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Melbourne, consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, attracts thousands of international students yearly with its prestigious universities and cultural scenes. For students planning to pursue their education in this city, understanding the comprehensive cost of living is essential for effective financial planning. The cost of living in Melbourne encompasses various aspects – from accommodation and transportation to daily necessities and leisure activities. While the city offers world-class educational opportunities, it’s crucial for students to have a clear understanding of these expenses to make informed decisions and manage their budgets effectively. Let’s get into a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Melbourne, ensuring you are well-prepared for your academic journey in 2025.
Overview Of Living Expenses In Melbourne
Various expenses, including accommodation, food, groceries and miscellaneous costs, define the cost of living in Melbourne. Students can estimate their monthly living costs in Melbourne to be around AU$3,000- AU$3,200. However, these expenses can vary depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Here is a tabular representation of the same to provide you with clarity on these average individual expenses per month:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (AU$) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 800 – 2,800 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 1000 – 2,500 |
| Transportation | 200 – 250 |
| Groceries | 280 – 350 |
| Entertainment | 90 – 100 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost Of Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are a major consideration for students pursuing higher education, as they often represent the largest expense in their academic journey. This section provides insights into the factors influencing tuition fees and tips for managing this critical aspect of education expenses.
| Level of Study | Estimated Tuition Fees (AUD) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | AUD 20,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| Master’s Degree | AUD 20,000 – AUD 60,000 |
| MBA | AUD 50,000 – AUD 130,000 |
| Doctorate | AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 |
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Melbourne
Melbourne, known for its vibrant culture and top-ranking universities, is a popular destination for students worldwide. Finding the right accommodation is critical to the student experience, with various factors influencing the overall cost. This guide provides an overview of the factors affecting student accommodation costs in Melbourne, helping students make informed decisions that suit their needs and budget.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Cost (AU$) |
| Shared Room | AU$800 – AU$2,800 |
| Private Room | AU$1,000 – AU$2,400 |
| Entire Apartment (1 Bedroom) | AU$1,700 – AU$1,800 |
| Shared Flat | AU$1,000 – AU$2,000 |
| Melbourne Accommodation | |||
| Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation | |
| Safety | These are gated communities with utmost safety and all facilities included, like CCTV, biometric entrance, etc. | Depends on the landlord and area | These are on the university campus with all the safety precautions |
| Utility Bills | Included | Not Included | Included |
| Proximity University | Walking distance to campus | Depends on area | Inside/nearby Universities |
| Other Amenities | Mostly all amenities are included, such as Wi-Fi, microwave, electric stove, fridge, etc. | Based on landlord/location | Mostly all amenities are included, such as Wi-Fi, microwave, electric stove, fridge, etc. |
Cost of Transport
Melbourne offers easy connectivity to the major university campuses along with convenient transportation alternatives to travel within and around the city, including:
Bus: Bus fares are similar to tram and train fares, with prices based on the number of zones travelled. Below, we have given an approximate cost you can expect to pay.
| Particulars | Fare |
| Single-ride ticket (local transport) | 5 – 6 |
| Standard monthly pass | 180 – 200 |
| Taxi waiting time for 1 hour (regular rate) | 40 – 45 |
Cost of Food and Groceries
Food and groceries form a fundamental part of our monthly expenses, impacting both household budgets and lifestyle choices. Understanding the costs associated with everyday essentials like fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples is crucial for effective financial planning. A single person can expect to spend around AU$280 to AU$350 monthly on basic groceries from supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi. Below, we have given a breakdown of the grocery costs one can expect to spend in Melbourne.
| Particulars | Costs |
| Oranges (1kg) | 4 – 5 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 5 – 6 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | 3 – 4 |
| Onions (1kg) | 3 – 4 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3 – 4 |
| Bottled water (1.5 litres) | 2 – 3 |
| Regular milk (1 litre) | 2 – 3 |
| Fresh white bread loaf (500g) | 2 – 3 |
| White rice (1kg) | 3 – 4 |
| Regular eggs (12) | 5 – 6 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | 10 – 12 |
| Chicken fillets (1kg) | 13 – 14 |
| Apples (1kg) | 4 – 5 |
| Bananas (1kg) | 4 – 5 |
Cost Of Fitness And Leisure
Engaging in fitness and leisure activities is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. From gym memberships to recreational sports and entertainment, these activities enhance physical well-being and contribute to mental relaxation and social interaction. In this section, we will explore the expenses associated with fitness and leisure activities.
| Particulars | Prices |
| Monthly Membership Fee for an Adult at a Fitness Club | 70 – 80 |
| Weekend Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour) | 20 – 25 |
| Ticket Price for an International Movie Release (1 Seat) | 24 – 26 |
Is Melbourne Expensive To Live For Students?
While Melbourne offers a bustling student life and top-notch educational institutions, the cost of living can be a significant consideration for those on a tight budget. Fortunately, the city provides various affordable options for students. Additionally, many scholarships offer financial assistance for students to cover their educational expenses, contributing to a major chunk of the costs. Thus, with the right planning, the living costs as a student in Melbourne can be managed well.
Top & Affordable Restaurants In Melbourne
Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise, with diverse cuisines and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. For students who are looking for top and affordable restaurants in Melbourne, here are some of the best options under $10:
- Vegie Tribe: This restaurant offers low-cost, plant-based, healthy dishes seven days a week. It offers a selection of delicious vegan and vegetarian delicacies, such as curry laksa, pad thai, and fried rice.
- Udon Yasan: This place is a game-changer in the cheap eats category. You can customise your bowl of udon noodles with various toppings, sauces, and tempura.
- Shandong Mama is famous for its handmade dumplings in different flavours and shapes. You can choose from pork, beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian fillings and enjoy them with vinegar and chilli oil. The dumplings are juicy, tender, and satisfying.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Melbourne
For students, the cost of living is influenced by various factors specific to their lifestyle and needs. Here are some key factors that can impact the cost of living for students in Melbourne:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food & Groceries
- Entertainment & Leisure
- Health care expenses
- Study supplies
- Miscellaneous costs
How To Save Money As A Student In Melbourne?
Saving money as a student in Melbourne can seem challenging due to the higher living costs and associated expenses. However, with some careful planning and mindful spending habits, there can certainly be scope for savings. Here are some helpful and practical tips:
- Go for purpose-built student accommodations. Their property pricing includes the property, making it effective and convenient.
- Travel through public transportation to reach your university campus and explore areas within and around the city.
- Leverage your university library resources such as textbooks and online study materials.
- Always ask for student discounts and deals at restaurants, retail outlets and gym memberships.
- Avoid eating out frequently and choose home-cooked meals to adapt to a healthy lifestyle while maximising savings.
FAQs
Is Melbourne expensive to live in?
Over the years, Melbourne has come to be touted as among the world’s most expensive cities to live in. Topped only by Sydney, it comes second in the list of Australia’s most expensive cities.
Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?
Yes, Melbourne is cheaper than Sydney, which remains Australia’s most expensive city due to factors like lower housing supply in New South Wales compared to Victoria.
Is healthcare free in Australia?
Healthcare in Australia is partly free. Essential hospital treatments are free, but GP visits and prescriptions have charges. Some costs can be recovered through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme.
Is Australia a good place to live?
Yes, Australia is a great place to live. It offers a low crime rate and a high standard of living, which is ideal for raising a family or building a career.
What is the minimum wage in Australia?
The minimum wage in Australia is $24.10 per hour as of 1 July 2024.
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