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Sydney, Australia’s largest city is home to about 5.3 million people. This diversified and multicultural city is well-known for its exemplary landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge but has a lot more to offer. Sydney is considered Australia’s most expensive city to live in, so planning ahead, setting financial habits, and choosing realistic living choices will set you up for success. We have organized everything you need to know about Sydney, Australia’s cost of living, the average cost of living in Sydney and budgeting for your big move, incorporating average costs of accommodation, transport, entertainment, etc.
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 |
Overview Of Living Expenses In Sydney
A variety of expenses including accommodation, food, groceries and miscellaneous costs define the cost of living in Sydney. On average, students can estimate their monthly living costs in Sydney to be around AU$3,500 – AU$4,000. 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:
| Particulars | Cost (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation (Single Bed Unit) | AUD 2,200 – 2,800 |
| Off-Campus Shared Flats | AUD 960 – 1,160 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | AUD 1,400 – 2,520 |
| Transportation | AUD 217 – 300 |
| Food Cost | AUD 900 |
| Utility Cost | AUD 415 |
| Health and Leisure | AUD 80 – 230 |
| Groceries | AUD 373 – 800 |
| Clothes | AUD 213 |
| Health Insurance | AUD 75 |
| Annual Cost of Living | AUD 39,768 – 50,400 |
Cost Of Groceries In Sydney
The cost of groceries in Sydney can significantly impact the overall living expenses for residents. Sydney is known for its higher-than-average grocery prices compared to other cities in Australia. Below is a table detailing the average prices of common grocery items in Sydney, along with their price ranges.
| Markets | Price Range (AUD) |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.55 – 5 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2.70 – 6 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1.80 – 6 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 4.80 – 9.60 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 10 – 40 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 9.50 – 19 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 15 – 35 |
| Apples (1kg) | 3 – 6.50 |
| Banana (1kg) | 3 – 7 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2 – 9 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 4 – 9 |
| Potato (1kg) | 2.50 – 5 |
| Onion (1kg) | 2.50 – 5 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2 – 4.50 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 0.80 – 5 |
Cost Of Transportation In Sydney
Transportation costs in Sydney are a significant aspect of living expenses for residents and visitors alike. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport system, including buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. While public transport is generally more cost-effective than driving, understanding the various fare options is crucial for budgeting. Below is a table summarising the average transportation costs in Sydney.
| Transportation | Average Price (AUD) | Price Range (AUD) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 5 | 3.50 – 8 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 217 | 196 – 261 |
| Taxi (1km, Normal Tariff) | 5 | 2.20 – 12 |
Cost Of Leisure and Fitness In Sydney
Leisure and fitness activities are essential components of a balanced lifestyle in Sydney, offering residents opportunities to stay active, socialise, and unwind. The city provides a wide range of options for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy recreational activities. Below is a table detailing the average costs associated with leisure and fitness in Sydney.
| Sports and Leisure | Price Range (AUD) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 40 – 160 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 20 – 40 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 20 – 30 |
Cost Of Utilities In Sydney
Utilities are a crucial aspect of living expenses in Sydney, encompassing essential services that ensure comfort and connectivity in daily life. The costs associated with utilities can vary significantly based on the size of the accommodation, provider choices, and individual usage.
| Utilities | Average Price (AUD) | Price Range (AUD) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 295 | 170 – 600 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 41 | 20 – 75 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 79 | 65 – 100 |
Cost Of Studying In Sydney For International Students
The cost of studying in Sydney for international students can vary widely depending on the university and the specific programme chosen. Below is an overview of some prominent universities in Sydney, along with their master’s programmes and associated tuition fees.
| University | Programme | Tuition Fees (AUD) |
| University of Sydney | Master of Project Leadership | 44,500 |
| MBA | 67,000 | |
| Master of Engineering | 45,500 | |
| Master of Information Technology | 40,000 – 42,000 | |
| Master of Arts | 44,500 | |
| Master of Science | 50,700 | |
| University of Technology Sydney | Master of Business Administration | 45,000 |
| Master of Design | 38,000 | |
| Master of Data Science | 48,000 | |
| Macquarie University | Master of Applied Finance | 40,000 |
| Master of International Relations | 35,000 | |
| Master of Education | 36,000 |
Minimum Wage In Sydney Vs Other Cities
The minimum wage in Sydney is a critical factor for workers, especially when comparing it to other major cities in Australia. As of 2024, the national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.10 per hour. This wage applies uniformly across the country, including Sydney, but the cost of living significantly varies from one city to another.
Visa Costs For International Students
The cost of obtaining a student visa for international students wishing to study in Sydney has recently increased significantly. This increase positions Australia’s student visa costs among the highest in the world, surpassing those of countries like the United States and Canada. Understanding these expenses enables students to plan their finances effectively and facilitates a seamless application process, allowing them to concentrate on their education and experiences in Sydney.
| Visa Type | Current Fee (AUD) | Comments |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | 1,600 | Applicable to all international students. |
| Additional costs (if applicable) | Varies | May include health insurance and other processing fees. |
FAQs
Is Sydney expensive to live as a student?
Living as a student in Sydney is considered expensive, with average monthly costs ranging from AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,600. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses, making it one of the pricier cities for students in Australia.
What is the cost of living for students in Sydney?
The cost of living for students in Sydney typically ranges from AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,600 per month. This estimate includes expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities, with variations depending on individual lifestyle choices.
How much do international students need to live in Australia per month?
International students in Australia should budget approximately AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,500 per month for living expenses. This estimate varies based on individual lifestyle choices and includes costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities.
Is Australia costly for Indians?
Australia can be considered costly for Indians, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where living expenses are significantly higher than in India. The average monthly cost of living ranges from AUD 1,400 to AUD 3,500, depending on lifestyle and location, which can be challenging for many students.
Is rent in Sydney cheap?
Rent in Sydney is not cheap, with affordability at record lows; the average rent now consumes about 30% of median household incomes.
1. How much does it cost to live in Sydney per month?
Sydney is a pricey city to call home. New reports say it trumps New York and London with regards to the cost of living. For students in the city, campus accommodation provided by universities are comparatively pricier than private accommodation which ranges from anywhere between AUS $170 – AUS $750.
2. Is Sydney affordable to live in?
For all the fantastic things the city has to offer, Sydney is not easy-on-the-pockets. From living and food to transport and leisure, Sydney meets or in many cases, exceeds the cost of living of the world’s most expensive cities like New York and London.
3. What is the best place to live in Sydney?
Some of the top spots for student living in Sydney are Randwick, Marrickville, Darlington, Waterloo and Parramatta. They are close to the city centre, to the city’s major universities and are overall great areas for students looking to call Sydney home.
4. How much does it cost to rent a house in Sydney?
Student accommodation in Sydney has a variety of options from single rooms to shared flats, studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments. An apartment rental in Sydney with a good location and decent facilities would cost anywhere between AUS $300 – AUS $800 per week.
Thank you for reading this blog on the Cost Of Living In Sydney. Do check out our other articles –
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