The figures below act as a guide to compare the cost of living for a single student in a student apartment or renting a private property.
When comparing costs, please bear in mind:
- all figures are in Australian dollars
- costs will vary depending on location, lifestyle and preferences
- rent is calculated on a 52-week basis
- all costs are subject to an additional 10% Goods and Service Tax (GST).
Living expenses comparison
| Establishment Costs |
Student Apartment (PBSA) |
Private Rental |
Bond/deposit calculation (refundable).
Further details can be found here: Consumer Affairs |
weekly rent x 4.333 |
weekly rent x 4.333 |
| Utility connection (electricity & gas) |
included |
150 - 200 pm |
| Furniture & household goods (not whitegoods) |
included |
2,500 |
| Books, stationery, equipment |
600 - 700 |
600 - 700 |
| Clothes |
850 |
850 |
| Accommodation fee |
15,600 - 36,296 pa |
15,600 - 36,296 pa |
| Food (includes snacks) |
from 100 pw |
from 100 pw |
| Travel (does not apply to students in walking distance) |
from 46 pw |
from 46 pw |
| Gas, electricity, water |
included |
150 - 200 pm |
| Mobile Telephone |
30 - 70 pm |
30 - 70 pm |
| Internet (may be included in the rent, check with the acommodation) |
included |
from 60 pm |
| Miscellaneous expenses (medical, movies etc) |
150 |
150 |
For more information on the cost of living in Australia and price summaries, please visit Cost of Living in Victoria.