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.
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$3,300- AU$3,600. However, these expenses can vary depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Here is a tabular representation of the same to provide you with clarity on these average individual expenses per month:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (AU$) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 1560 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 1908 |
| Transportation | 223 |
| Food | 900 |
| Entertainment | 98 |
| Groceries | 320 |
| Clothes | 213 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 3314 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 3662 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost of Living in Sydney For Indian Students
The living costs in Sydney 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 Sydney, your average monthly expenses can range between INR 1,80,000 – 2,00,000 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 Sydney:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 76,534 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 88,342 |
| Transportation | 10,714 |
| Food | 49,195 |
| Entertainment | 5,356 |
| Groceries | 17,491 |
| Clothes | 7,415 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 181,143 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 200,165 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Sydney
The prices of student accommodation in Sydney can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations can range from approximately AU$350 – AU$950 per week depending on the property type.
| Sydney Accommodation | |||
| Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation | |
| Cost | AU$300 – AU$900 Per Week | AU$600- AU$700 Per Week + Utility bills | AU$400 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$1,500 per year | Included in rent |
| Proximity University | Walking distance to campus | Depends on area | Inside/nearby Universities |
| Other Amenities | Mostly all amenities are included like wifi, microwave, electric Stove, fridge etc. | Based on landlord/location | Mostly all amenities are included like Wi-Fi, microwave, electric stove, fridge, etc. |
Student Accommodation Options
There is a plethora of student housing alternatives in Sydney which offer a variety of facilities, including communal spaces, study areas, and sometimes even gyms or social events. Let us explore the varied student accommodation options Sydney has to offer:
| Property | Average Prices Per Week (AU$) |
| Scape Redfern | $399 |
| Scape Darlingfare | $529 |
| Guildford Accommodation | $450 |
| Scape Quay Street | $689 |
| Hyde Park | $450 |
| Belong Rosebery | $905 |
You can book these purpose-built student accommodations in Sydney through UniAcco.
Cost of Transport
Train: Train fares are calculated based on the distance travelled and the number of zones crossed. For example, a one-way trip from Central Station to Parramatta Station costs around AU$4.50
Bus: Bus fares are determined by the distance travelled and the number of zones crossed. For example, a one-way trip within one zone costs around AU$2.20.
Light Rail: Light rail fares vary depending on the distance travelled and the number of zones crossed. For example, a one-way trip from Central to Dulwich Hill costs around $3.
Cost of Food and Groceries
A basic weekly grocery haul from major supermarket chains like Woolworths or Coles can easily cost between $60 and $100, depending on your dietary preferences and shopping habits. Eating out or ordering takeaway can quickly drain your wallet, with a casual meal costing anywhere from $15 to $30 on average. However, Sydney’s diverse culinary scene also offers more affordable options, like grabbing a hearty lunch special for under $10 or exploring the city’s many multicultural food courts and markets.
Is Sydney Expensive To Live For Students?
While Sydney 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 Sydney can be managed well.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Sydney
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 Sydney:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food & Groceries
- Entertainment & Leisure
- Health care expenses
- Study supplies
- Miscellaneous costs
How To Save Money As A Student In Sydney?
Saving money as a student in Sydney 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 on Cost of Living in Sydney
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.
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