Cost of Living In Canberra For Students [Updated Prices 2025]

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, has a population of around 450,000. Canberra is also home to many politicians and bureaucrats who work in Parliament House and other government buildings. The city is a great place to live, and it’s very affordable. While the cost of living in Canberra may be higher than in many other Australian cities, students can still find a good balance between enjoying themselves and managing their budgets. The following guide will help you understand how much money you’d need to survive in Canberra while staying on top of your studies.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Canberra For Students?

Living in Canberra as an international student can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the student’s lifestyle, accommodation choice, and spending habits. However, in general, Canberra is considered to be a relatively expensive city in Australia. The average cost of living in Canberra for students ranges between AU$ 1,834 to AU$ 2,098 per month. To know what your expenses will look like and what factors contribute to your overall living expenditures, take a look at the table below –

Student Accommodation In Canberra

Canberra is a city with a great deal to offer international students. You can enjoy the nightlife, or simply relax and catch up on some homework. If you choose to live in student accommodation, it will be convenient, and you will have a lot of facilities at your disposal. You’ll be able to make friends and generally have an enjoyable experience while living on campus. But if you prefer more independence, it may be better for you to live off-campus, and find a place somewhere closer to your university. You will find many Canberra student accommodation options around your campus which are affordable and budget-friendly. The cost of living in Canberra per month is shown in the table below.  

Food 

Monthly Average Cost: $300

Food expenses can encompass a major portion of your cost of living in Canberra. There are a lot of places to buy food in Canberra and many cheaper options available for students. If you live on campus, then your college will tell you where to find the best deals on food. You can also explore the nearby shops that sell groceries at a discount price. 

Transport

Monthly Average Cost: $132

The cost of a taxi in Canberra is between $4 and $8 for a trip within the city. A bus ticket costs between $3 and $5, but you need to buy an Opal card from one of the many retail outlets in town if you want to use public transport. Your cost of living in Canberra transport expenses can reduce by getting to places on foot or by bike. Cycling is a popular way to travel in Canberra, and there are bike lanes everywhere, so it’s worth considering if you want to save some money!  

Utilities

Monthly Average Cost: $179

Another substantial cost of living in Canberra expense you’ll have to deal with as an international student is the utilities. Electricity, gas and water are all essential parts of living in Australia and will cost you quite a bit each month. Your college or university might offer some additional discounts for these services, but you will still need to keep a good budget aside for this. 

Other Expenses

Other expenses included in the cost of living in Canberra are your miscellaneous items. Health insurance is also required for every international student and costs about AU$ 400 per year. The University of Canberra has one of the best libraries in Australia and it offers free access to all students, so don’t forget your library card! If you’re looking for something fun and exciting while you’re here, check out your local cinema—it’s only $8 per ticket! Alternatively, if dancing is more your thing then head over to The Library Bar on Friday nights; they have live bands which play until 3 am! There are plenty of local shops where you can buy clothes at affordable prices. But don’t forget, if there’s something specific that you need, stock up at home before coming because prices here are pretty high compared with other places like Sydney or Melbourne where there are many stores selling clothing items at lower costs than those found locally. 

Things To Explore In Canberra

Before we understand the living cost in Canberra for international students, here are some things to know about the city:

• The best thing about Canberra is the people. They are very friendly and welcoming. Everyone will make sure you feel at home as soon as possible in an unfamiliar environment.
• The most interesting place to visit in Canberra is the National Museum of Australia or the Australian War Memorial. Both have exhibitions that will help you understand more about Australia’s history, culture, and society today. If you like museums and history, these places should be on your list!
• You can also go hiking at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where there are lots of beautiful trails for all levels of hikers. It’s just outside of town so it’s easy to get there by public transport. There are also plenty of other things to do such as visiting Parliament House where they have free tours every day.

Conclusion

Canberra is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. International students will be happy to know that the cost of living in Canberra is quite affordable, especially when compared to cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The city has a modest cost of living and offers several options, like low-cost supermarkets and bargain shops, to help you reduce Canberra’s living expenses. Purchasing seasonal food and preparing your meals are helpful additional options for managing your budget. There are many things for international students to do in Canberra, including going on campus tours or joining clubs and societies where they can meet other international students from all over the world. 

Thank you for reading this blog on ‘The Cost Of Living In Canberra, Australia!’ If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –

• Must Visit Places & Things To Do In Canberra, Australia
• Best Universities In Canberra
• The Best ANU Accommodation In Canberra, Australia
• Cost of Living in Sydney for Students