Melbourne – Australia’s second-biggest city is commonly named one of the world’s most liveable cities, and the first capital of Australia. It features grand Victorian buildings built during the 1850s Gold Rush and the 1880s boom. Australia’s “Sports Capital” is the venue of the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup, a top equestrian event. Melbourne’s cultural energy is apparent everywhere, its visual arts, literature, theatre, and, especially, live music scenes are dynamic and popular. If you intend to relocate to this beautiful city for further education, it is critical that you understand the cost of living in Melbourne as well as each of your individual costs so that you can plan your budget.
Overview Of Living Expenses In Melbourne
A variety of expenses including accommodation, food, groceries and miscellaneous costs define the cost of living in Melbourne. On average, 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 | 1400 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 1616 |
| Transportation | 196 |
| Food | 900 |
| Entertainment | 88 |
| Groceries | 272 |
| Clothes | 202 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 3058 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 3274 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost of Living in Melbourne For Indian Students
The living costs in Melbourne are inclusive of various expenses including food, accommodation, travel and many others that are beyond the tuition fees. As an Indian student pursuing your education in Melbourne, your average monthly expenses can range between INR 1,60,000 – 1,78,000 which covers a wide assortment of costs. Here is a representation of the average total expense that Indian students will have to incur while pursuing their studies in Melbourne:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 76,534 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 88,342 |
| Transportation | 10,714 |
| Food | 49,195 |
| Entertainment | 4,809 |
| Groceries | 14,867 |
| Clothes | 11,040 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 167,148 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 178,954 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost Of Tuition Fees
The University of Melbourne, consistently ranked among Australia’s best, charges international students between AUD $38,336 and AUD $51,968 per year for undergraduate courses and AUD $35,712 to AUD $51,968 for postgraduate programmes. At Monash University, another prestigious option, international fees range from AUD 33,700 to AUD $46,500 annually for most courses. RMIT University, known for its strengths in technology and design, has tuition fees from AUD $32,640 to AUD $38,880 for international undergraduates and AUD $33,440 to AUD $42,240 for postgraduates.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Melbourne
The prices of student accommodation in Melbourne can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations can range from approximately AU$260 – AU$475 per week depending on the property type.
| Melbourne Accommodation | |||
| Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation | |
| Cost | AU$260 – AU$475 Per Week | AU$249 Per Week + Utility bills | AU$200 per week |
| 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 |
| Home Insurance | Included in rent | AU$1,000 – AU$1,500 per year | Included in rent |
| Proximity University | Walking distance to campus | Depends on area | Inside/nearby Universities |
| Other Amenities | Mostly all amenities are included like wifi, microwave, electric Stove, fridge etc. | Based on landlord/location | Mostly all amenities are included like 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. For example, a full fare 2-hour Myki ticket for bus travel within Zone 1 and 2 costs $4.50.
Trams: Tram fares are calculated based on the number of zones traveled. For example, a 2-hour full fare Myki ticket for tram travel within Zone 1 and 2 costs $4.50.
Bikes: Melbourne is a bike-friendly city with over 135km of bike paths and lanes. Cycling is an affordable transportation option. One-time cost for purchasing a bike costs around AU$150 for a basic model.
Cost of Food and Groceries
A single person can expect to spend around AU$400 to AU$500 per month on basic groceries from supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants will typically cost between AU$15 to $25 for a meal.
For those craving a taste of Melbourne’s renowned café and restaurant culture, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range establishment will likely set you back AU$70 to $100. Popular dining hubs like Lygon Street, Chinatown, and the CBD tend to be pricier. However, affordable ethnic cuisine from food trucks and holes-in-the-wall can provide tasty meals for under AU$10.
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 which contribute 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 a diverse range of 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 $10:
- Vegie Tribe: This restaurant offers plant-based healthy dishes at low prices, seven days a week. You can find a selection of delicious vegan and vegetarian delicacies, such as curry laksa, pad thai, and fried rice.
- Udon Yasan: This place is a game-changer in the cheap eats category. You can customize your bowl of udon noodles with various toppings, sauces, and tempura.
- ShanDong Mama: This place is famous for its handmade dumplings in different flavours and shapes. You can choose from pork, beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian fillings, and enjoy them with vinegar and chilli oil. The dumplings are juicy, tender, and satisfying.
Other Expenses
Students must consider other expenses such as phone bills, electricity bills, leisure activities, etc, while planning their budget to live in Melbourne. These expenses may vary depending on the individual’s lifestyle and preferences. The following are some examples of miscellaneous expenses in Melbourne:
- Electricity: The average monthly cost of electricity in Melbourne is around AU$ 75 for a single-person household, AU$ 102 for a two-person household, and AU$ 136 for a four-person household.
- Phone Recharge: The average monthly cost of a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data in Melbourne is around AU$ 48.
- Stationery: The average monthly cost of stationery items such as pens, notebooks, folders, etc. in Melbourne is around AU$ 10.
- Leisure Activities: The average monthly cost of recreation and entertainment in Melbourne is around AU$ 100-200, depending on the type and frequency of the activities. For example, two tickets to a movie can cost between AU$ 32 and 36, while a visit to a theatre can cost over AU$ 200.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Melbourne
For students, the cost of living is influenced by a variety of 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 to be challenging due to the higher living costs and several 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 as they are inclusive of the utility bills in the property pricing which makes them cost-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 opt for home-cooked meals to adapt to a healthy lifestyle along with maximising savings.
FAQs
Q1. Is Melbourne expensive to live in?
Ans: 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.
Q2. How much does it cost to live in Melbourne as an international student?
Ans: For students, Melbourne is a pricier option with rentals at student accommodations off campus costs $159 AUD. The city houses renowned universities, has a thriving city life and boasts an engaging and diverse student community.
Q3. What is the average rent in Melbourne, Australia?
Ans: An average rent on costs $3000 AUD on campus & $596 AUD off-campus.
Q4. What is the weekly cost of living in Melbourne?
Ans: Average overall cost per week in Melbourne is $573 AUD off campus and $1,174 AUD on campus.
