Cost of Living Breakdown in Major Australian Cities for New Migrants (2025)
One of the biggest questions African students and migrants have before moving to Australia is: “How much does it actually cost to live there?”
The answer depends on which city you choose, your lifestyle, and whether you’re single, with family, or sharing accommodation. In this post, we’ll break down the real cost of living in major Australian cities in 2025 to help you plan and budget smartly.
1. Sydney: Australia’s Most Expensive City
Rent: AUD $600–$750/week for a 2-bedroom apartment in the city; $350–$500 in outer suburbs.
Transport: AUD $60–$70/week (Opal card).
Groceries: AUD $120–$150/week per person.
Utilities & Internet: AUD $70–$100/week.
Total Monthly Estimate: AUD $2,500–$3,200 (single person).
Tip: Many students and new migrants reduce costs by living in Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown) where housing is cheaper.
2. Melbourne: Balanced but Rising
Rent: AUD $500–$650/week in the city; $320–$450 in outer suburbs.
Transport: AUD $50–$60/week (Myki card).
Groceries: AUD $110–$140/week.
Utilities & Internet: AUD $65–$90/week.
Total Monthly Estimate: AUD $2,200–$2,900.
Tip: Melbourne has many student-friendly suburbs like Footscray, Brunswick, and Clayton where rent is lower and food is more affordable.
3. Brisbane: Affordable Lifestyle in the Sunshine State
Rent: AUD $400–$550/week in the city; $280–$400 in suburbs.
Transport: AUD $45–$55/week (Go Card).
Groceries: AUD $100–$130/week.
Utilities & Internet: AUD $60–$85/week.
Total Monthly Estimate: AUD $1,900–$2,600.
Tip: Brisbane is great for families—housing is more spacious, and the cost of living is lower than Sydney or Melbourne.
4. Adelaide: Affordable and Family-Friendly
Rent: AUD $380–$500/week in the city; $250–$380 in suburbs.
Transport: AUD $40–$50/week.
Groceries: AUD $90–$120/week.
Utilities & Internet: AUD $55–$80/week.
Total Monthly Estimate: AUD $1,700–$2,300.
Tip: Adelaide is known as one of the cheapest capital cities in Australia for both students and skilled migrants.
5. Perth: Growing Demand, Mid-Range Costs
Rent: AUD $420–$550/week in the city; $300–$420 in suburbs.
Transport: AUD $45–$55/week.
Groceries: AUD $100–$130/week.
Utilities & Internet: AUD $60–$90/week.
Total Monthly Estimate: AUD $1,900–$2,700.
Tip: Perth offers plenty of job opportunities in mining, construction, and healthcare—many migrants balance higher earnings with average living costs.
Average Student Budget (Across Cities)
Shared accommodation: AUD $180–$250/week.
Food (home cooking): AUD $80–$100/week.
Public transport: AUD $30–$40/week (student concession).
Miscellaneous (phone, internet, entertainment): AUD $50–$70/week.
👉 Total: AUD $1,200–$1,600/month.
How to Save on Living Costs
Share accommodation instead of renting alone.
Cook at home—African groceries are available in most cities.
Use concession cards for students to cut transport costs.
Shop smart—Aldi and Coles often cheaper than Woolworths.
Consider regional cities (e.g., Hobart, Darwin, Townsville) with lower rents.
Australia offers amazing opportunities for Africans, but the cost of living varies widely depending on the city. Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive but offer more jobs, while Adelaide and Brisbane are budget-friendly with excellent quality of life.
By planning ahead, budgeting wisely, and choosing your location strategically, you can settle in smoothly and make the most of your Australian journey.
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