Are you a Filipino student who is interested in moving to Australia but are worried about the mounting expenses?
There is no easy answer when it comes to how much money you will need to live comfortably in Australia. It largely depends on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. However, most experts recommend that the cost of living in Australia for individuals budget will be at least $20,000 per year, and families should expect to spend more than $50,000 annually. The average cost of living in Australia estimated is between AUD 35,000 and 40,000 per year.
Don't worry, we at AECC are here to help! Here is a breakdown of some of the typical expenses you can expect to incur in Australia.
Keep in mind that this is just a basic estimate and does not include costs associated with social activities, recreation, health care or emergencies. Additionally, accommodation costs can vary greatly depending on the city or state you call home. In general, food expenses are the second highest expenditure after housing, followed by transportation costs like petrol, insurance, parking and public transport fares.
Accommodation Costs in Australia
| Type of Accommodation | Average cost |
| Hostels and Guesthouses | $90 to $150 per week |
| Homestay* | $235 to $325 per week |
| Rental | On average, a private rental will cost around AUD 165 to $440 per week, whereas shared rental costs around AUD 85 to $215 per week. |
| University accommodation | $90 to $280 per week |
| Residential colleges | Residential dormitories are often more costly than regular residence halls due to the diverse set of amenities and services available. |
There are several Australian cities where it clearly shows the cost of living in Australia is extremely high. In this article, we will discuss some of the most prominent ones. Starting with:
- In Sydney, New South Wales, the average weekly rent for a shared house is between AUD 200 and AUD 300. For a one-bedroom apartment, the rent is between AUD 400 and AUD 550.
- In Brisbane, Queensland, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around AUD 300.
- In Hobart, Tasmania, the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is around AUD 205.
- In Adelaide, South Australia, houses rent for between AUD 165 and AUD 440 per week on average.
- In Perth, Western Australia, the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is around AUD 300.
- The average rental prices in Darwin, Northern Territory and Canberra, Australian Capital Territory are both around AU 300 per week.
Monthly Cost of Living in Australia
| Type of Expenses |
Average cost |
| Food (Groceries and eating out included) | $80 to $280 per week |
| Gas and electricity | $35 to $140 per week |
| Mobile Bill and Internet (Wi-Fi or Carrier Charges) | $20 to $55 per week |
| Public transport | $15 to $55 per week |
| Car (Vary depending upon the model) | $150 to $260 per week |
| Entertainment (Movies, Clubs, or other events) | $80 to $150 per week |
Entertainment cost may seem pretty much higher but there are many fun activities to do in this country, including tours of the local sights, attending shows and museums, and of course, enjoying a night out on the town on Saturday night. Whatever your interests, you're sure to find something to keep you entertained in this vibrant city.
Spending money is fun but this is the right time for you to learn about saving up money as well. Whether you live in foreign country or not, you must learn how to save money. So how to start saving money while living abroad? Let's find out.
Tips to save money while studying abroad:
- Living with roommates has its perks- like sharing expenses and always having someone around. But it's important to choose your roommate wisely, as you'll be spending a lot of time with them. Make sure you pick someone who you get along with and who has similar living habits to you.
- It's a good idea to keep track of your spending habits so you can see where you could save some money. By being aware of your spending, you can make changes to help improve your financial situation.
- To save money on your clothes shopping, follow these tips. Plan ahead by comparing prices and looking for deals and discounts. Make a shopping list of the items you need so you don't end up buying something on impulse.
- Time your clothing purchases for end-of-season sales to get the biggest savings. Another great way to save money is to mix and match cheaper designer items from op shops or second-hand stores. From spoons to furniture, you'll find heaps of pre-loved goods at amazing prices.
- To save money on fuel, keep an eye on petrol prices and fill up your tank when the price is low.
- To get the best value for your money, shop around for mobile plans that offer the best combination of price and data limits.
- To save even more, make your own meals at home and pack them with you for breakfast, lunch and snacks.
At AECC Philippines, we have tied up with top Australian universities, so that you can upskill and start afresh in Australia.
