Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. It is also known for its high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and real estate. The average price of a home in Sydney is currently around $1 million AUD, and rental prices can also be quite high. This can make it difficult for some people to afford to live in the city.

However, it’s worth noting that the city offers a high standard of living and a wide range of employment and leisure opportunities, which can offset the high cost of living for many people. In our cost estimator you can estimate cost of living in sydeny for yourself quickly.

In this article, cost of living in sydney is explained in details specially for international students, so don’t hesitate to read it all if you want to be an student in Australia.

Cost of living in sydney per month

The average cost of living per month for international students in Sydney can range from $2000 to $3000 AUD, depending on the individual’s lifestyle and spending habits.  The biggest expenses for most international students will be housing and accommodation, which can range from $1000 to $1500 AUD per month for a shared apartment or student housing.

Other expenses for international students in Sydney can include food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost of groceries and eating out can range from $300 to $500 AUD per month, while transportation costs can range from $150 to $200 AUD per month for a monthly transport pass.

 Entertainment costs, such as movies and social activities, can range from $100 to $200 AUD per month. Additionally, international students will need to budget for other expenses such as books, course materials, and insurance, which can add an additional $200 to $300 AUD per month.

Living cost in sydney for international students

Living in Sydney as an international student can be quite expensive, as the cost of living in the city is generally higher than in other parts of Australia. Housing is one of the biggest expenses for international students in Sydney, with the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $450-550 AUD per week and for a three-bedroom house around $700-850 AUD per week.

Additionally, many international students choose to live in student housing, which can also be quite costly. In addition to housing, international students in Sydney also need to budget for other living expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment. These expenses can add up quickly, especially if you are not careful with your spending.

Groceries and eating out can be expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20-30 AUD. Additionally, a monthly transport pass can cost around $200 AUD, and a movie ticket can cost around $20 AUD. International students should also budget for other expenses like books, course materials, and insurance.

🔹 Food and groceries

The cost of food and groceries in Sydney can vary depending on a student’s lifestyle and dietary preferences. On average, a student can expect to spend around $200-$350 per month on groceries, depending on whether they are eating out, cooking at home, or a combination of both.

Eating out can be quite expensive in Sydney, with the average cost of a meal at a casual restaurant ranging from $15-$30. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking at home and shopping at supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths. These supermarkets offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, as well as a range of budget-friendly options such as generic brands and sale items.

Additionally, you can also find international food items and products at specialty stores and ethnic supermarkets which may be cheaper than eating out. Also, students can find discounts on food and groceries by using student ID card, it’s worth asking for any available discounts or offers when shopping.

🔹 Transportation

The expense of getting around in Sydney can change depending on the type of transportation and how often it’s used. For international students, factoring in the cost of transportation is a crucial aspect when organizing their education in Sydney.

Public transportation in Sydney is widely available and generally affordable. The cost of a monthly Opal card, which can be used on all public transportation including buses, trains and ferries, is around $150-$180 per month. This can be a cost-effective option for students who need to travel frequently to and from their university or college.

However, for students who only need to make occasional trips, purchasing single trip tickets would be more economical. Additionally, there are options such as bike-sharing and ride-sharing services that can help to keep transportation costs low. These options can be used to supplement the use of public transportation or as an alternative mode of transportation.

🔹 Household bills

Household bills in Sydney, such as electricity, gas, and internet, can add up to a significant expense for international students. These costs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the accommodation, the usage of the amenities, and the provider. It is important for international students to budget for these expenses when planning their studies in Sydney.

The average cost of electricity and gas bills in Sydney is around $200 per month. Internet and phone bills can also add around $50 to $70 per month. Additionally, international students may need to budget for other household expenses such as water and waste services, which could cost around $20 to $30 per month.

It’s important to note that these costs can vary depending on the provider and the terms of the contract, so international students should research and compare the costs of different providers before making a decision.

Moreover, students can take steps to reduce their bills by using energy-efficient appliances, limiting the usage of certain amenities, and opting for plans with caps or discounts.

🔹 Shopping

The cost of shopping in Sydney can vary depending on the type of goods and the location of the store. Grocery shopping in Sydney can cost around $200 to $300 per month on average, depending on the type of food, the location, and the store.

 International students can save money on groceries by shopping at discount stores, buying in bulk, and cooking their own meals. Additionally, students should be aware of the specials and sales offered by supermarkets which can help to reduce the overall cost.

Shopping for clothes and other personal items can also add up. The cost of clothes and other personal items can vary depending on the brand and the location of the store, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per item.

International students can save money on clothes and personal items by shopping at second-hand stores or during sales. Additionally, students should be aware of the exchange rate when shopping in Sydney, as it can affect the overall cost.

🔹 Miscellaneous

The cost of miscellaneous expenses in Sydney, Australia for international students can vary greatly depending on the student’s lifestyle and personal preferences. These expenses are different for each person and can include expenses such as such as memberships and subscriptions, health bills and expenses, financial service charges, and haircuts.

However, on average, international students can expect to pay around $150-300 per month on these miscellaneous expenses. Memberships and subscriptions, such as gym memberships, streaming services, and magazine subscriptions, can add up over time. On average, these expenses can cost around $50-100 per month.

Health expenses, such as doctor visits and prescription medication, can also be significant. International students should budget around $50-100 per month for these expenses. Financial service charges, such as bank fees, can also add up over time. Haircuts and personal grooming expenses can cost around $20-50 per month.

It’s important for international students to budget accordingly and plan for these expenses in advance, and also to consider getting a health insurance, as it could save them a lot of money in case of unexpected health expenses. It’s also recommended to research and compare prices before making any commitments to memberships or subscriptions, as well as to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Cost of living in sydney for a couple

The cost of living in Sydney, Australia for a couple can be quite high, with expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation all adding up. On average, a couple can expect to pay around $2000-3000 per month on living expenses, not including tuition and other education-related costs.

Accommodation costs can be significant for a couple in Sydney, with the cost of a two-bedroom apartment or house averaging around $1500-2000 per month. Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water can add an additional $200-300 per month.

Grocery costs for a couple with an average monthly food bill of around is  $500-700. Also, transportation costs, such as the cost of public transportation, or a car and petrol, as well as parking and tolls, can add up to $200-300 per month.

It’s important for international students as a couple to budget accordingly and plan for these expenses in advance, and also to research and compare prices before making any commitments to rent an accommodation, and to look for options that include all bills included in the rent.

Living cost in Sydney for a family

The cost of maintaining a household in Sydney for international students and their family can be quite steep, these expenses can include housing, essential utilities, food, and transportation all contributing to the overall cost. On average, a family can anticipate spending around $3000-5000 per month, not including education-related expenses such as tuition fees.

The cost of housing in Sydney can be substantial for a family, with the average cost of a three-bedroom apartment or house around $2000-3000 per month. Additionally, utility bills such as electricity, gas, and water can be an additional expense, usually costing around $300-500 per month.

The cost of food for a family in Sydney can also be substantial, with an average grocery bill of around $800-1000 per month. In addition to this, transportation expenses such as the cost of a car and petrol, as well as parking and tolls, can amount to around $300-500 per month.

Cost of living in Sydney vs. Melbourne

The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia for international students can vary depending on factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Both cities are known for their high cost of living, but the expenses may differ slightly between the two.

In Sydney, the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, while in Melbourne, it can range from $1,500 to $2,000 per month.

 Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water can add an additional $200-300 per month in both cities. Grocery costs for a couple can also be significant, with an average monthly food bill of around $500-700 in both cities.

However, it is important to note that these are average costs and can vary depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices. It can be said that there are no significant different among cost of living in Sydney vs. Melbourne.

In this article, we have thoroughly reviewed the cost of living in Sydney for international students. As we said, the amount of money you spend depends largely on your lifestyle, so you can save some money.  In univly, we have provided an intelligent cost estimator here which you can use for your cost estimates according to your codintions.✅