Living in Australia: Understanding Cost, Housing, and Public Transport

Living in Australia: Understanding Cost, Housing, and Public Transport

Living in Australia as a Nepali student is a big step and getting a handle on the cost of living, housing options and public transport is key to settling in smoothly, so, you will need to understand how to get around which will make your experience much more comfortable.

Cost of Living in Australia

Australia’s cost of living can vary based on where you’re staying because big cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive while places like Adelaide and Perth can be more budget-friendly, so you need to know how much you can expect to spend on a day-to-day basis.

• Rent: This is likely your biggest expense. Depending on the city and whether you’re living solo or sharing, rent ranges from AUD 150 to AUD 450 per week.

• Groceries: Expect to spend around AUD 100–200 a week if you’re cooking most of your meals.

• Utilities and Internet: Utilities like electricity and water can add AUD 20–50 per week while internet plans cost about AUD 70 per month.

• Eating Out:  Additionally, you might end up spending around AUD 15–20 for something simple if you plan to go out to eat.

All in all, you’re looking at around AUD 20,000 to AUD 27,000 a year on living expenses, depending on your city and lifestyle. But remember, smart budgeting is your best friend!

Housing Options for International Students

Finding the right place to live is a big deal when you’re moving to a new country. Australia offers a few good options:

• On-Campus Accommodation: Living on campus is super convenient because you’re close to your classes, and it’s a great way to meet people. Costs can range from AUD 90 to AUD 300 per week, depending on the room type and location.

• Off-Campus Options:

• Shared Houses/Apartments: A popular choice in which you split rent and bills with housemates. This can cost anywhere from AUD 150 to AUD 400 per week, depending on the area.

• Private Apartments: If you’re into living solo, a private apartment offers more independence but comes at a higher price—expect AUD 300+ per week.

• Homestays: A more culturally immersive experience where you live with an Australian family. It often includes meals and can cost AUD 250–350 a week.

• Temporary Accommodation: Not sure where to settle yet? Hostels or short-term rentals can tide you over, costing around AUD 50–100 a night until you find your longer-term digs.

Public Transport in Australia

Getting around in Australia is easy, thanks to its solid public transport system. Whether it’s buses, trains, or trams, each city has its own network:

• Sydney: The Opal Card covers trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. You will be able to get daily caps and discounted fares just because you are a student.

• Melbourne: The Myki Card is your go-to for trains, trams and buses along with free tram rides in the city center.

• Brisbane: The Translink card can be used for travel across trains, buses and ferries.

• Adelaide: The MetroCARD offers affordable rides across buses, trains, and trams.

Public transport costs around AUD 30 to AUD 60 per week, depending on how often you travel. Plus, most cities offer student discounts, which can slash your travel expenses by 30%–50%. Make sure to grab a student concession card as soon as you can!

When you do go to Australia for your studies, your life is surely bound to be an adventure and knowing the basics such as the living costs, housing and transport will hopefully make your experience there as a newly arrived person a whole lot smoother. In a nutshell, make sure you plan ahead with your budget, housing choices and transport options so that you can have a comfortable and stress-free transition.