Cost of Living in Australia for African Students in 2025: The Ultimate Budgeting Guide
So you’ve secured admission to an Australian university and your Student Visa (Subclass 500) is in progress; congratulations! But before you pack your bags, there’s one critical factor you must prepare for: the cost of living in Australia.
Australia offers world-class education, but it’s no secret that living expenses can be high, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. For African students, who often come from lower-cost economies, the transition can be financially overwhelming if not planned properly.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of living costs in 2025, compares expenses across major cities, and shares practical budgeting strategies to help you live comfortably in Australia without breaking the bank.
Average Monthly Living Costs for Students in 2025
The Australian Government (Home Affairs) requires international students to show at least AUD $29,710 per year (≈ AUD $2,475/month) for living expenses in 2025.
Here’s the real breakdown (per month, in AUD):
| Expense Category | Average Cost (Range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | $600 – $1,200 | Depends on city & location |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, internet) | $150 – $250 | Usually shared with housemates |
| Food & groceries | $350 – $600 | Cheaper if you cook at home |
| Public transport | $120 – $220 | Discounts available for students |
| Phone & internet | $50 – $100 | Prepaid SIMs are cheapest |
| Health insurance (OSHC) | $50 – $100 | Mandatory for all students |
| Entertainment & misc. | $200 – $400 | Eating out, movies, clothes |
| Total | $1,520 – $2,870 | Matches govt. estimate |
Tip: Your lifestyle and city choice will largely determine whether you spend closer to $1,500 or nearly $3,000 per month.
City-by-City Cost Comparison
Not all Australian cities cost the same. Here’s how the major study destinations compare in 2025:
1. Sydney (Most Expensive)
Rent (shared): $900–$1,200/month
Transport: $180/month
Food: $500/month
Total: $2,000–$2,800/month
Best for job opportunities but highest cost of living.
2. Melbourne
Rent (shared): $800–$1,100/month
Transport: $170/month
Food: $450/month
Total: $1,800–$2,600/month
Popular for its universities, culture, and African student communities.
3. Brisbane
Rent (shared): $650–$950/month
Transport: $160/month
Food: $400/month
Total: $1,600–$2,300/month
Cheaper than Sydney/Melbourne, warm weather year-round.
4. Adelaide (Affordable Student Hub)
Rent (shared): $600–$850/month
Transport: $130/month
Food: $380/month
Total: $1,400–$2,000/month
Great for students on a budget, many African migrants choose Adelaide.
5. Perth
Rent (shared): $700–$1,000/month
Transport: $150/month
Food: $420/month
Total: $1,500–$2,200/month
Growing African community, strong job market.
6. Regional Cities (Cheapest)
Examples: Hobart, Darwin, Townsville
Rent (shared): $500–$750/month
Transport: $120/month
Food: $350/month
Total: $1,200–$1,800/month
Bonus: Studying regionally can boost your PR points.
Hidden Costs African Students Often Forget
Textbooks & study materials: $300–$600 per semester.
Clothing: Winter jackets (AUD $100–$200) if you’re coming from warm Africa.
Household items: Kitchenware, bedding (AUD $200–$400 at Kmart/IKEA).
Visa renewal costs: If your course is extended.
Job-seeking costs: Resume printing, interview clothes.
How to Save Money as an African Student
Cook at home instead of eating out.
Buy second-hand furniture and clothes (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree).
Use student discounts (transport, movies, restaurants).
Share rent in student housing or group apartments.
Use free entertainment (beaches, community events).
Take advantage of part-time jobs (up to 48 hrs/fortnight).
Example: An African student in Sydney who shares rent, cooks meals, and uses student discounts can save $500+ per month.
Income Opportunities for Students
International students are allowed to work:
48 hours per fortnight during semesters.
Unlimited hours during breaks.
Common Jobs for African Students:
Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, supermarkets).
Delivery driving (Uber Eats, DoorDash).
Retail (clothing stores, warehouses).
Campus jobs (library assistant, tutor).
Average pay: AUD $22–$30 per hour.
Working 20 hours/week = AUD $1,800–$2,400/month before tax is enough to cover most living costs.
Example Budgets
Budget Student (Adelaide/Regional City)
Rent: $600
Food: $350
Transport: $120
Utilities & phone: $150
Misc: $200
Total: $1,420/month
Average Student (Melbourne)
Rent: $950
Food: $450
Transport: $170
Utilities & phone: $200
Misc: $300
Total: $2,070/month
Comfortable Lifestyle (Sydney)
Rent: $1,200
Food: $550
Transport: $200
Utilities & phone: $250
Misc: $400
Total: $2,600/month
Afrovo’s Role in Helping Students Budget
At Afrovo, we understand that finances can make or break your study abroad dream. That’s why we provide:
Cost-of-living consultations tailored to your chosen city.
Help with finding affordable student housing.
Guidance on student-friendly jobs to support your stay.
Budgeting tools to help you manage your expenses wisely.
FAQs
Q: Can I survive in Australia on part-time job income alone?
Yes, if you live in an affordable city and budget strictly. But it’s better to have savings.
Q: Do I need to pay rent upfront?
Most landlords require 2–4 weeks’ rent in advance as bond.
Q: Which city has the biggest African student community?
Melbourne and Sydney lead, but Adelaide is growing fast with Nigerians, Kenyans, and Ghanaians.
Q: Is health insurance really compulsory?
Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for visa approval.
The cost of living in Australia in 2025 ranges from $1,400/month in regional areas to nearly $3,000/month in big cities. While it may feel high compared to African countries, students can balance expenses by choosing affordable cities, budgeting smartly, and working part-time.
With proper planning and Afrovo’s expert support, you can focus less on money worries and more on achieving your academic and migration goals in Australia.
Achieve Your Migration Journey Today with Afrovo.
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