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Known as the education capital of Australia, Canberra is the ideal choice for students who love adventure in their lives. Both when it comes to academics and forests and mountains. The terrain at which Canberra is situated makes it perfect to experience adventure sports such as mountain biking down famous trails, mountain hikes, river rafts and more. It’s a city that bridges the gap in art, culture and history – making it the perfect student destination. The cost of living in Canberra for students typically ranges from AUD 1,834 to AUD 2,098/INR 98,286 to 112,000, depending on various factors. In this article, we will dive into a deeper understanding of the financial aspect of Canberra.
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 |
What Is The Cost Of Living In Canberra For Students?

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is incredibly well known for its museums and historical sites. It’s a city where, when you dig deep, you might find hustling and bustling breweries, rare finds, quiet nature, and friendly spots for multiple family and friends. Canberra has been ranked as the best place to live and visit. With a rise in industries such as healthcare, food, and more, Canberra is leading the way in paving the way for increasing job opportunities. At the same time, the cost of living in Canberra for international students could be higher than the rest of Australia. But this stunning destination makes up for it through its affordable student options. This overview will give you the complete cost of living in Canberra, Australia, with a breakdown of the particulars students can expect to spend.
Item | Cost (Per Month) |
Off-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 708 |
On-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 972 |
Transportation | AU$ 132 |
Food | AU$ 319 |
Utility | AU$ 179 |
Entertainment | AU$ 49 |
Groceries | AU$ 179 |
Clothes | AU$ 81 |
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | AU$ 1,834 |
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | AU$ 2,098 |
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 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, living off-campus and finding a place closer to your university may be better. You will discover many Canberra student accommodation options around your campus which are affordable and budget-friendly. The monthly cost of living in Canberra is shown in the table below.
Property Name | Weekly Cost (AUD) | Address |
UniLodge – UC Guginya, Campus West | AU$231 | Telita St, Bruce ACT 2617 |
Dickson Village Apartments | AU$448 | 50 Antill St, Dickson ACT 2602 |
Y Suites on Moore | AU$349 | 9 Moore St., Canberra ACT 2607 |
Australia Home Stay Canberra | AU$315 | 21 National Circuit, Barton, Canberra |
Cost Of Food In Canberra:
Australia is a land of breathtaking beaches and wildlife. It is natural to assume it would also have the best culinary options. Japanese and vegetarian options dominate the Australian market, such as INKA, RAKU, Blu Ginger (an Indian restaurant with unique interiors), Rebel Rebel, and more, focusing on 180 ways of eating food. Students have the freedom to choose their palettes and indulge in Canberra life. That said, a meal can range from AUD 15/INR 804 to AUD 150/INR 8,000, covering levels right from spots such as McDonalds to mid-range restaurants. The pie chart below explains the cost distribution of food for students:
Canberra: Find Your Perfect Student Home – Starts at AUD $196!
Cost Of Groceries in Canberra:
The cost of groceries in Canberra reflects the city’s elevated way of living. The prices of different ingredients are based on the quality, brand and store location. Understanding the typical prices for essential items can help students budget effectively for their weekly grocery errands. Advanced meal prep and a grocery to-buy list help students avoid overspending and over-consumption of necessities. The following table includes the price of common ingredients that students might purchase.
Markets | Range (AUD) | Range (INR) |
Milk (Regular1 litre) | 1 – 4 | 54 – 215 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2 – 7 | 107 – 375 |
Rice (white), (1kg) | 1 – 5 | 53 – 268 |
Eggs (regular) (12) | 4 – 10 | 215 – 536 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | 10 – 30 | 537 – 1,600 |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 10 – 18 | 537 – 964 |
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 15 – 30 | 804 -1,600 |
Apples (1kg) | 3 – 7 | 161 – 375 |
Banana (1kg) | 3 – 7 | 161 – 375 |
Oranges (1kg) | 2 – 9 | 107 – 482 |
Tomato (1kg) | 3 – 13 | 161 – 696 |
Potato (1kg) | 2 – 5 | 107 – 268 |
Onion (1kg) | 2 – 5 | 107 – 268 |
Lettuce (1 head) | 2 – 5 | 107 – 268 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1 – 5 | 54 – 268 |
Cost Of Transportation in Canberra:
Connectivity and accessibility is everything when you’re a student trying to connect to the university and different spots of the country. Luckily, Canberra supports an excellent transportation system that includes buses and light rail, which can cost anywhere from £2 to £200/INR 215 to 21,482, depending on the mode and type of pass you choose to go for. This affordable cost of transportation in Canberra is crucial for residents to roam anywhere freely without worrying about falling short of money. The table below explains it all:
Transportation | Range (AUD) | Range (INR) |
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4 – 5 | 215 – 268 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 171 – 200 | 9,156 – 10,706 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5 – 10 | 268 – 536 |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2 – 5 | 107 – 268 |
Cost Of Leisure and Fitness In Canberra
Health should never be an option. For students, the need to be physically and mentally fit is exceptionally crucial. This will help them excel in their studies and enjoy the entire academic year looking and feeling good. The cost of leisure and fitness in Canberra depends on the type of activity students prefer. While it is free to jog in the park, a gym membership renting a tennis court can cost a sum. Similarly, a ticket to the cinema can be pricier than the rest of Australia. The table below can give you a better idea about the costs associated with wellness:
Sports and Leisure | Range (AUD) | Range (INR) |
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 50 – 140 | 2,684 – 7,507 |
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 20 – 40 | 1,074 – 2,141 |
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 18 – 26 | 964 – 1,396 |
Cost of Utilities in Canberra:
The cost of utilities in Canberra is the total sum of services such as essentials, the mobile phone plan and internet. Living a successful and happy student life is impossible without these 3 power rangers since they elevate our standard of living, even though they are the most necessary. Below is an idea of how much students can expect to spend on living expenses in Canberra (monthly).
Utilities (Monthly) | Range (AUD) | Range (INR) |
Essential (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 300 – 450 | 16,095 – 24,135 |
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 25 – 70 | 1,344 – 3,758 |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 80 – 115 | 4,296 – 6,157 |
Cost of Tuition In Canberra:
Canberra, a leading educational destination in Australia, is known for its strong educational framework. Home to some of the best universities in the world, Canberra aims to provide quality, varied and different types of education to every student who decides to step foot in their premises. Options for Masters can range from Arts to Business and even Science – leading to only credible individuals in every field. With that, the cost of education can vary as per programme and university, which is shown below:
University | Top Master’s Programmes | Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) |
Australian National University | Master of Arts, Master of Science | 40,000 – 45,000 |
University of Canberra | Master of Business Administration, Master of Education | 30,000 – 35,000 |
Charles Sturt University | Master of Information Technology | 30,000 – 35,000 |
Australian Catholic University | Master of Social Work | 30,000 – 40,000 |
Minimum Wage In Canberra Vs Other Places
As of July 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Canberra, part of Australia, will be AUD 24.10/INR 1,291 per hour or AUD 915.90 per week. This represents a 3.75% increase from the previous year, reflecting ongoing adjustments made by the Fair Work Commission to help workers cope with living costs. Australia’s minimum wage is among the highest in the world, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their labour. Comparatively, minimum wages in other countries vary significantly, influenced by factors such as local economic conditions and labour laws.
Canberra, Australia’s cost of living for international students presents a balanced perspective for residents and students alike, combining affordability with a high quality of life. While the average cost of living in Canberra monthly expenses for a single person or a student can be around AUD 2,775/INR 148,000, which includes housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation, international students can expect to spend approximately AUD 2,076/INR 118,000 per month without rent. This makes Canberra a competitive option compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where living costs can be significantly higher.
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.
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