Why compare the cost of living in Australia vs UK? Various factors need to be considered in the comparison, such as the quality of education, the benefits of studying in both countries, and the cost of living in Australia vs UK.
Regarding the quality of education and the benefits of studying in the UK and Australia, they both have high-ranked universities. That is, the factors that set the two countries apart are the average living costs, average salaries, and more. So today, the blog will provide a general overview of the cost of living in Australia vs UK, including accommodation costs, food prices, transportation costs, and so on.
Cost of Living in Australia vs UK: General Overview
Speaking of comparing living costs Australia vs UK, we need to consider multiple aspects, such as tuition fees, accommodation expenses, utility bills and so on. Here is a general overview of the cost of living in UK for single person per month compared to Australia to give you a quick and direct understanding.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s International Tuition Fees (Yearly) | A$20,000 – A$45,000 (£9874 – £22217) | £11,400 – £38,000 |
| Master’s International Tuition Fees (Yearly) | A$22,000 – A$50,000 (£10861 – £24686) | £9,000 – £30,000 |
| Student Halls (Monthly) | A$440 – A$1,100 (£217 – £543) | £400 – £600 |
| Private Let for 1-bedroom Apartment (Monthly) | A$1,670.72 – A$2,154.79 (£825 – £1064) | £832.00 – £1,016.79 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | A$398 (£197) | £283.91 |
| Grocery Prices (Monthly) | A$500 – A$1,000 (£247 – £494) | £464 – £620 |
| Public Transport (Monthly) | A$30 – A$70 (£15 – £35) | £54 – £103 |
Wondering “Is Australia cheaper than UK?” The chart above gives a quick snapshot: on average, Australia is cheaper for tuition, student halls, utilities, groceries, and public transport, while private rental costs are broadly similar between the two countries. Below, we’ll dive into a detailed, line-by-line comparison of the cost of living in Australia vs the UK so you can see where you’ll save and where costs stay close.
Living Costs Australia vs UK
Accommodation Cost in Australia vs UK
Housing is a priority in your cost-of-living analysis wherever you go. Accommodation prices in the UK and Australia are almost the same, while those in Australia are a little more expensive than in the UK.
Renting
It is challenging to decide whether to rent or buy a house, as the decision depends on one’s budget and plans for the future. Renting a home is more prevalent among international students.
| Item (Price per month) | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £1,063.73 (A$2,154.79) | £1,016.79 (A$2,059.71) |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £824.76 (A$1,670.72) | £832.00 (A$1,685.39) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £1,754.15 (A$3,553.38) | £1,703.63 (A$3,451.03) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £1,337.44 (A$2,709.24) | £1,347.27 (A$2,729.17) |
From the diagram, we can see that private rental costs are roughly the same in Australia and the UK. When choosing between the two, compare neighbourhoods closely — city-centre locations are usually much pricier, while outer suburbs and commuter towns typically offer better value for money.
Buying a House
If you plan to settle down, you need to choose a suitable house. House prices are dramatically divergent in different locations within the 2 countries, as the following chart shows.
| Item (Price Per Square Metre) | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment in the City Centre | £5,338.74 (A$10,814.67) | £4,448.64 (A$9,011.61) |
| Apartment outside the City Centre | £3,938.30 (A$7,977.80) | £3,588.51 (A$7,269.24) |
It is apparent that Australia cost of living vs UK in buying properties is much higher.
Utilites
Utilities are also an aspect of housing expenses that shouldn’t be overlooked, although they are not a considerable proportion. When you add them all up, it is a good amount of money. However, the houses in uhomes.com generally include utility bills, which can save you money, time, and effort to the greatest extent.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Gas, Water, Electricity…) for an 85 Square Metre Apartment | £135.47 (A$274.42) | £238.93 (A$484.00) |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | £20.49 (A$41.50) | £13.44 (A$27.22) |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £40.57 (A$82.17) | £31.44 (A$63.68) |
Food Prices in Australia vs UK
When comparing the life expenses in Australia vs the United Kingdom, food costs fall into 2 clear categories: grocery prices and restaurant prices. Grocery bills are broadly similar in both countries, but eating out is generally cheaper in Australia than in the UK. To save money, cook at home and shop at local markets or discount supermarkets.
Grocery
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular), (1 Litre) | £1.21 (A$2.45) | £1.25 (A$2.53) |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | £1.90 (A$3.86) | £1.24 (A$2.51) |
| White Rice (1kg) | £1.57 (A$3.17) | £2.98 (A$6.03) |
| 12 Eggs | £3.46 (A$7.02) | £2.98 (A$6.03) |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | £6.90 (A$13.98) | £7.21 (A$14.61) |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £6.43 (A$13.02) | £6.68 (A$13.53) |
| Ground Beef (1kg) | £10.51 (A$21.28) | £10.66 (A$21.60) |
| Apples (1kg) | £2.46 (A$4.99) | £2.22 (A$4.50) |
| Potatoes (1kg) | £1.94 (A$3.92) | £1.26 (A$2.56) |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | £9.87 (A$20.00) | £8.00 (A$16.21) |
Restaurant
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | £12.34 (A$25.00) | £15.00 (A$30.39) |
| 3-course Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | £59.24 (A$120.00) | £65.00 (A$131.67) |
| McDonald’s McMeal (or Equivalent) | £7.40 (A$15.00) | £8.00 (A$16.21) |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Litre) | £4.94 (A$10.00) | £5.00 (A$10.13) |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 Litre Bottle) | £2.00 (A$4.06) | £1.83 (A$3.71) |
Transportation Costs in Australia vs UK
Transportation is another key part of the Cost of life in Australia vs UK — whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on the weekend. Overall, public transport and daily travel tend to be cheaper in Australia than in the UK, so budget-conscious students and workers often save more on fares down under. Consider season passes, student discounts, and cycling to cut costs further.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £2.22 (A$4.50) | £2.50 (A$5.06) |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £69.11 (A$140.00) | £75.00 (A$151.93) |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £2.72 (A$5.50) | £4.00 (A$8.10) |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | £1.27 (A$2.58) | £1.79 (A$3.63) |
| Gasoline (1 Litre) | £0.89 (A$1.79) | £1.42 (A$2.88) |
Childcare Costs
When it comes to childcare costs, the monthly fees for full-day private preschools and annual tuition for international primary schools are generally lower in Australia. This makes Australia a more affordable option for families budgeting for early years and school-age education.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day at Private Preschool (Monthly) | £1,233.87 (A$2,499.45) | £1,252.86 (A$2,537.91) |
| International Primary School (Yearly) | £9,682.35 (A$19,613.52) | £15,500.99 (A$31,400.33) |
Recreation Costs
After moving to a new country to study or work, we should also pay attention to recreation. Fortunately, there are various recreation opportunities in Australia and the UK. As is represented in the diagram, the average Australian cost of living in entertainment tends to be more expensive.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | £36.04 ($73.00) | £34.70 ($70.30) |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | £12.55 ($25.41) | £11.84 ($23.98) |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | £9.87 ($20.00) | £10.00 ($20.26) |
What Is the Average Salary in the UK and Australia?
For UK vs Australia salary, Australia generally pays more on average. The national minimum wage in Australia is about A$24.95 (£12.11) per hour, while in the UK the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 (A$25.76) per hour. On a typical monthly basis, the average Australian worker earns roughly A$5,480 (£2,705), compared with about £2,404 (A$4,869) for an average worker in the UK. Taken together, these figures show that average pay is higher in Australia, but headline numbers hide important details: pay differs widely by sector, role, and city.
Don’t assume the same pay gap applies to every job. High-paying sectors (finance, tech, mining, healthcare) and major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, London) can skew averages. Conversely, regional areas and lower-paid sectors will show much smaller differences — or even the reverse. If you’re comparing opportunities, look past the national averages: check industry salaries, local living costs, tax rules, and benefits. Below you’ll find a breakdown of typical salaries for common job categories in the UK and Australia to help you compare realistic take-home pay by sector.
| Job | Australia Salary (Per Year) | UK Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | £42,500 (A$86,155) | £40,000 (A$81,087) |
| Car Mechanic | £36,052 (A$73,060) | £32,400 (A$65,680) |
| Teacher | £40,000 (A$81,087) | £35,000 (A$70,951) |
| Builder | £32,766 (A$66,400) | £32,924 (A$66,724) |
| Retail Worker | £25,000 (A$50,679) | £22,000 (A$44,598) |
| Nurse | £37,500 (A$76,019) | £33,000 (A$66,896) |
| Software Engineer | £55,000 (A$111,494) | £50,000 (A$101,358) |
As you can see, English salaries in most job roles are lower than those of Australia. The main exception in our data is builders, who may earn similar or even higher pay in the UK.
As mentioned above, the difference in living costs of different cities is also great. Therefore, we will compare cost of living between cities in these 2 countries in the next session.
Living Costs in UK Cities Comparison
Here is a quick comparison between London and other cities in the UK:
Study in London: £1,334/month (≥9 months)
Study in other cities in the UK: £1,023/month (≥9 months)
It is apparent that living costs in London are higher than in other cities. We will survey the living costs of five UK cities, including London, Bristol, Cambridge, Manchester, and Edinburgh, for more details and then compare them.
Living Costs in London
- Housing: London, the UK’s capital, is renowned for its high housing costs. London student accommodation prices are among the highest in the UK. On average, students will pay around £848 per month for student halls. A one-bedroom apartment in London’s centre costs around £1,799, while outside the city centre, it drops to approximately £1,200.
- Utilities: London also comes with higher utility costs. Monthly utilities for a standard apartment (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) are typically £340.
- Grocery prices: Grocery costs in London are higher than in other cities. On average, a monthly grocery bill for one person is around £360.
- Transportation: London’s extensive public transport network is both a blessing and a cost factor. A monthly travel card for zones 1-3 costs approximately £170.
Our Top Housing Options in London
- iQ Will Wyatt Court: iQ Will Wyatt Court, an excellent student accommodation, offers various En-suites to students, perfectly striking a balance between privacy and socialization. It is close to the lively districts of Hoxton and Shoreditch. Students living there can enjoy city life and drink in the British atmosphere. What’s more, it offers easy access to the City, University of London and University College London, easy for students to commute.
- iQ City: iQ City is a student housing in London, providing 4 room types: Non-En-suites, En-suites, Studios, and 1-bedroom Apartments. The student accommodation is close to London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), City, University of London, and University College London (UCL), ideal for students studying at these universities. In addition, it is located between Clerkenwell and Shoreditch, which is perfect for students to enjoy the bustling city life.
- Coppermaker Square: This apartment’s living amenities are well-appointed and advanced, including full kitchen appliances and modern bathrooms. The community is equipped with a gym and swimming pool for fitness lovers.
Living Costs in Bristol
- Housing: Bristol offers a more affordable alternative to London. The price for student accommodation in Bristol is around £420 per month, while renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about £1,147 per month, and outside the city centre, it’s around £800.
- Utilities: Bristol, a city known for its vibrant culture, has slightly lower utility costs. We will pay around £230 per month for the same services.
- Grocery prices: The average monthly bill for one person is about £222.
- Transportation: Bristol’s public transport is less comprehensive but more affordable. A monthly bus pass costs around £101. The city’s cycling infrastructure is also well-developed, offering a cost-effective alternative.
Living Costs in Cambridge
- Housing: Known for its prestigious university, Cambridge’s housing market is competitive. Cambridge offers student halls at varying prices, typically about £575 per month. For renting an apartment, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for around £1,277 per month, while outside the centre, it’s approximately £950.
- Utilities: with its historic charm and academic prestige, Cambridge sees utility costs of about £236 monthly.
- Grocery prices: Cambridge’s grocery costs are relatively low, averaging around £236 per month for one person.
- Transportation: Cambridge is renowned for its cycling culture, making it an affordable option for daily commuting. A monthly bus pass costs about £125, and the city’s compact layout minimises transport costs.
Living Costs in Manchester
- Housing: Manchester combines affordability with urban vibrancy. Manchester residence provides more affordable options for students, with monthly costs for student halls falling at £640. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is about £925; outside the city centre, it drops to £700.
- Utilities: Manchester, a city celebrated for its rich industrial heritage and dynamic arts scene, offers utilities at a more affordable rate, typically around £269 per month.
- Grocery prices: Manchester provides a good balance, with one person’s grocery costs averaging £198 per month.
- Transportation: Manchester’s public transport is efficient and reasonably priced. A monthly travel card costs around £102. The city’s tram system, Metrolink, is famous for commuters.
Our Top Housing Options in Manchester
- Vita Student Circle Square: Vita Student Circle Square is a luxury student accommodation. The apartments offer various room types and a complimentary buffet breakfast, providing a five-star hotel-like accommodation experience.
- Square Gardens: Square Gardens is a modern student accommodation in Manchester, offering a tailor-made living experience for modern city dwellers. The apartment provides various room types to enrich students’ choices. Community amenities include a restaurant, lounge area and spa and yoga studio.
Living Costs in Edinburgh
- Housing: Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, balances cost and quality of life. Edinburgh’s student accommodation prices are relatively moderate, with monthly expenses of about £500. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around £926 per month; it’s about £850 outside the city centre.
- Utilities: Edinburgh has utility costs of about £280 per month.
- Grocery prices: Edinburgh’s grocery costs around £272 per month for one person.
- Transportation: Edinburgh’s public transport includes buses and trams, with a monthly pass costing around £97. The city’s walkability also helps reduce transportation expenses.
| Item (Per Month) | London | Bristol | Cambridge | Manchester | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Halls | £848 | £420 | £575 | £640 | £500 |
| Private Lets (One-bedroom Apartment) | £1,799 | £1,147 | £1,277 | £925 | £926 |
| Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet) | £340 | £230 | £236 | £269 | £280 |
| Grocery Prices | £360 | £222 | £266 | £198 | £272 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | £170 | £101 | £125 | £102 | £97 |
Living Costs in Australian Cities Comparison
Here is a quick comparison between the cities of Australia, including Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Canberra:
Study in Sydney: A$1,900/month
Study in Melbourne: A$1,500/month
Study in Canberra: A$1,400/month
Study in Brisbane: A$1,400/month
Study in Adelaide: A$1,300/month
It is apparent that living costs in Sydney are higher than in other cities. Afterwards, we will show more details.
Living Costs in Sydney
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is renowned for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning harbour views. However, these attractions come with a high price tag.
- Housing: Sydney has the highest housing costs in Australia. Student halls in Sydney can be expensive, with a monthly rent of about A$770. The higher end typically includes modern amenities and central locations. A one-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s centre can cost upwards of A$2,803 per month, while outside the city centre, it may cost around A$1,900.
- Transportation: Sydney’s public transportation system is extensive but relatively expensive. Monthly public transport passes cost approximately A$217.
- Groceries: Groceries in Sydney are on the pricier side, with a monthly grocery bill for one person averaging A$536.
- Utilities: An apartment’s monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) typically amount to A$353.
Our Top Housing Options in Sydney
- Scape Redfern: Scape Redfern is a student accommodation in Sydney. It is a modern, high-end, quality student accommodation in a central location, ideally located close to The University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney, as well as Redfern train station.
- Scape Glebe: Scape Glebe is a modern student accommodation in Sydney, opened in 2015. It has 185 studio suites to choose from. The University of Sydney is across the street and a 5-minute walk away. The University of Technology Sydney and Broadway Shopping Centre are also within walking distance of the flats.
Living Costs in Melbourne
Melbourne, known for its cultural diversity and arts scene, offers a slightly more affordable lifestyle than Sydney.
- Housing: Housing in Melbourne is more affordable. Melbourne Student halls are about A$950 per month. The city offers a mix of traditional and contemporary accommodations, catering to different tastes and budgets. A one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne’s centre costs around A$1,773 monthly and about A$1,600 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Melbourne’s public transport system is efficient and more affordable than Sydney’s, with monthly passes costing around A$146.
- Groceries: Groceries are moderately priced, with a monthly average of A$100.
- Utilities: Utility costs are comparable to Sydney’s, averaging around A$312 per month.
Our Top Housing Options in Melbourne
- UniLodge Melbourne CBD: UniLodge Melbourne CBD is a student accommodation in Melbourne. Ideally located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, within walking distance of RMIT and Victoria University City Flinders Campus, the flats comprise studio and multi-share suites.
- Scape Franklin: Scape Franklin is a brand new student accommodation in Melbourne. It is conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne, just a few minutes walk from RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. The apartments offer luxurious, stylish, and fully furnished student accommodation, providing students with a safe, convenient, and comfortable living environment.
Living Costs in Canberra
As the nation’s capital, Canberra offers a balanced lifestyle with a blend of urban and natural environments.
- Housing: Housing in Canberra is relatively affordable. The cost of student halls here is around A$380, making it cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. The quieter ambience and well-planned infrastructure provide a conducive environment for studying. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around A$2,219 per month and approximately A$1,600 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Canberra’s public transport is less extensive but more affordable, with monthly passes costing about A$132.
- Groceries: Groceries are reasonably priced, with a monthly average of A$60.
- Utilities: Utility costs are slightly higher, averaging around A$375 per month.
Living Cost in Brisbane
With its warm climate and relaxed atmosphere, Brisbane offers a more affordable lifestyle than the southern cities.
- Housing: Student halls in Brisbane are relatively high, with monthly rents of A$1,356. The city’s growing reputation as an educational hub means plenty of modern student accommodations are available. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around A$2,600 per month, while it costs about A$1,300 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Brisbane’s public transport is affordable, with monthly passes costing around A$100.
- Groceries: Groceries are moderately priced, with a monthly average of A$240.
- Utilities: Utility costs are lower, averaging around A$342 per month.
LIving Costs in Adelaide
Adelaide, known for its wine regions and festivals, offers the city’s most affordable cost of living.
- Housing: Adelaide housing is significantly cheaper. Student halls here are A$600 with monthly rents. The city’s smaller size doesn’t compromise the quality of education or amenities available to students. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around A$1,606 per month and approximately A$1,100 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Public transport is the most affordable, with monthly passes costing about A$150.
- Groceries: Groceries are the least expensive, with a monthly average of A$240.
- Utilities: Utility costs are the lowest, averaging around A$460 monthly.
| Item (Per Month) | Sydney | Melbourne | Canberra | Brisbane | Adelaide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Halls | A$770 | A$950 | AUD $380 | AUD $1,356 | AUD $600 |
| Private Lets (One-bedroom Apartment) | A$2,803 | A$1,773 | AUD $2,129 | AUD $2,600 | AUD $1,606 |
| Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet) | A$353 | A$312 | AUD $375 | AUD $342 | AUD $460 |
| Grocery Prices | A$536 | A$100 | AUD $60 | AUD $240 | AUD $240 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | A$217 | A$146 | AUD $132 | AUD $100 | AUD $150 |
Is Australian Cost of Living Cheaper than UK?
The cost of living in Australia is generally more affordable than in the UK across most categories. Not only are Australian student living costs for daily essentials like groceries, utilities, and transport often slightly lower, but the country also boasts generally higher salaries, providing a better financial buffer for students and residents alike. However, it is important to note that Master’s tuition fees and home-buying costs are typically higher in Australia, while private rental costs remain surprisingly similar between the two nations. Ultimately, the choice between the UK and Australia shouldn’t be based on money alone; carefully weigh the academic reputation, research opportunities, cultural fit, and lifestyle to decide which country is the best fit for your study abroad journey.
Pros and Cons of Living in Australia vs UK
Life in the UK and Australia each comes with its own set of pros and cons. When evaluating long-term value and quality of life, both Australia and the UK present compelling, yet distinct, cases. Australia offers a desirable package of sunny weather, an outdoor-focused, laid-back lifestyle, and generally higher salaries, which can make the overall cost of living in Australia feel more manageable. However, it comes with the challenge of geographical isolation. Conversely, the UK is a hub for rich cultural experiences, world-class education, and unparalleled travel access to Europe, though its climate and higher cost of living in major cities like London present their own challenges. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize the Australian sun and salary benefits or the UK’s cultural depth and European connectivity.
Conclusion about Cost of Living in Australia vs UK
This blog analyzes the cost of living in Australia compared to the UK in terms of housing costs, food prices, utility bills, tuition fees and transportation costs to give you a rough idea of whether your budget is enough.
FAQs about Cost of Living in Australia vs UK
Cost of living Sydney vs London
While comparing the cost of living in Sydney vs London, there are several aspects to consider:
| Item (Per Month) | Sydney | London |
|---|---|---|
| Student Halls | AUD $770 (£405) | £848 |
| Private Lets (One-bedroom Apartment) | AUD $2,803 (£1,476) | £1,799 |
| Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet) | AUD $353 (£186) | £340 |
| Grocery Prices | AUD $536 (£282) | £360 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | AUD $217 (£114) | £170 |
Is moving from the UK to Australia worth is?
It is worth to move from the UK to Australia. Although cost of living in Australia vs UK is relatively higher, Australia also offers higher salaries to ensure our living quality, which can be regarded as “earn more, spend more”. By the way, if you have decided to move from the UK to Australia, you need to know the time differences between Australia and UK to better adjust the life in Australia. The time in Canberra, Australian Capital, is 9 hours ahead of UK. In that, Thursday 12:41 PM in Canberra=Thursday 3:41 AM in the UK.
Is Australia better than UK?
Australia is better than UK because of the following 3 reasons:
- Land area: Australia is bigger than UK. You may wonder how much bigger is Australia than UK. In fact, Australia is about 32 times bigger than UK. UK is approximately 243,610 square km, while Australia is approximately 7,741,220 square km. For those who are fond of large country with more individual spaces, Australia is a better choice.
- Weather: The UK is known for its unpredictable weather, often characterised by rain and overcast skies. This can be a downside for those who prefer a sunnier climate.
- Salary: Although the general cost of living in Australia vs UK is higher, the salaries of Australians are also higher to ensure the quality of our lives.
