Sydney, Australia is a global hub for education, career and lifestyle. The city is also home to the world’s best universities and a thriving job market, making it a great place to study and advance your career.
If you are planning to move to Sydney, it is important be to aware of the expenses throughout. The monthly average estimated cost of living in Sydney for a single student is around AUD 2,200 (183,009 INR). This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, food, entertainment, and other expenses.
Let us explore the average living expenses in Sydney and also we’ll throw in some tips on how to save money along the way.
Average Cost Of Living In Sydney
Sydney is an expensive city, but it’s worth it due to quality education, career opportunities and culture. The average cost of living in Sydney for students ranges from AUD 1,985 to AUD 2,216 per month (165,124 to 184,340 INR). This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
Here’s a table to give you a clear picture of the Australia Sydney living cost
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | AUD 705 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | AUD 936 |
| Transportation | AUD 160 |
| Food | AUD 754 |
| Utilities | AUD 190 |
| Entertainment | AUD 51 |
| Groceries | AUD 182 |
| Clothes | AUD 103 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | AUD 1,985 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | AUD 2,216 |
Accommodation Costs In Sydney For Students
If you’re looking for something different from the standard dorm room, Sydney has a variety of neighbourhoods, there’s sure to be an accommodation option that’s perfect for you.
On-Campus Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is a great way to immerse yourself in the student life experience. It’s also a convenient option, as you’ll be close to your classes and other campus amenities. However, on-campus accommodation can be more expensive than off-campus accommodation.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Off-campus accommodation gives you more flexibility and choice. You can find off-campus accommodation in a variety of neighbourhoods and price ranges.
If you find perfect student accommodation through UniAcco. It is a leading platform that helps students find and book their ideal home abroad. UniAcco offers students a hassle-free and personalised accommodation experience.
| Accommodation Type | Average Weekly Cost |
| On-campus shared room | $250-$350 |
| On-campus single room | $350-$450 |
| Off-campus shared room | $300-$400 |
| Off-campus single room | $400-$500 |
Transportation Costs In Sydney For Students
From the iconic Manly Ferry to the historic Inner West Light Rail, there are a variety of unique and exciting ways to get around Sydney. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to travel daily to your university, then there is a transportation option in Sydney that’s perfect for you.
Here is the average weekly transportation cost for students.
| Mode of Transportation | Average Weekly Cost |
| Public transportation | $30-$50 |
| Bicycle | $10-$20 |
| Scooter | $20-$30 |
| Rideshare | $50-$75 |
| Car | $100-$200 |
Source: Transportnsw.info
Note: Transportation costs may vary depending on your travel habits and the distance you need to travel.
Education Cost In Sydney For Students
Tuition fees for international students in Sydney differ based on the university and the course of study. However, indicative annual fees for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are as follows:
| Degree level | Tuition fees (AUD) |
| Undergraduate | 20,000-45,000 |
| Postgraduate | 22,000-50,000 |
Average Healthcare Cost In Sydney For Students
Australia has a universal healthcare system, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which provides subsidised healthcare for all Australian citizens and permanent residents. However, international students are not covered by Medicare, so they need to purchase private health insurance.
Here are a few examples of healthcare costs for students in Sydney:
- Doctor’s visit: AUD 30-70
- Specialist consultation: AUD 100-200
- Prescription medication: AUD 10-20 per item
- Hospital stay: AUD 500-1000 per day
These costs are just estimates and may differ depending on the provider, the student’s condition, and the type of treatment required.
Here are some additional average healthcare costs that students may need to consider:
- Dental care: AUD 100-200 per visit
- Optical care: AUD 100-200 for a basic eye test and glasses
- Physiotherapy: AUD100-150 per session
- Mental health care: AUD100-150 per session
Average Food Costs In Sydney
Sydney is also a great city for foodies. There are a number of affordable restaurants and cafes serving up delicious food from all over the world. And don’t forget to try Vegemite, the iconic Australian spread!
The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Sydney is AUD $30-50 per person. However, you can find cheaper options, such as food courts and takeaway shops, where you can get a meal for AUD $10-20 (832.5 – 1,665 INR) per person.
If you are cooking at home, you can expect to spend AUD $100-200 per week on groceries. However, this totally depends on your diet and lifestyle.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
| Meal at a restaurant | 30-50 |
| Meal at a food court | 10-20 |
| Takeaway meal | 15-25 |
| Groceries | 100-200 per week |
Average Entertainment Costs In Sydney
Sydney has a modern arts and culture scene with multiple entertainment options. Here is a breakdown of the average cost of some popular entertainment activities in Sydney:
| Activity | Cost (AUD) |
| Movie ticket | 20 |
| Concert ticket | 50-100 |
| Sporting event ticket | 30-100 |
| Museum admission | 20-30 |
| Nightclub entry | 20-50 |
Popular University Fees In Sydney
Here is the list of top university fees in Sydney:
| University | Course | Average annual tuition fee (AUD) |
| University of Sydney | Bachelor of Commerce | 45,000 |
| University of New South Wales | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 48,000 |
| Macquarie University | Bachelor of Nursing | 43,000 |
| University of Technology Sydney | Bachelor of Information Technology | 40,000 |
| Western Sydney University | Bachelor of Science (Psychology) | 38,000 |
It is important to note that these are just average fees and the actual cost of tuition may differ based on the specific course of study, the student’s nationality, and other factors. Students should research the fees for their desired course of study carefully before making a decision about where to study.
Key Takeaways
- Average monthly living costs in Sydney for a single student range from AUD 1,985 to AUD 2,216 (165,124.21 to 184,340.18 INR), covering accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment.
- Accommodation options include off-campus housing for AUD 705 to AUD 936 (58,655.57 to 77,960.11 INR) and on-campus housing with weekly costs from AUD250 to AUD450 (20,813.75 to 37,464.75 INR).
- Weekly transportation expenses vary between AUD30 and $200 (2,493.15 to 16,621.00 INR) depending on the mode of travel and distance.
- International students can expect annual tuition fees ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 (1,665,000.00 to 4,162,500.00 INR) for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Healthcare costs for students may involve doctor’s visits (AUD30-70), specialist consultations (AUD100-200), and prescription medications (AUD10-20 per item).
- Average food expenses include AUD10-20 (832.5 to 1,665 INR) for a meal at a food court and AUD100-200 (8,325.00 to 16,650.00 INR) per week for groceries.
- Entertainment costs in Sydney range from AUD20 to AUD100 (1,665.00 to 8,325.00 INR) for various activities such as movies, concerts, and sporting events.
- Popular universities in Sydney charge annual tuition fees ranging from AUD38,000 to AUD48,000 (3,162,900.00 to 3,990,600.00 INR) for different courses, with costs varying based on the programme and the student’s nationality.
FAQs
1. What is the cost of living in Sydney compared to India?
The average cost of living in Sydney Australia is higher than in India. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Sydney is 296.9% higher than in Mumbai, India.
2. What is the living cost for international students in Sydney?
The average living cost for international students in Sydney is AUD 41,041-66,041 per year for undergraduate students and AUD 43,041 – AUD 70,041 for postgraduate students. This includes the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
3. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options to help with the cost of living in Sydney?
Yes, Popular universities like the University of New South Wales & Western Sydney University offer scholarships to international students.
4. What typical expenses should international students consider in Sydney?
The typical expenses that international students should consider in Sydney include tuition fees, accommodation, food transportation, textbooks and course materials, health insurance and other expenses
5. How does the cost of living in Sydney compare to other Australian cities?
The cost of living in Sydney is 7-11% higher than in other major Australian cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
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