Brisbane is one of the cheapest major cities in Australia for students to live in, and your money can go further with careful budgeting. Calculating the cost of living in Brisbane Australia, whether you are a domestic or foreign student, will help you make the most of your university experience in the capital of Queensland. You’ll need to pay for all sorts of expenses in your budget, from essentials such as food and rent to less important expenses such as dining out. This guide for international students on the cost of living in Brisbane Australia will help you crunch the numbers.
What Is The Cost of Living In Brisbane For Students?
Brisbane is an inexpensive city, but you still need to prepare to make sure you have enough money to spend on studying and living. The monthly cost of living in Brisbane for students ranges between AU$1,728 and AU$2,448 approximately. Depending on your student accommodation in Brisbane, your requirements, your lifestyle, and how much you spend, your overall living expenses can vary. This list will give you a clearer understanding of the cost of living in Brisbane for international students:
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 556 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 1,276 |
| Transportation | AU$ 125 |
| Food | AU$ 754 |
| Entertainment | AU$ 68 |
| Groceries | AU$ 142 |
| Clothes | AU$ 66 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 1,728 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 2,448 |
Cost Of Living In Brisbane For Indian Students
The living costs in Brisbane are significantly influenced by multiple factors that are required to be taken care of as a student. This majorly includes food, accommodation, groceries and many other miscellaneous expenses. Indian students living in Brisbane can anticipate their living expenses per month to range between INR 1,60,000 – 1,70,000. Here is a representation of the average total costs that Indian students will have to incur while pursuing their education in Brisbane on varied aspects:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 30,238 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 69,395 |
| Transportation | 6,798 |
| Food | 41,006 |
| Entertainment | 3,698 |
| Groceries | 7,722 |
| Clothes | 3,589 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 93,977 |
| Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,33,134 |
Cost Of Tuition Fees
The University of Queensland is one of the top institutions in Brisbane where international students can expect to pay an average tuition fee of around AU$38,000 annually.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is another esteemed university in Brisbane with an average tuition fee of AU$33,000 per year for most courses.
Griffith University which is known for its diverse programmes has an average tuition fee of AU$28,000 per year for international students. However, these fees can vary depending on the specific programme that you choose to go for.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Brisbane
Student accommodation costs in Brisbane can be influenced depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations often include utilities in the property pricing can range from approximately AU$269 to AU$439 per week.
| Brisbane Accommodation | |||
| Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation | |
| Cost | AU$269 – AU$439 per week | AU$260- AU$889 + Utility bills (approximately AU$80 per week) | AU$240 per week |
| Safety | These are gated communities with utmost safety & 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$2,000 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 Wi-Fi, 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 choices in Brisbane which offer a broad assortment of contemporary amenities and access to communal area facilities. Most of these residences feature on-site gyms, lounge and study spaces, bike storage facilities and many more. Let us explore the varied student accommodation options Brisbane has to offer:
| Property | Average Prices Per Week |
| Scape Regent St | AU$289 |
| Scape Tribune | AU$259 |
| Scape South Bank | AU$439 |
| UniLodge- South Bank | AU$269 |
| UniLodge- Park Central | AU$329 |
You can book these purpose-built student accommodations in Brisbane through UniAcco.
Cost Of Transport
Brisbane offers seamless connectivity to the major university campuses along with convenient transportation alternatives to travel within and around the city including:
Bus: Brisbane has an extensive bus transit network which is popularly known as the Brisbane Busway network. The King George Square, Queen Street, and Roma Street bus stations are major network centres. The average adult fare is AU$ 4.80 which can go up to AU$8 as the distance rises.
Train: The Queensland Rail City network has 152 railway stations which are located along 13 suburban rail lines and throughout the metropolitan area, including the Airport Line, Beenleigh Line, Caboolture Line, Cleveland Line, Doomben Line, Exhibition Line, and many more. A day fare for rail travel will cost you around AU$90 and AU$170.
Bike: Central Brisbane promotes cycling, with multiple dedicated routes such as Brisbane River Loop, Kedron Brook Bikeway, and Wynnum To Manly Shoreline. Opting for bikes as a commute mode is not only eco-conscious but also a cost-friendly alternative.
Cost Of Food & Groceries
A single person can estimate their monthly costs for groceries range from AU$300 to $400. This covers basic items and pantry staples from supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles. A meal at a budget-friendly restaurant costs around AU$18 while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around AU$80.
Brisbane boasts a diverse food scene with a wide range of international cuisines, with meals at Asian or Indian restaurants costing around AU$12 to AU$20 per person.
Other Miscellaneous Costs
Several miscellaneous expenses related to personal care, health care, entertainment and more are also to be accounted for in the total living costs in Brisbane. Personal care expenses like self-care supplies and grooming services will cost you around AU$50 to AU$100.
Health care expenses, such as doctor’s visits, medication, and basic dental procedures, can add up to AU$100 to $200 per month. This can also vary depending on individual needs and insurance coverage.
When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities like going for movies, concerts and social activities, students can factor in around AU$50 – AU$ 100 per month. However, this is subject to change depending on your personal preferences and how frequently you go out.
Is Brisbane Expensive To Live For Students?
Brisbane is one of the leading cities in Australia that provides a high standard of living which makes it an expensive city to live in for students. However, the presence of academic excellence, varied student accommodation options and the opportunity to live in a bustling city environment justify the higher living costs in Brisbane.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Brisbane
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 Brisbane:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food & Groceries
- Entertainment & Leisure
- Health care expenses
- Study supplies
- Miscellaneous costs
How To Save Money As A Student In Brisbane?
Saving money as a student in Brisbane 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.
Brisbane: Find Your Perfect Student Home – Starts at AUD $209!
We hope this article helped you clear your doubts about how much it costs to stay in Brisbane. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
FAQs
Q1. Is Brisbane good for international students?
Ans: Brisbane is ideal for international students looking for a low-cost study location. Brisbane is also a safe and welcoming city with an easy-to-use public transportation system, which makes it easier for students to travel around the city and to their university.
Q2. Is Brisbane expensive for international students?
Ans: Brisbane is one of the cheapest major cities in Australia for students to study in, and a meticulous budgeting system while living in the city will help you with your savings.
Q3. How much does it cost to live in Brisbane as a student?
Ans: If you stick to a budget, you can expect the average monthly living costs in Brisbane per person to be a reasonable $1,754 per person per month.
Q4. How much does student accommodation cost in Brisbane?
Ans: The average weekly cost of living on campus at a university in Brisbane is $1,760 AUD per month. Campus housing is an expensive option, therefore, students choose to live in a private student accommodation which costs between $556 AUD per month.
