Adelaide has been ranked in the top ten of the world’s most livable cities for years with its good law and order, perfect infrastructure, diversified culture, beautiful environment and high-quality education. So, how much are the expenses of studying in Adelaide?
Today, we will reveal all of them from the aspects of accommodation, transport, daily life, entertainment and leisure, part-time job income and so on! Accommodation is often the most significant part of an international student’s daily expenses.
Study Abroad Accommodation
In Adelaide, students can enjoy affordable accommodation options – rents and house prices are generally lower than in other Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney.
Rental prices may vary depending on the location, type of accommodation and environment chosen by students:
- Hostel or guesthouse: A$90-150 per week
- Shared accommodation: $85-$215 per week
- On-campus halls of residence: A$90-280 per weekHomestay: A$235 – A$325 per week
Boarding house: A$235-325 per week - Full rent: A$165-440 per week
- Boarding school: A$11,000 – A$22,000 per year
Many schools in Adelaide are located in the city centre, so many students live near the campus, within easy cycling or walking distance of the school and the nearby business district, making it very convenient for both living and studying.
In addition to the city centre, many students choose to live in the suburbs of Adelaide, where rents are cheaper and students can take public transport to school.
Travelling by Public Transport
If you are a full-time student, you can buy a Metro Card with your student ID card to enjoy an exclusive student discount, which is about half the standard fare! You’ll also get unlimited free transfers to different modes of transport within two hours of swiping your card.
For a monthly pass, top up your MetroCard with AUD$51.50 (or AUD$25.50 for primary and secondary students), and you can travel anywhere in the region, on any mode of transport (train, tram or bus), as many times as you like, for 28 days! “Adelaide
There are also a number of bus routes in the Adelaide metropolitan area that offer a free service (shown in the map below). So transport will be incredibly convenient if you go to school in or around the metro area.
Everyday Expenses
Whether it’s buying food and essentials, eating out, shopping, or entertainment, Adelaide is a more affordable place to spend your money compared to other capital cities in Australia.
Australia is known for its coffee, fresh fruit, vegetables and beef, so if you choose to cook for yourself. You can spend less than $10 on a simple meal and as little as $3 for one person for spaghetti bolognese (please refer to the video at the end of this article for more details on how to make it).
Adelaide is also known for its world-renowned restaurants and diverse food culture. If you’re eating out, the average cost of a light meal in Adelaide’s restaurants is around A$16, which is also lower than the national average.
There are also often restaurants near campus that offer cheap lunches and coffee for students. Meanwhile, many schools and clubs partner with restaurants to offer student discounts, so don’t miss out on these student benefits!
Recreation
Exhibitions, concerts, cinema, gym… as an international student, you can often get discounts on these entertainment and sporting activities.
Most off-campus gyms offer student discounts, but joining a school gym or sports team is often a much more affordable option, and you can get fit while participating in clubs and activities. Or if you need a pair of running shoes or a bike, Adelaide will be your playground.
Meanwhile, many cinemas offer discounted student tickets, with some offering ‘student nights’ for as little as $8! In Adelaide, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure and entertainment services at more affordable prices:
- Going to the cinema (2 tickets): A$31 (Australian average A$35)
- A Fine Dining meal (for 2): AUD$90 (Australian average AUD$95)
- A drink at a bar in the city (2 people): A$52 (Australian average A$57)
Additionally, living up to its reputation as Australia’s ‘festival capital’, Adelaide hosts various free events every month and even every week. And StudyAdelaide organises free events for international students every month.
Part-time Income
While studying in Adelaide, international students also have the opportunity to work part-time. With a minimum statutory wage of AUD$20.33 per hour, if you work 20 hours per week, you will earn AUD$406.6 per week according to the statutory salary, which is a level of income that can cover the basic living expenses in Adelaide (AUD$395 per week).
To help you understand the daily expenses and income of studying in Adelaide, let’s take Sasa’s week as an example:
FAQ
Living in Adelaide can vary depending on your lifestyle, but on average, a single person might expect to spend between $2000 and $2500 monthly. This includes rent, food, transportation, and utilities.
Compared to cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide is generally more affordable, offering a lower cost of living while still providing a high quality of life.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Adelaide’s city centre is about $1,200, while it drops to around $900 outside the city centre.
On average, you might expect to spend between $300 and $400 monthly on groceries in Adelaide, though this can vary based on your dietary needs and preferences.
Utility costs in Adelaide, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, tend to average around $200 per month for a standard apartment.
