Masters in Construction Management Australia
22 December 2025
Melbourne is one of the most popular destinations among international students in Australia, thanks to top universities, diverse culture, and a friendly student community. The city offers a perfect mixture of education, lifestyle, and opportunities, making it a dream location for foreigners.
Moving to a new location can be thrilling, but it also comes with its own challenges. Careful planning is essential, as the living cost in Melbourne can be expensive. This blog gives the updated information on the possible expenses/cost of living in Melbourne as an international student.
Here we have mentioned the cost of living in Melbourne, covering accommodation options, food expenses, utility costs, health insurance, and transportation fares for international students.
When it comes to living in Melbourne, accommodation is one of the biggest expenses international students face, and choosing the right option makes a big difference. Various options like on-campus housing, shared apartments, private rentals, or homestays are available, each offering different levels of comfort, convenience, and affordability.
On-campus housing is popular among those students who want comfort, safety, and community support while pursuing their education. Most universities usually offer utilities and internet, which helps international students to adapt.
Some of the factors are listed below:
Off-campus living is a way for students to have independence and flexibility in life. Options regarding shared apartments or houses, studios, or homestays allow students to create an area that fits their budget and lifestyle. Location is a big factor in living cost; shared housing splits expenses, easing financial stress. Cooking, finance, and time management are important skills students learn from this experience. Some of the factors are given below.
Food and groceries are part of a student's budget, and Melbourne delivers many options for different tastes. Most international students generally spend around AUD 300–600 per month on groceries, mainly for cooking their food. Buying fresh fruits and vegetables from local markets or discount supermarkets helps spend less and control budget.
Eating out occasionally is also part of student life, with meals at cafés or takeaways costing more than AUD 10–25 per serving. The balance between going out and cooking at home helps students stay within food budgets while enjoying Melbourne's diverse cuisines. Sharing groceries, planning meals, and buying in bulk can make the food costs more manageable.
Key points:
Many services provide reliable utility and high-speed internet in Melbourne. This makes life easier for foreign students, as a significant portion of their living budget is allocated to these expenses. Off-campus students spend around AUD 150–250 per month on utilities, including electricity, gas, water, etc. These costs can increase during winter due to excessive usage and are lower during summer.
Internet service can cost around AUD 60–90 per month. Internet providers offer different speeds and contract options that drive the monthly cost. Utility and internet costs are overwhelming in Melbourne, but sharing and proper comparison among the distributors can result in a lot of difference.
Key points:
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for international students living in Melbourne. It offers access to reliable medical service throughout the entire stay. The price depends on the provider, coverage level, and duration of the visa. Around AUD 480–650 per year for basic health insurance and around AUD 650–850 per year for comprehensive health insurance.
Single students pay lower rates in a year compared to couples or families. The insurance usually covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and selective medications. Students must compare available providers and choose the one that fits the best for them.
Key points:
Melbourne offers a systematic transportation system, which makes traveling cheap and easy for international students. Trams, buses, and trains are some of the public vehicles found in streets and are managed by Public Transport Victoria (PTV). Students receive discounts on these rides, which reduces the expense by a lot. Some of the important points regarding public transportation are as follows:
Most international students spend approximately AUD 80–200 per month on transportation, depending on their location, frequency of travel, and eligibility for concessions.
Total Cost to Study in Australia
International students living in Melbourne are able to experience a mixture of world-class education, vibrant culture, and diverse foods. While living expenses depend on accommodation, food, transport, and choices, careful planning can make the cost of studying in Melbourne more manageable and enjoyable.
Ausstudies helps students achieve their academic goals in Melbourne by offering expert advice on universities, courses, budget planning, and student support services. Contact Us today.
