Sample monthly budget for international students in Melbourne real numbers is one of those things that helps you see what a realistic budget looks like. Seeing real numbers helps you understand what to expect, and I’ve tracked my spending for three years. I’ve learned what’s realistic, and I’ve watched friends budget. Some budgets work. Others don’t. The difference was understanding realistic numbers.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve tracked my spending and learned what’s realistic, and I’ve created budgets based on real spending. Some numbers are straightforward. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what actually costs.
So here’s everything I know about a sample monthly budget for international students in Melbourne, based on real numbers.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this budget realistic?
Yes, based on real spending. This budget is realistic for Melbourne, and it’s based on actual costs. Adjust based on your situation.
Can I spend less?
Maybe, but it’s difficult. You can spend less, but it’s challenging. Budget realistically, and don’t underestimate costs.
What if I spend more?
That’s okay, but track your spending. If you spend more, track it, and see where your money goes. Adjust as needed.
Should I include everything?
Yes. Include all expenses, and don’t forget anything. Track everything, and you’ll see where your money goes.
How do I stick to a budget?
Track your spending, and adjust as needed. Budgets are flexible, and you can adjust them. Track spending, and stick to what you can afford.
What if my income changes?
Adjust your budget. If your income changes, adjust your budget accordingly. Budgets are flexible, and you can change them.
Final Thoughts
Sample monthly budget for international students in Melbourne: 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.