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) |
|---|---|---|
| International Tuition Fees (Bachelors) | $20,000 to $45,000 per year | £11,400 to £38,000 per year |
| International Tuition Fees (Masters) | $22,000 to $50,000 per year | £9,000 to £30,000 per year |
| Student Halls | $440 to $1,100 per month | £400 – £600 per month |
| Private Lets (One-bedroom Apartment) | $1,800 to $2,300 per month | £610 to £740 per month |
| Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet) | $270 to $320 per month | £80 to £140 per month (includes TV license) |
| Grocery Prices | $500 to $1,000 per month | £464 to £620 per month |
| Public Transport | $30 to $70 per month | £54 to £103 per month |
If you are wondering “Is Australia cheaper than UK?”, you can get the answer from the chart above, which presents a general overview of the cost of living in Australia vs UK. Bachelor’s International tuition fees (£10,533 to £23,703 per year converted to pounds) and masters’ International tuition fees (£11,589 to £26,338 per year), student halls costs (£232 to £579 per month), grocery prices (£263 to £527 per month) and public transport fees (£16 to £37 per month) in Australia is cheaper than those in the UK, while private lets costs (one-bedroom apartment) (£952 to £1,216 per month) and utility bills (£142 to £169 per month) more expensive. Next, we will compare the detailed cost of living in Australia vs UK.
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 | £1,200 ($2,300) | £1,100 ($2,100) |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £1,000 ($1,900) | £880 ($1,700) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £2,000 ($3,900) | £1,800 ($3,400) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £1,500 ($2,800) | £1,300 ($2,600) |
From the diagram, we can see that in terms of private lets, the cost of living in Australia compared to UK accommodation is higher regardless of the room types and the location (whether in or outside the city centre).
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 | £7,000 ($13,400) | £5,200 ($10,000) |
| Apartment outside the City Centre | £5,400 ($10,400) | £4,000 ($7,500) |
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 85m2 Apartment | £180 ($340) | £250 ($490) |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | £20 ($40) | £10 ($20) |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £40 ($90) | £30 ($60) |
Food Prices in Australia vs UK
When it comes to life expenses in Australia vs United Kingdom regarding food prices, grocery and restaurant prices are two basic points. For grocery prices, these two countries are almost the same. However, for restaurant prices, those in Australia are above the UK.
Grocery
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular), (1 Litre) | £1 ($2) | £1 ($2) |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | £2 ($4) | £1 ($2) |
| White Rice, (1kg) | £2 ($3) | £2 ($3) |
| 12 Eggs | £3 ($6) | £3 ($6) |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | £8 ($16) | £7 ($13) |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £7 ($13) | £7 ($12) |
| Ground Beef (1kg) | £11 ($22) | £10 ($20) |
| Apples (1kg) | £3 ($5) | £2 ($4) |
| Potato (1kg) | £2 ($4) | £1 ($2) |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | £10 ($20) | £7 ($14) |
Restaurant
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-course Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | £78 ($150) | £60 ($115) |
| McDonald’s McMeal (or Equivalent) | £8 ($15) | £7 ($13) |
| Beer (0.33 Litre Bottle) | £6 ($12) | £4 ($8) |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 Litre Bottle) | £2 ($4) | £2 ($3) |
| Water (0.33 Litre Bottle) | £2 ($3) | £1 ($2) |
Transportation Costs in Australia vs UK
Transportation costs are also a consideration. We will pay for it when we commute to work or hang out on weekends. Cost of life in Australia vs UK in the field of transportation is nearly the same. They don’t cost much.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £3 ($5) | £3 ($5) |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £90 ($170) | £70 ($130) |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £3 ($6) | £3 ($6) |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | £1 ($3) | £1 ($2) |
| Gasoline (1 Litre) | £1 ($2) | £1 ($3) |
Childcare Costs
For childcare costs, living costs in Australia compared to UK are shown in the chart below. The tuition fees of full-day private preschool (monthly) in Australia are a little more expensive, while those of International primary school (yearly) are cheaper.
| Item | Australia (AUD) | UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day at Private Preschool (Monthly) | £1,300 ($2,400) | £1,200 ($2,400) |
| International Primary School (Yearly) | £10,300 ($19,800) | £14,300 ($27,400) |
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 | £45 ($80) | £30 ($60) |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | £15 ($25) | £10 ($20) |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | £10 ($20) | £10 ($20) |
What Is the Average Salary in the UK and Australia?
For UK vs Australia salary, the minimum wage in Australia is $23.23 (£12.25)/hour, while that in the UK is £10.42 ($19.75)/hour. For monthly pay, an ordinary Australian could earn $7,500 (£3,957), while an ordinary English could only earn £2,780 ($5,271). All in all, the average salary in Australia is higher than in the UK. However, there are huge differences between different job sectors and cities. When it comes to the salaries of different job sectors, UK vs Australia salary of some common jobs are listed below.
| Job | Australia Salary (Per Year) | UK Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | £39,394 ($73,496) | £35,704 ($67,698) |
| Car Mechanic | £30,761 ($58,884) | £35,183 ($66,716) |
| Teacher | £32,963 ($63,100) | £30,000 ($56,888) |
| Builder | £43,864 ($83,968) | £33,500 ($63,529) |
| Plumber | £33,695 ($64,502) | £31,703 ($60,121) |
| Nurse | £35,942 ($68,802) | £27,055 ($51,303) |
| Doctor | £126,943 ($253,000) | £79,392 ($150,548) |
As you can see, English salaries in most job roles are lower than those of Australia, except for a car mechanic. The salary gaps between these 2 countries are the biggest in the medical and architecture industries.
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: AUD $1,900/month
Study in Melbourne: AUD $1,500/month
Study in Canberra: AUD $1,400/month
Study in Brisbane: AUD $1,400/month
Study in Adelaide: AUD $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 $770. The higher end typically includes modern amenities and central locations. A one-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s centre can cost upwards of $2,803 per month, while outside the city centre, it may cost around $1,900.
- Transportation: Sydney’s public transportation system is extensive but relatively expensive. Monthly public transport passes cost approximately $217.
- Groceries: Groceries in Sydney are on the pricier side, with a monthly grocery bill for one person averaging $536.
- Utilities: An apartment’s monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) typically amount to $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 $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 $1,773 monthly and about $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 $146.
- Groceries: Groceries are moderately priced, with a monthly average of $100.
- Utilities: Utility costs are comparable to Sydney’s, averaging around $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 $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 $2,219 per month and approximately $1,600 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Canberra’s public transport is less extensive but more affordable, with monthly passes costing about $132.
- Groceries: Groceries are reasonably priced, with a monthly average of $60.
- Utilities: Utility costs are slightly higher, averaging around $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 $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 $2,600 per month, while it costs about $1,300 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Brisbane’s public transport is affordable, with monthly passes costing around $100.
- Groceries: Groceries are moderately priced, with a monthly average of $240.
- Utilities: Utility costs are lower, averaging around $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 $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 $1,606 per month and approximately $1,100 outside the city centre.
- Transportation: Public transport is the most affordable, with monthly passes costing about $150.
- Groceries: Groceries are the least expensive, with a monthly average of $240.
- Utilities: Utility costs are the lowest, averaging around $460 monthly.
| Item (Per Month) | Sydney | Melbourne | Canberra | Brisbane | Adelaide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Halls | AUD $770 | AUD $950 | AUD $380 | AUD $1,356 | AUD $600 |
| Private Lets (One-bedroom Apartment) | AUD $2,803 | AUD $1,773 | AUD $2,129 | AUD $2,600 | AUD $1,606 |
| Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet) | AUD $353 | AUD $312 | AUD $375 | AUD $342 | AUD $460 |
| Grocery Prices | AUD $536 | AUD $100 | AUD $60 | AUD $240 | AUD $240 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | AUD $217 | AUD $146 | AUD $132 | AUD $100 | AUD $150 |
Is Australian Cost of Living Cheaper than UK?
The Australian cost of living is higher than the UK’s in terms of tuition fees and housing costs, the two largest expenses for most individuals. Food prices, utility bills, and transportation fees are almost the same in the two countries. However, Australia also offers higher salaries to ensure the quality of our lives.
Pros and Cons of Living in Australia vs UK
- Living quality and long-term value: Australia and the UK offer distinct advantages and challenges. Australia is ideal for those seeking a sunny climate, outdoor activities, and a laid-back lifestyle, albeit at a higher cost of living and with some geographical isolation. On the other hand, the UK offers rich cultural experiences, excellent education, and convenient travel within Europe, though it comes with its own economic and climatic challenges.
- Living costs: Residents in Australia have higher salaries and also higher living costs, while individuals in the UK are on the contrary. However, living costs vary from city to city in each country. As for the most expensive cities in each country, cost of living in London is even higher than in Sydney.
Conclusion
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.
FAQ
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.
