Introduction
Are you planning to study abroad and wondering which country is better for you? Well, you can opt for either Australia or the US. As both are popular destinations for international students, having top universities, quality education and job prospects. Additionally, you get to know diverse cultures and crack new opportunities. But how do they compare in terms of the cost of living, which is a major factor for many students? In this blog, we will understand the key comparisons of the average cost of living in Australia Vs the US, including the costs of accommodation, food, transportation, health care and more. Stay tuned in for budgeting tips, scholarships, and more!
What Is The Average Cost Of Living In Australia Vs The US?
The estimated cost of living for students in Australia is A$2,236 (USD 1,431.04) per month for off-campus, while on-campus accommodation is slightly higher at approximately A$ 3,190 (USD 2,041.6).
On the other hand, the overall monthly expenses for off-campus living in the US amounts to $ 1,504, while on-campus accommodations are summed up to around $ 1,850.
Following is the breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in Australia vs the US.
| Items | Cost Of Living In Australia (Monthly) | Cost Of Living In the US (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | A$ 800 (USD 512) | $ 525 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | A$ 1,754 (USD 1,122.56) | $ 871 |
| Transportation | A$ 150 (USD 96) | $ 70 |
| Food Cost | A$ 780 (USD 499.2) | $ 527 |
| Utility Cost | A$ 205 (USD 131.2) | $ 180 |
| Entertainment | A$ 80 (USD 51.2) | $ 48 |
| Groceries | A$ 68 (USD 43.52) | $ 52 |
| Clothes | A$ 153 (USD 97.92) | $ 102 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | A$ 2,236 (USD 1,431.04) | $ 1,504 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | A$ 3,190 (USD 2,041.6) | $ 1,850 |
| Annual Cost of Living | A$ 26, 832 (USD 17,172.48) | $ 18,048 |
Housing Facilities In Australia Vs The US
Student accommodation in Australia and the US can vary depending on the location, the type of housing, and the amenities. One of the factors that affect the cost of living in Australia compared to the US is the choice of housing options for students in both countries. Here are some of the common types of housing options for students in both countries:
On-campus Accommodation
Many students live in campus-hostels, dormitories or apartments that belong to the universities. This option gives the chance to socialise with other students additionally it is convenient and safe. The average rent for on-campus accommodation in Australia is A$800 (USD 512) per month, while in the US it is USD 525 per month.
Off-campus Accommodation
If the university doesn’t provide on campus accommodation or the environment over there is not good, students opt for houses or apartments outside the university campus. This option is more flexible, spacious, and affordable than on-campus accommodation. However, it can also be challenging to find a suitable place, deal with landlords, and commute to the university. The average rent for off-campus accommodation in Australia is A$ 1,754 (USD 1,122.56) per month, while in the US it is USD 871 per month.
Best Places To Stay
- Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. These cities offer a high quality of education, a diverse culture, a vibrant nightlife, and a range of attractions
- US: Boston, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. These cities offer a world-class education, a multicultural environment, a dynamic entertainment scene, and a variety of opportunities.
UniAcco global network of 70,000+ students and receive expert guidance to make your study abroad experience in both countries exceptional. With UniAcco’s assistance, choose the best student accommodation in Australia and the US and make your time abroad unforgettable.
Tuition Fees
One of the major expenses while undertaking higher studies abroad are tuition fees. However, tuition fees are not the only factor to consider when comparing the cost of studying in different countries. The cost of living in Australia vs the US also plays an important role in scrutinising the overall affordability and quality of life for students.
Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree
- Australia: AU$20,000 (US 13,675) to $45,000 (US 30,769) per year
- US: $26,820 per year for public universities, more for private colleges.
Postgraduate Master’s Degree
- Australia: AU$ 22,000 (US$15,045) to $50,000 (US$34,192) per year.
- US: $30,000 to $40,000 per year for public universities, more for private colleges.
Popular Courses
Some of the popular courses in Australia include Business and Management, Engineering, Health and Medicine and Information Technology.
While in the USA, the most pursued courses are Business and Management, Engineering, Social Sciences, Computer Science and Biological Sciences.
Scholarship Availability In Australia
- Australia Awards Scholarships: Full scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and more.
- Destination Australia Scholarships: Support for regional campus study.
- Research Training Program (RTP): Scholarships for research degrees.
- University-specific scholarships: Based on merit, need, or criteria.
Scholarship Availability In The US
- Fulbright Program: Prestigious scholarships for students from 160+ countries.
- EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program: Support low-income students with academic excellence.
- AAUW International Fellowships: Fellowships for women pursuing studies in the US.
- University-specific scholarships: Based on merit, need, or criteria.
Following is the list of the 10 Best Universities to study in the US and Australia:
| US | Australia |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Harvard University | University of Melbourne |
| Stanford University | University of Sydney |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | University of Queensland |
| University of Chicago | Monash University |
| University of Pennsylvania | University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
| Cornell University | University of Western Australia (UWA) |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | University of Adelaide |
| Yale University | Macquarie University |
| Princeton University | Queensland University of Technology (QUT) |
Cost Of Food
The average monthly cost of food in Australia is around AUD 780 (USD 499.2), whereas in the US it is around USD 527.
- Student discounts: Students can save money by shopping at supermarkets that provide less expensive food items, such as Aldi, Coles and Woolworths in Australia, and Walmart, Costco and Trader Joe’s in the US.
- These countries offer student discounts at various cafes, restaurants and food outlets. For example, UNiDAYS is a platform that provides discounts for students in both countries. You can avail offers and discounts from here!
- There are some affordable places to eat in Australia, such as Nando’s, Grill’d, Guzmán Gomez, and Subway. In the US, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Panda Express, and Chick-fil-A are some affordable places to eat.
- Famous dishes: Some famous dishes that students must try in Australia are Vegemite toast, meat pie, lamingtons and pavlova. Some famous dishes that students must try in the US are burgers, pizza, macaroni and cheese and apple pie.
Transportation Cost
It’s important to also consider and compare the transportation costs in Australia Vs. US. In Australia, it amounts to around A$150 (USD 96), whereas in the US, it averages around USD 70.
Modes Of Transportation
Buses, trains, trams, subways, taxis and ridesharing services are some of the modes of transportations available in both the countries..Some cities also have ferries, light rail and bike-sharing systems.
Student Discount
Students can look for student discounts or concessions that are offered by some transport providers or authorities. For example, in Australia, students can get discounts on buses in NT, SA and WA, and on trains and trams in SA and VIC. In the US, students can get discounts on buses and subways in Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Healthcare Facilities
For eligible people in Australia, Medicare pays for the majority of medical expenses. Almost 1300 hospitals provide both public and private sectors with free or inexpensive healthcare. Both public and private funding sources support different healthcare facilities. The NHMRC backs both health policy and research.
In contrast, the US has a hybrid public-private structure. It is typical to have private health insurance. 6000+ hospitals, mostly private, with a range of prices and quality. Private hospitals treat the insured and uninsured; public hospitals serve the underprivileged. International biomedical research is supported by the federal organisation NIH.
Part-time Job Opportunities For Students
When considering the cost of living in Australia vs the US, finding out a variety of job options becomes important for managing your finances effectively in both countries.
In Australia, students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their study term and unlimited hours during their vacation period. They can earn an average of AUD 20-25 per hour depending on the type of job and their skills.
In the US, students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during their study term and up to 40 hours per week off campus during their vacation period. They can earn an average of USD 10-15 per hour depending on the type of job and their skills.
Tutoring services, the food chain business, admin executives, bartenders, and customer service centers are some of the most common part-time jobs for students in Australia.
Some of the common part-time jobs in the US for students are campus ambassador, library assistant, barista, tour guide and store associate.
Conclusion
When comparing the dynamic cost of living between Australia and the US, there are differences in the areas of education, healthcare, and general living expenses. Unlike the US, where significant funding for research is combined with private insurance, Australia offers a range of scholarships and Medicare that makes healthcare more affordable. Both nations have unique systems that impact the lives of its people, emphasising the need of careful consideration when making choices based on individual preferences and budgetary planning.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average Australian vs US cost of living?
Ans: The average monthly cost of living in Australia is approximately A$ 800 (USD 512), while in the US it is $ 525.
Q2. Is Australia better to live in than the USA?
Ans: Because of its longer life expectancy, lower obesity rate, and longer paid vacation time, Australia has a superior quality of life than the US. But the US has more innovative technology, a wider variety of landmarks and landscapes, and a greater cultural impact.
Q3. Which is better to work USA or Australia?
Ans: Due to its more friendly workplace culture, greater job stability, and higher minimum salary, Australia offers a better work-life balance than the US. Nonetheless, there are more career prospects in the US in a variety of industries, particularly in technology, finance, and entertainment.
Q4. What are the benefits of studying in Australia and the US?
Ans: Australia has cheaper tuition fees and living expenses than the US, as well as a student visa that allows students to work in Australia. However, the US has more prestigious and diverse universities and programs, as well as more scholarships and financial aid options.
Q5. What US and Australia is famous for?
Ans: The US is famous for its cultural influence, technological innovation, diverse landscapes and landmarks, while Australia is famous for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, and food such as Vegemite.
Thank you for reading about the “Cost Of Living In Australia Vs The US.” If you’re interested in exploring more articles on related topics, we recommend checking out the below articles:
