Cost of living in Melbourne for international students detailed breakdown 2026 is one of those topics that every student needs to understand. Melbourne is expensive, but knowing costs helps you budget. I’ve tracked my costs for three years, and I’ve learned what’s realistic. Some costs are obvious. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what actually costs.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve tracked my costs and learned what’s realistic, and I’ve watched friends spend different amounts. Some spend more. Others spend less. The difference was understanding what’s realistic.
So here’s everything I know about the cost of living in Melbourne for international students, based on what actually costs.
Rent: The Biggest Expense
Let me start with this, because rent is usually the biggest expense.
Rent: usually $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on location and type.
Share house: usually $600 to $900 per month.
Studio: usually $1,000 to $1,200 per month.
But here’s what I’ve learned: rent is usually the biggest expense. Share houses are cheaper, studios cost more. Budget $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on what you choose.
I’ve written about how much rent to pay if you want more detail.
Food: The Second Biggest Expense
This is important, because food is a major expense.
Food: usually $200 to $400 per month, depending on what you eat and where you shop.
Shop smart: at Aldi, cook at home, and you can spend $200 to $300 per month.
But here’s what I’ve learned: food is a major expense. Shop smart, cook at home, and you can spend $200 to $400 per month. Budget accordingly, and shop at cheaper stores.
I’ve written about cost of groceries if you want more detail.
Transport: What It Costs
This is important, because transport adds up.
Transport: usually $100 to $200 per month, depending on how much you travel.
Use: Myki, and take advantage of daily caps and concessions.
But here’s what I’ve learned: transport costs $100 to $200 per month, depending on how much you travel. Use Myki, and take advantage of daily caps and concessions. Budget accordingly.
I’ve written about how to save money on transport if you want more detail.
Bills: What They Cost
This is important, because bills add up.
Bills: usually $50 to $150 per month, depending on what’s included.
Electricity, gas, water, internet: usually $50 to $150 per month total.
But here’s what I’ve learned: bills cost $50 to $150 per month, depending on what’s included. Budget for bills, and understand what you’re paying for.
I’ve written about bills and who pays if you want more detail.
Total Budget: What It Looks Like
This is practical, and here’s what a total budget looks like.
Total budget: usually $1,500 to $2,500 per month for basic expenses.
This includes: rent, food, transport, bills, and basic expenses.
But here’s what I’ve learned: total budget is usually $1,500 to $2,500 per month for basic expenses. This includes rent, food, transport, bills, and basic expenses. Budget accordingly, and track your spending.
I’ve written about sample monthly budget if you want more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne expensive?
Yes, but manageable. Melbourne is expensive, but it’s manageable if you budget carefully. Rent is usually the biggest expense, so budget accordingly.
How much do I need per month?
Usually $1,500 to $2,500 per month for basic expenses. This includes rent, food, transport, bills, and basic expenses. Budget accordingly.
Can I survive on less?
Maybe, but it’s difficult. You can survive on less, but it’s challenging. Budget realistically, and don’t underestimate costs.
What if I don’t have enough?
Look for ways to reduce costs, or increase income. Reduce rent, food, or transport costs, or find more work. Don’t ignore the problem.
Should I budget weekly or monthly?
Monthly is usually better. Budget monthly, and break it down weekly if needed. Monthly gives you a better overview.
What if my budget doesn’t work?
Adjust it. Budgets are flexible, and you can adjust them. Track your spending, and adjust as needed. Don’t stick to a budget that doesn’t work.
Final Thoughts
Cost of living in Melbourne for international students: rent $600 to $1,200, food $200 to $400, transport $100 to $200, bills $50 to $150, total $1,500 to $2,500 per month. This is realistic, and it’s based on real costs. Track your spending, and adjust as needed. Budget realistically, and don’t underestimate costs.
Don’t underestimate costs. Budget $1,500 to $2,500 per month for basic expenses in Melbourne. Track your spending, and adjust as needed. Budget realistically, and don’t overspend. This budget is realistic, and it’s based on real costs.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Budget realistically. Rent $600 to $1,200, food $200 to $400, transport $100 to $200, bills $50 to $150, total $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Track your spending, and adjust as needed. Don’t underestimate costs.
If you’re still budgeting, use these numbers as a guide. Rent $600 to $1,200, food $200 to $400, transport $100 to $200, bills $50 to $150, total $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Track your spending, and adjust as needed. Budget realistically.