Pounds) | Monthly Cost In Australia (AUD) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 680 – 700 | 750 – 800 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | 710 – 750 | 1125 – 1200 |
| Transportation | 70 – 80 | 140 – 150 |
| Food | 420 – 450 | 660 – 700 |
| Entertainment | 40 – 45 | 72 – 80 |
| Groceries | 115 – 120 | 116 – 120 |
Cost Of Groceries
When comparing the cost of groceries between the UK and Australia, noticeable differences can impact a student’s budget. Both countries offer a wide range of products, but pricing varies due to local production, import costs, and currency value. While staples such as bread, milk, and fresh produce may be relatively affordable in both places, Australia’s reliance on imports for certain goods can drive prices up. In contrast, the UK’s diverse supermarket competition often results in more budget-friendly options. Let’s explore how grocery costs stack up between these two countries!
| Particulars | Prices In UK (Pounds) | Prices In Australia (AUD) |
| 1 litre of regular milk | 1 – 2 | 2 – 3 |
| 500g loaf of fresh white bread | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 |
| 1kg of white rice | 1 – 2 | 2 – 3 |
| A dozen regular eggs | 2 – 3 | 5 – 6 |
| 1kg of local cheese | 6 – 7 | 12 – 15 |
| 1kg of chicken breast fillets | 6 – 7 | 12 – 14 |
| 1kg of beef round or equivalent cut of red meat | 10 – 11 | 20 – 22 |
| 1kg of apples | 1 – 3 | 4 – 5 |
| 1 kg of bananas | 1 – 3 | 4 – 4 |
| 1kg of oranges | 2 – 3 | 4 – 5 |
| 1 kg of tomatoes | 2 – 3 | 6 – 7 |
| 1kg of potatoes | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 |
| 1 kg of onions | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 |
| 1 head of lettuce | 1 – 1.20 | 3 – 4 |
| 1.5 litre bottle of water | 1 – 2 | 2 – 3 |
| A mid-range bottle of wine | 5 – 8 | 15 – 20 |
Cost Of Utilities
When it comes to the cost of utilities in the UK and Australia, understanding the differences can help students manage their budgets more effectively. While Australia’s warmer weather might lead to lower heating costs, the UK’s competitive energy market often offers more flexible pricing options. In this comparison, we will understand how utility expenses differ between these two nations and what that means for daily living!
| Particulars | Prices In UK (Pounds) | Prices In Australia (AUD) |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection) for an 85m² apartment | 200 – 250 | 300 – 310 |
| Monthly mobile phone plan that includes calls and at least 10GB of data | 10 – 13 | 40 – 45 |
| Internet service with speeds of 60 Mbps or higher and unlimited data (cable or ADSL) | 25 – 30 | 80 – 85 |
Cost Of Transportation
Both countries have well-developed public transport systems, but the costs can vary depending on the city, distance, and mode of transport. In the UK, the extensive train and bus networks offer frequent service, though prices can be high in larger cities like London. Australia, with its vast distances and reliance on cars in some areas, also has major cities with efficient public transit, but fares can fluctuate based on location. Let’s explore how transportation expenses compare between these two countries!
| Particulars | Prices In UK (In Pounds) | Prices In Australia (In AUD) |
| One-way ticket for local transportation | 2 – 3 | 4 – 5 |
| Monthly pass at regular price | 50 – 70 | 160 – 170 |
| Taxi waiting for 1 hour at standard rate | 15 – 18 | 55 – 60 |
Cost Of Leisure And Fitness
In this section, we are comparing the cost of leisure and fitness between the UK and Australia, covering everything from gym memberships and sports clubs to cinema tickets and outdoor adventures.
| Particulars | Prices In UK (In Pounds) | Prices In Australia (In AUD) |
| Monthly membership fee for a fitness club (1 adult) | 30 – 35 | 70 – 75 |
| Tennis court rental (1 hour on a weekend) | 10 – 12 | 25 – 27 |
| Cinema ticket for an international release (1 seat) | 10 – 15 | 20 – 22 |
Cost Of Healthcare
When comparing the cost of healthcare for international students in the UK and Australia, several important factors shape the overall experience and financial impact. These include the structure of each country’s healthcare system, the level of access to services, associated costs, and the coverage options available for students.
| Aspect | UK (In Pounds) | Australia (In AUD) |
| Healthcare System | NHS (National Health Service) | Medicare + OSHC |
| Annual Health Surcharge | £776 per year | AUD 450 – AUD 600 for OSHC |
| General Practitioner Visits | Free under NHS | AUD 50 – AUD 100 |
| Prescription Costs | £9.35 per item | Up to AUD 38.30 |
Visa Costs And Documents Required For The UK Vs Australia
While planning to move to the UK certain visa fees are required to be paid. Students should budget for a student visa application fee, along with an Immigration Health Surcharge of up to £776 per year. If considering extending their stay through the Graduate Route, additional fees will apply. Understanding these costs is crucial for effective financial planning when studying abroad.
| Particulars | Cost (£) |
| Student Visa Application Fee | £363 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year |
International students planning to study in Australia should budget for a student visa application, along with additional costs for dependents and health insurance. It is essential to ensure that all financial requirements are met before applying for the visa to avoid delays or rejections.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
| Student Visa Application Fee | AUD 1,600 |
| OSHC (Health Insurance) | AUD 450 – AUD 600 |
Cost Of Studying In The UK Vs Australia
The UK, with its prestigious universities and popular cities, attracts students worldwide, and its shorter courses can mean lower overall expenses. Meanwhile, Australia offers a dynamic, multicultural environment with top-ranking institutions and unique perks like student-friendly work policies. Below we have given a breakdown of everything from top universities, courses and tuition fees, helping you find the best fit for your budget and goals.
| Top Universities In The UK | Popular Courses | Tuition Fees (In Pounds) | Top Universities In Australia | Popular Courses | Tuition Fees (In AUD) |
| University of Oxford | Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Law | £27,255 – £54,998 | University of Melbourne | Arts, Business, Engineering, Medicine | AUD 27,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| University of Cambridge | Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences | £26,478 – £56,166 | University of Sydney | Arts, Business, Law, Science | AUD 30,000 – AUD 45,000 |
| Imperial College London | Engineering, Business, Medicine | £32,500 – £37,500 | UNSW Sydney | Engineering, Business, Arts | AUD 30,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| University College London (UCL) | Arts and Humanities, Engineering | £27,900 – £58,850 | Australian National University (ANU) | Arts, Sciences, Engineering | AUD 28,000 – AUD 45,000 |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | Economics, Politics | £22,000 – £39,000 | Monash University | Business, Education, Engineering | AUD 30,000 – AUD 48,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | Business Management, Medicine | £20,200 – £42,500 | University of Queensland | Business Management, Health Sciences | AUD 29,000 – AUD 45,000 |
| King’s College London | Law, Health & Social Care | £23,000 – £38,400 | University of Western Australia | Environmental Science, Engineering | AUD 27,500 – AUD 43,500 |
| University of Manchester | Business Studies, Engineering | £19,000 – £34,000 | University of Adelaide | Engineering, Health Sciences | AUD 28,500 – AUD 42,500 |
| University of Bristol | Engineering, Business | £19,300 – £27,500 | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Business Analytics, Design | AUD 26,000 – AUD 40,000 |
| University of Warwick | Business Management, Engineering | £20,100 – £37,820 | RMIT University | Art and Design, Engineering | AUD 25,500 – AUD 39,500 |
The cost of living in Australia vs the UK are both considered high, but it varies depending on the city. Housing, transportation, food and drink, and healthcare are the major expenses to consider when comparing the two countries. While the cost of living in Australia is generally higher than in the UK, it offers a high quality of life and a great lifestyle. Ultimately, the decision to move to either country depends on personal preferences and circumstances.
FAQs
Which country is better for students, the UK or Australia?
It depends on individual preferences, but UK universities generally rank higher and offer better education quality compared to those in Australia.
Is it worth moving from the UK to Australia?
Yes, moving to Australia can be worth it for a more relaxed lifestyle, better weather, and a stronger emphasis on outdoor living and work-life balance compared to the UK.
Is $1,000 enough to live in London?
Living in London for £1,000 a month is possible but challenging. It requires careful budgeting and depends on factors like accommodation, lifestyle, and smart financial management.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Sydney?
To maintain the same standard of living, you would need around 12,993.3A$ (£6,670.7) in London compared to 11,000.0A$ in Sydney, making London more expensive than Sydney.
Which is safer, Australia or the UK?
Australia is considered safer, with a lower assault rate of 2.4 per million inhabitants compared to 2.8 in the UK, making it a popular choice for Brits to emigrate.
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