What are the cheapest places to live in Australia? How much do students spend every day in Australia? According to the latest data, students’ average annual living cost is about 24,000 AUD to 25,000 AUD. Although it is difficult to give a specific number due to the differences in cities and individual lifestyles, the cost of living can provide a general reference when planning to study in Australia and making a budget. This blog will introduce in detail the top 10 cheapest places to live in Australia.
Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Australia
Here are the top 10 cheapest places to live in Australia with specific data.
| Ranks | Places | Average Weekly Rents (AUD) | Average Cost of Living (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adelaide | 190 | 377 |
| 2 | Darwin | 196 | 443 |
| 3 | Perth | 203 | 449 |
| 4 | Hobart | 232 | 475 |
| 5 | Gold Coast | 236 | 482 |
| 6 | Wollongong | 210 | 482 |
| 7 | Brisbane | 234 | 485 |
| 8 | Canberra | 260 | 509 |
| 9 | Melbourne | 528 | 819 |
| 10 | Sydney | 680 | 1001 |
1. Adelaide
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, tops the cheapest places to live in Australia. As the fifth largest city in Australia, it is not as busy as Sydney and Melbourne. With a population of about 1.3 million, it occupies a place in Australian cities due to its pleasant living environment and cultural richness. Compared with other major cities in Australia, the cost of living in Adelaide is about 14% lower on average. In addition, Adelaide is also known as the festival capital of Australia. Numerous festivals are held throughout the year. It allows international students to experience and deeply enjoy the colourful culture of Australia.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 190 AUD
Daily groceries: 97 AUD
Utilities: 50 AUD
Leisure: 15 AUD
Transport: 25 AUD
Total: 377 AUD
Top Universities in Adelaide:
- The University of Adelaide: The University of Adelaide is one of Australia’s Group of Eight universities, renowned for its strengths in medicine, engineering, law, and science. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 35,000 to AUD 80,000.
- University of South Australia (UniSA): UniSA is a practice-oriented university popular in business, education, nursing, and health sciences. The annual tuition fee is AUD 32,000-45,000.
2. Darwin
Darwin is also listed of the cheapest places to live in Australia. As the capital of the Northern Territory, it is not only the 16th largest city in Australia but also the city with the highest concentration of Aboriginal people. This city offers colourful weekend activities for international students. For example, you can swim in Wave Lagoon or visit Nightcliff Market to experience the local culture.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 196 AUD
Daily groceries: 104 AUD
Utilities: 49 AUD
Leisure: 72 AUD
Transport: 22 AUD
Total: 443 AUD
Top University in Darwin:
- Charles Darwin University (CDU): It is renowned for its diverse programmes and flexible study patterns, particularly in research, science and technology, and environmental management. Annual tuition fees are AUD 25,000-37,000.
3. Perth
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and the fourth largest city in Australia. It enjoys the reputation of ‘Education City’. Perth is conveniently located and moderately priced, catering to international students with different needs and budgets. These factors combine to make Perth a unique destination for students worldwide to study and live.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 203 AUD
Daily groceries: 95 AUD
Utilities: 55 AUD
Leisure: 57 AUD
Transport: 39 AUD
Total: 449 AUD
Top Universities in Perth:
- The University of Western Australia (UWA): The University of Western Australia is one of Australia’s Group of Eight universities and enjoys a high international reputation, particularly in medicine, engineering, science, and law. Annual tuition fees are AUD 35,000-85,000.
- Curtin University: Curtin is renowned for its engineering, mining, architecture and business programmes and is particularly well-ranked for its global engineering and mining programmes. Annual tuition fees are AUD 30,000-45,000.
4. Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and the second-oldest city after Sydney. With its stunning natural landscape and abundant outdoor adventure opportunities, Hobart is an excellent choice for international students who love the outdoors. In addition, Hobart’s friendly and welcoming residents make it easy for international students to fit in and enjoy the city’s unique charm.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 232 AUD
Daily groceries: 100 AUD
Utilities: 66 AUD
Leisure: 57 AUD
Transport: 20 AUD
Total: 475 AUD
Top Universities in Hobart:
- University of Tasmania (UTAS): It is one of the oldest universities in Australia and is renowned for its marine and Antarctic studies, environmental sciences, and medicine. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 70,000.
5. Gold Coast
Gold Coast, the sixth-largest city in Australia, attracts tourists worldwide with its magnificent beaches and thriving nightlife. In addition, the cost of living on the Gold Coast is relatively low, making it a more affordable option for international students. It is one of the cheapest places to live in Australia.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 236 AUD
Daily groceries: 105 AUD
Utilities: 48 AUD
Leisure: 78 AUD
Transport: 15 AUD
Total: 482 AUD
Top Universities in Gold Coast:
- Bond University: Bond University is Australia’s only private, not-for-profit university with a reputation for small class sizes and high-quality teaching, particularly in business, law, health sciences, and architecture. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 45,000 to AUD 70,000.
- Southern Cross University (SCU): SCU has a campus on the Gold Coast and offers programmes in various fields, including law, education, health sciences, hospitality and more. Annual tuition fees are AUD 25,000-35,000.
6. Brisbane
Brisbane, Queensland’s capital and most populous city, is known as the ‘Sunshine City’. It is also one of the cheapest places to live in Australia. The city is known for its reasonable prices and relatively low cost of living, making it one of the lowest-cost cities in Australia.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 234 AUD
Daily groceries: 105 AUD
Utilities: 54 AUD
Leisure: 53 AUD
Transport: 39 AUD
Total: 485 AUD
Top Universities in Brisbane:
- The University of Queensland (UQ): The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s Group of Eight (G8) universities and is ranked highly globally. It has a strong reputation, particularly in the fields of biosciences, medicine, engineering, and law. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 36,000 to AUD 80,000.
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT): QUT is renowned for its practical programmes, particularly in engineering, architecture, business, and design. Annual tuition fees are AUD 33,000-50,000.
7. Canberra
Canberra, the capital of Australia, is not only one of the top cities for international students because of its pleasant living environment and high quality of life. It is also known for its first-class natural landscape and rich and diverse food culture. The city combines beautiful natural surroundings with the conveniences of a modern city, giving international students a perfect platform to study and live.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 260 AUD
Daily groceries: 108 AUD
Utilities: 58 AUD
Leisure: 60 AUD
Transport: 23 AUD
Total: 509 AUD
Top Universities in Canberra:
- Australian National University (ANU): ANU is one of the world’s top universities, ranked in Australia’s Group of Eight, and is renowned for its research excellence in political science, international relations, law, engineering, and science. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 39,000 to AUD 80,000.
- University of Canberra (UC): The University of Canberra is a modern public university with a strong focus on practical education, particularly in the fields of health sciences, education, engineering and business. Annual tuition fees are AUD 28,000-42,000.
8. Wollongong
Wollongong is one of the favourite and most affordable cities in Australia for international students because of its reasonable prices and pleasant living environment. Located only 80 kilometres from Sydney, the city is conveniently located and known for its rich natural beauty.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation flat: 210 AUD
Daily groceries: 95 AUD
Utilities: 26 AUD
Leisure: 120 AUD
Transport: 31 AUD
Total: 482 AUD
Top Universities in Wollongong:
- University of Wollongong (UOW): The University of Wollongong is a public university with an international reputation. It specialises in a wide range of fields, including engineering, information technology, business, and health sciences. It is also highly ranked in global rankings for research and teaching. Annual tuition fees are AUD 25,000-42,000.
9. Melbourne
While Melbourne may not rank among the cheapest places to live in Australia, it represents a middle ground — more expensive than the most affordable cities in Australia, yet offering enough flexibility in housing and lifestyle. With careful planning, it remains a reasonable, high-quality living option. Also, Melbourne offers countless opportunities to international students and has a strong arts and culture scene.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation: 528 AUD
Daily groceries: 120 AUD
Utilities: 50 AUD
Leisure: 90 AUD
Transport: 31 AUD
Total: 819 AUD
Top Universities in Melbourne:
- University of Melbourne: The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest and leading universities. It is ranked highly in the world and has a strong reputation, particularly in the fields of medicine, law, business, and the arts. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 40,000 to AUD 75,000.
- RMIT University: RMIT has a reputation for excellence in the fields of art and design, architecture, business, and technology. Its programmes are focused on practice and industry collaboration. Annual tuition fees are AUD 30,000-45,000.
10. Sydney
Thanks to its high employment rates and educational standards, Sydney attracts more than 50,000 international students yearly to live and study there. Together, these factors are a significant draw for many international students.
Average weekly cost of living:
Accommodation: 680 AUD
Daily groceries: 140 AUD
Utilities: 54 AUD
Leisure: 90 AUD
Transport: 37 AUD
Total: 1001 AUD
Top Universities in Sydney:
- University of Sydney: The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It has a strong reputation in a wide range of fields, including medicine, business, law, and the arts. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 42,000 to AUD 80,000.
- University of New South Wales (UNSW): UNSW is a research university with a high international reputation, particularly in engineering, business, architecture, and law. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 40,000 to AUD 75,000.
Cheapest Places to Live in Beach Suburbs
Cheapest places to live in Australia don’t always mean you must abandon coastal dreams. Beachfront living near the city can be within reach if you know where to look. Although beachside suburbs in major cities tend to be expensive, there are cheap places in Australia for those seeking a balance between urban convenience and seaside calm. For example, outside Sydney’s eastern suburbs, suburbs like Bundeena (in the Sutherland Shire) and Budgewoi (on the Central Coast) offer homes at significantly lower price points — Bundeena around A$1.5 million and Budgewoi just over A$700,000. In other major Australian cities, coastal homes near urban areas may go for AUD 500,000–600,000 — making seaside living a realistic option even for budget-conscious buyers.
Top 10 Cheapest Beachside Suburbs
Tiwi in Darwin has beaches and hospitals and is a stone’s throw from the airport, making it a convenient place to live. However, more expensive beach suburbs in Darwin, such as Nightcliff and Stuart Park, are $300,000 to $400,000 more costly to purchase a home, making Tiwi a very affordable option. Perth is also a good choice for those living in a beachside area. The median house price in Golden Bay is only A$533,733; another option is Safety Bay, at A$579,186.
Top 10 Cheapest Beach Suburbs
| Suburb | State | Region | Median AVM (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiwi | NT | Darein | 521,119 |
| Golden Bay | WA | Perth-South West | 533,733 |
| O’Sullivan Beach | SA | Adelaide-South | 556,549 |
| Safety Bay | WA | Perth-South West | 579,186 |
| Taperoo | SA | Adelaide-West | 588,323 |
| Christies Beach | SA | Adelaide-South | 619,982 |
| Osborne | SA | Adelaide-West | 622,160 |
| Deception Bay | QLD | Moreton Bay-North | 625,341 |
| Bellara | QLD | Moreton Bay-North | 642,103 |
| Sellicks Beach | SA | Adelaide-South | 647,276 |
Top 10 Most Expensive Beach Suburbs
For those with bigger budgets, Sydney’s East End and Northern Beaches are ideal for luxury beachfront property. In Vaucluse, where the median price of a House is A$9,682,031, there are plenty of public beaches, but the lucky few even have their own.
All of these suburbs on this list are some of the most sought-after suburbs in Sydney, and their prices prove it.
Top 10 Expensive Beach Suburbs
| Suburb | State | Region | Median AVM (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaucluse | NSW | Sydney-Eastern Suburbs | 9,682,031 |
| Rose Bay | NSW | Sydney-Eastern Suburbs | 6,161,795 |
| Clontarf | NSW | Sydney-Northern Beaches | 5,545,515 |
| Bronte | NSW | Sydney-Eastern Suburbs | 5,537,834 |
| Mosman | NSW | Sydney-North Sydney and Hornsby | 5,204,218 |
| Palm Beach | NSW | Sydney-Northern Beaches | 5,045,884 |
| Clovelly | NSW | Sydney-Eastern Suburbs | 4,631,547 |
| Manly | NSW | Sydney-Northern Beaches | 4,275,328 |
| Bondi Beach | NSW | Sydney-Eastern Suburbs | 4,035,966 |
| Coogee | NSW | Sydney-Eastern Suburbs | 3,728,374 |
Tips for Moving to a New Place in Australia
- Understand Australian culture and laws: Before you move, you should learn about Australian culture, laws, and social norms to adapt to life in Australia.
- Do a good job of financial planning: Migrants moving to Australia need sufficient financial support, including identifying sources of funds and making a reasonable budget plan.
- Find suitable housing in Australia: This is an integral part of moving; you must choose suitable housing according to your needs and budget.
- Consider children’s education: If you have children, you must consider their education, including choosing the right school and understanding the education policy.
- Adapt to new lifestyle: After moving, you need to adapt to the new lifestyle and environment, including understanding the local transport, shopping, socialising, etc.
- Pay attention to health and welfare: When living in Australia, you must address your health and welfare issues, including understanding the local medical system, social security policies, etc.
Conclusion of Cheapest Places to Live in Australia
The cheapest places to live in Australia continue to offer great value for anyone seeking an affordable and comfortable lifestyle. Cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart provide lower living costs, reasonable housing options and a relaxed pace of life. If you’re exploring budget-friendly destinations, this guide to the top 10 cheapest places to live in Australia gives you a clear starting point. Whether you’re an international student, a young professional or planning for retirement, these cities offer practical and appealing choices for long-term living.
FAQs about Cheapest Places to Live in Australia
Which part of Australia has the lowest cost of living?
Adelaide is the cheapest place to live in Australia. The cost of living in Adelaide is, on average, about 14% lower than in other major cities in Australia.
Where is the best place to live in Australia as a foreigner?
Sydney and Melbourne are the best places to live in Australia. Sydney is Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city with a thriving job market, particularly in the financial, technology and creative industries. Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural capital and is renowned for its music, art, food and coffee culture. It is also an education centre with many top universities, making it ideal for international students.
Is Perth cheap or expensive?
Perth is generally cheaper than Australia’s larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. But depending on your lifestyle, it can still be considered moderately expensive.
Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?
Yes. Melbourne is generally cheaper overall than Sydney, with housing being notably more affordable. Day-to-day costs for items like groceries, however, are often quite similar.
