Living Expenses

The table below compares the cost of living for a single person in student hostels, home-stay accommodation and renting a private property in Melbourne, and should be read with the following in mind:  

  • all figures are in Australian dollars
  • costs will vary depending on location, lifestyle and preferences
  • student accommodation is calculated on a 44-week basis for hostel and home-stay arrangements (*)
  • student and private apartments are usually let on a 52-week basis, and expenses are therefore calculated for 52 weeks (#)
  • all costs are subject to an additional 10 percent Goods and Service Tax (GST).

This is a responsive table, swipe to scroll

ESTIMATED LIVING COSTS

(To be used as a guide only)

COLLEGE/

HOSTEL*

PRIVATE

APARTMENT#

HOMESTAY*

ESTABLISHMENT COSTS

(Per Year)

Bond/Deposit (refundable)

Utility connection (telephone)

Electricity & Gas connection

Furniture, household goods

 

 

1,300

60

 

 

 

1,000

60

35

1,200

 

Total

1,360

2,295

 

ANNUAL COSTS

Books, stationery, equipment

Clothes

Accommodation Fee

 

600

700

*13,500

 

600

700

#12,000

 

600

700

*10,100

Total

14,800

13,300

11,400

WEEKLY COSTS

Food (includes snacks)

Travel

Gas, electricity, water

Telephone (excluding mobile and internet)

Miscellaneous expenses (medical, hair cuts, movies etc):

 

60

20

 

50

 

60

 

100

20

20

50

 

60

 

60

30

50

 

 

60

Total

190

250

200

TOTAL (Annual)

Approximate total costs for year

 

A$23,220

 

A$27,595

 

A$20,200

 

For more information on the cost of living in Australia and price summaries, please visit Living in Victoria.