Full cost of living for a student couple in Australia rent food transport and bills is one of those topics that helps couples budget together. Living as a couple can be cheaper per person, but total costs are higher. I’ve researched costs for couples and learned what’s realistic, and I’ve talked to student couples. Some costs are shared. Others are not. The difference was understanding what costs more and what can be shared.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve researched costs for couples and learned what’s realistic, and I’ve compared costs. Some aspects are straightforward. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what costs more and what can be shared.
So here’s everything I know about full cost of living for a student couple in Australia, based on what actually costs.
Rent: Can Be Shared
Let me start with this, because rent can be shared.
Couple rent: usually $800 to $1,500 per month for a one bedroom or studio.
Per person: usually $400 to $750 per month, which is similar to single rent.
But here’s what I’ve learned: couple rent is usually $800 to $1,500 per month for a one bedroom or studio. Per person, it’s usually $400 to $750 per month, which is similar to single rent. Rent can be shared, which helps.
Food: Usually More
This is important, because food costs are usually more.
Couple food: usually $400 to $700 per month.
Per person: usually $200 to $350 per month, which is similar to single food.
But here’s what I’ve learned: couple food is usually $400 to $700 per month. Per person, it’s usually $200 to $350 per month, which is similar to single food. Food costs are usually more total, but similar per person.
Transport: Usually More
This is important, because transport costs are usually more.
Couple transport: usually $200 to $400 per month.
Per person: usually $100 to $200 per month, which is similar to single transport.
But here’s what I’ve learned: couple transport is usually $200 to $400 per month. Per person, it’s usually $100 to $200 per month, which is similar to single transport. Transport costs are usually more total, but similar per person.
Bills: Can Be Shared
This is important, because bills can be shared.
Couple bills: usually $100 to $250 per month.
Per person: usually $50 to $125 per month, which is cheaper than single bills.
But here’s what I’ve learned: couple bills are usually $100 to $250 per month. Per person, it’s usually $50 to $125 per month, which is cheaper than single bills. Bills can be shared, which helps.
Total Budget: What It Looks Like
This is practical, and here’s what a total budget looks like.
Total budget: usually $2,500 to $4,000 per month for a couple.
Per person: usually $1,250 to $2,000 per month, which is similar to single budgets.
But here’s what I’ve learned: total budget is usually $2,500 to $4,000 per month for a couple. Per person, it’s usually $1,250 to $2,000 per month, which is similar to single budgets. Total costs are higher, but per person costs are similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper per person?
Usually similar per person. Total costs are higher, but per person costs are similar. Rent and bills can be shared, which helps.
How much do we need per month?
Usually $2,500 to $4,000 per month for a couple. Per person, it’s usually $1,250 to $2,000 per month, which is similar to single budgets.
Can we share costs?
Yes. Rent and bills can be shared, which helps. Food and transport are usually per person, so they’re similar to single costs.
What if one person earns more?
Share costs fairly. If one person earns more, share costs based on income or equally. Decide what works for you, and be fair.
Should we have joint accounts?
It depends. Some couples have joint accounts, others keep separate accounts. Decide what works for you, and be flexible.
How do we budget together?
Set a budget together, and agree on spending limits. Include both incomes and expenses, and make it realistic. Communicate about money, and set the budget together.
I’ve written about managing money as a couple if you want more detail.
Final Thoughts
Full cost of living for a student couple in Australia: total budget is usually $2,500 to $4,000 per month for a couple. Per person, it’s usually $1,250 to $2,000 per month, which is similar to single budgets. Rent and bills can be shared, which helps. Food and transport are usually per person, so they’re similar to single costs. Budget together, and share costs fairly.
Don’t overthink it. Total costs are higher, but per person costs are similar. Rent and bills can be shared, which helps. Budget together, and share costs fairly. It’s manageable, and it’s similar per person to single budgets.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Budget together. Total costs are higher, but per person costs are similar. Rent and bills can be shared, which helps. Budget together, and share costs fairly. It’s manageable.
If you’re still budgeting as a couple, budget together. Total costs are higher, but per person costs are similar. Rent and bills can be shared, which helps. Set a budget together, and share costs fairly.