Cost of Living in Melbourne for Students: 2025 Guide

Blogs April 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

Melbourne—Australia’s cultural heart, where leafy streets meet world-class universities and cozy cafés hum with stories from every corner of the globe. For international students, it’s more than a study destination. It’s a city full of color, connection, and challenge. But as beautiful as the sunsets along St Kilda Beach or the city’s iconic trams can be, the real adventure lies in managing the cost of living in Melbourne.

From sharing a house with fellow students to choosing between weekly groceries and that tempting café latte, every choice matters. The cost of living in Melbourne per month depends on your lifestyle—but smart budgeting can go a long way. The Melbourne cost of living for student life includes rent, food, transport, and some fun too. For a single person, the living cost in Melbourne can range from modest to high, so every dollar counts. And let’s not forget the living expenses in Melbourne for international students—they come with surprises, but also lessons in independence. Still, between lectures, tram rides, and city lights, Melbourne becomes a second home. It’s a place where learning goes beyond the classroom—and every new day adds something special to your journey.

Cost of living in Melbourne for international students

Anxious about stretching every dollar in a new city?

This gives a skyline view of the monthly Living expenses in Melbourne for international students.

All-in spend (accommodation, food, travel, utilities, phone, fun): Cost of living in Melbourne per month hovers around AUD 1,800–2,400 for most degree-seekers.
A tight Living cost in Melbourne for single person doing meal-prep and free tram hops can dip closer to AUD 1,500.
Splurge patterns—Uber Eats every night, studio downtown—push totals toward AUD 3,000.
Remember visa rules: work-hour cap is 48 hours per fortnight, so budget part-time pay wisely.

Types of Accommodation & the cost of living in Melbourne

Which roof feels right for both wallet and wellbeing?

Housing shapes every Melbourne cost of living for student budget line.

Shared Apartment/House

AUD 800–1,400/month
Share rent + utilities; private room, joint kitchen & lounge.
Cost of living in Melbourne stays lowest but compromise on privacy.

Private Room in Shared Unit

AUD 1,000–2,000/month
Lockable room, sometimes with ensuite; still share kitchen.
Balanced option for Living cost in Melbourne for single person craving calm.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

AUD 1,500–2,800/month all-inclusive (Scape, UniLodge).
Bills, Wi-Fi, gym bundled; closer to uni, pricier than private rentals.

On-Campus Colleges

AUD 1,500–1,800/month; some include catering.
Community vibe, but fills fast and bumps the Cost of living in Melbourne per month upward.

Studio / One-Bedroom Apartment

AUD 1,700–2,400/month plus all bills.
Total independence; great for couples or late-night coders.

Up-front hits

Up-Front Item	Typical Amount
Bond (4-6 weeks)	AUD 1,200–2,500
First-month rent	AUD 800–2,400
Utility setup	AUD 150–300

Choosing wisely

Walkable distance to campus slices transport spend—vital for Living expenses in Melbourne for international students.
Furnished versus unfurnished matters; Facebook Marketplace can slash furniture costs.
Always inspect safety ratings on Homely before signing.

Cost of living in Melbourne per month

Worried the monthly totals still feel foggy?

Expense Bucket	Average (AUD)	Notes
Housing (shared)	1,050	Biggest slice of the Melbourne cost of living for student pie
Food & Groceries	400	Home-cooked focus
Transport	140	Student concession included
Utilities & Internet	120	Split between 3 flatmates
Phone	30	SIM-only plans
Personal & Leisure	160	Occasional movie, gym
TOTAL	1,900	The realistic cost of living in Melbourne benchmark

Tip: keep a 10 % buffer for textbooks and spontaneous road-trips.

Food & Grocery Expenses and the cost of living in Melbourne

Feeling the pinch every time you tap at Coles?

Groceries shape the Living cost in Melbourne for single person but meal-prep can tame totals.

Core grocery basket

Item	Average Cost (AUD)
1 L of milk	1.80–2.50
Dozen eggs	3.50–5.00
Bread loaf	2.00–4.00
Rice (1 kg)	2.50–4.00
Chicken (1 kg)	9.00–12.00
Apples (1 kg)	3.00–4.50
Tomatoes (1 kg)	3.00–5.00
Instant noodles	1.00–2.50
Cooking oil (1 L)	3.50–6.00

Where to shop

• ALDI for budget staples – unbeatable for things like milk, cereal, pasta, and frozen veggies.
• Queen Victoria Market early afternoons – stalls often slash prices just before closing; perfect for fresh produce on a student budget.
• Indian grocers in Footscray – masala packs, lentils, and basmati rice often under AUD 3; great for home-cooked comfort food.

Dining-out math

• A cheap-eat bowl of pho will warm you up and fill you up for AUD 15–18.
• A Friday sushi roll set is a light, satisfying treat for about AUD 12.
• Your coffee fix? Around AUD 4.50 a cup. But if you grab one daily, that’s nearly AUD 135/month added to the cost of living in Melbourne.

Money-savvy hacks

• Batch cook Sunday night curries, dal, or sabzi—then freeze individual portions. It trims your weekly grocery costs and the cost of living in Melbourne per month.
• Download the Too Good To Go app—get end-of-day bakery deals up to 60% off; it’s eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
• In shared flats, share rice cookers, pressure cookers, and spice jars. Buying groceries in bulk makes the Melbourne cost of living for student a lot more manageable.

These little lifestyle tweaks make the living cost in Melbourne for a single person feel a lot lighter, especially when juggling assignments and part-time jobs. It’s all about smart choices and sweet savings on your living expenses in Melbourne for international students.

Public transport and the cost of living in Melbourne

Unsure which one to use, Myki Money or Pass?

Fares can nudge the Living expenses in Melbourne for international students if not optimised.

Myki card price: AUD 6 (non-refundable).
Myki Money (pay-as-you-go) Zone 1+2 daily cap: AUD 11.00 (concession AUD 2.75 for 2-hour trip).
Myki Pass 7-day Zone 1+2: AUD 55 (concession AUD 27.50).
Free Tram Zone inside CBD—tap once outside boundaries or risk a AUD 288 fine.

Average monthly outlay

Status	Estimated Spend (AUD)
With concession	100–150
Without concession	150–200

Saver pointers

Apply for a PTV Tertiary card (AUD 9) on arrival; it halves fares, slashing the cost of living in Melbourne fast.
Cluster errands downtown to exploit free trams.
Off-peak trains before 7 a.m. get 30 % discount.

Budgeting tips that shrink the cost of living in Melbourne

Struggling to track every coffee swipe?

Mastering cash-flow rules keeps Cost of living in melbourne per month predictable.

Track your spend

Pocketbook colour-codes rent, food, fun.

Set a 50-30-20 rule

50 % needs, 30 % wants, 20 % savings—ideal for Melbourne cost of living for student survival.

Bulk-cook biryani

Shared spice costs save AUD 30/week.

Flash your student ID

Movie tickets drop to AUD 11; Canva Pro 50 % off.

Share houses, share bills

Three mates split NBN: AUD 25 each, easing Living cost in Melbourne for single person stress.

Part-time hustle

Campus barista at AUD 26/hour covers groceries.

Use Free Tram Zone

Zero fare days trim the cost of living in Melbourne line item.

Borrow textbooks

Library e-copies = zero dollars.

Automate savings

Transfer AUD 50/week to a high-interest account.

Tap uni perks

Free counselling, free Wi-Fi beats outside charges.

Cheapest suburbs & the cost of living in Melbourne

Wondering where rent won’t wreck your rupee savings?

Balance the Living expenses in Melbourne for international students against the commute time.

Suburb	Distance from CBD	Weekly Shared-Room Rent (AUD)	Why Students Stay
Footscray	5 km W	180–250	Near Victoria U, foodie heaven
Sunshine	12 km W	150–230	Large malls, 20-min train
Coburg	8 km N	170–240	Trams to UniMelb & RMIT
Reservoir	12 km N	160–220	Quiet, La Trobe access
Preston	9 km N	180–240	Lively markets, student crowd
Clayton	19 km SE	170–250	Monash hub, Asian eateries
Noble Park	25 km SE	150–210	Budget-friendly, multicultural
Dandenong	30 km SE	140–200	Cheapest rents, direct train

Decision cues

Check travel time v/s rent drop; a 40-minute train might still win for Cost of living in melbourne per month savings.
Look for 24/7 supermarket access if late-lab schedules.

Essential apps, discounts & the cost of living in Melbourne

Afraid of missing hidden deals?

Digital tools shrink the Living cost in Melbourne for single person day-by-day.

myki App – top-up on the tram platform.
UniDAYS – Apple Music AUD 6.99 student plan.
Student Edge – casual job listings + Domino’s deals.
PTV + Google Maps – real-time tram alerts keep the cost of living in Melbourne calmer (no surprise Uber rides).
Splitwise – stops roommate bill wars.
Pocketbook – sees the full Melbourne cost of living for student picture at a glance.
Too Good To Go – croissants for AUD 4 after 5 p.m.
Gumtree – snag a pre-loved desk for AUD 20.
MS Teams / Zoom / Canva – already free via uni licences.

Must-grab discounts

Category	Deal
Transport	International Student Travel Pass: 50 % off annual fare
Food	Hungry Jack’s student combos AUD 7
Tech	Adobe Creative Cloud 60 % off
Fun	Hoyts Tuesdays AUD 11 tickets
Fitness	Uni gym AUD 10/week

Melbourne universities & Ivy League vibes, plus the cost of living in Melbourne

Dreaming of prestige without the US$70k price tag?

World-class degrees plus reasonable Living expenses in Melbourne for international students attract global talent.

University of Melbourne – With its stunning sandstone buildings and rich history, this university feels like Australia’s version of the Ivy League. Ranked in the top 35 worldwide, it’s known for academic excellence and world-class faculty. Studying here means being surrounded by heritage, innovation, and bright minds from around the globe.
Monash University – A true global player, Monash has research centers in four countries. It’s a great choice for students who dream big. With strong programs in science, engineering, and business, it also gives off serious Ivy League vibes—modern, bold, and internationally connected.
RMIT University – Right in the heart of Melbourne, RMIT is a leader in design and technology. With ties to big names like BMW, it’s perfect for students who want to blend creativity with innovation. Its city campus buzzes with energy, and it feels like a modern Ivy League hub.
La Trobe University – Known for its health sciences and strong community focus, La Trobe combines quality education with social impact.

While these universities are world-class, don’t forget the cost of living in Melbourne. It’s a key part of the student experience—balancing academic dreams with smart budgeting in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Scholarships that trim the cost of living in Melbourne

Hoping free money exists beyond fairy tales?

Melbourne International UG Scholarship

Offers up to AUD 10,000 to help with your living costs. It’s great for first-year undergraduate students and can cover rent, groceries, or public transport—helping ease the cost of living in Melbourne.

Graduate Research Scholarship

Gives a generous AUD 37,000/year stipend for postgraduate research students. This helps cover all major expenses like accommodation, food, and study needs while living in Melbourne.

Monash International Merit

Worth AUD 10,000 per year, this scholarship is flexible. You can use it to pay rent, buy groceries, or even save on other student expenses. A great way to lower your Melbourne cost of living for student life.

RMIT Excellence Scholarship

Offers a AUD 10,000 tuition discount. You can then use the saved money for your student budget, making daily life more affordable in the city.

La Trobe International Scholarship

Gives a 25% tuition fee discount and often comes with subsidised dorm rooms—a great help with student housing and the overall cost of living in Melbourne.

Destination Australia Scholarship

Pays AUD 15,000 per year for students studying at regional campuses. A great option for those looking beyond central Melbourne.

Australia Awards

These are fully funded scholarships with an AUD 1,600 monthly living allowance. It covers almost all expenses, making life much easier for international students.

Pair one scholarship with a 20-hour/week café job and watch the cost of living in Melbourne shrink.

Cost of English tests & the cost of living in Melbourne

Thinking the IELTS fee is just pocket change?

Exam prices sneak onto the Cost of living in Melbourne per month sheet before you even fly.

Test	Fee (INR)	Fee (AUD)	Format
IELTS	18,000	330	Paper / Computer
TOEFL iBT	16,900	310	Online
PTE Academic	17,000	315	Computer
Duolingo	4,900	90	Online

Budget impact

One attempt + coaching could touch AUD 700, equal to half a month’s room in Footscray—clear effect on total Living cost in Melbourne for single person.
Universities sometimes waive tests if prior study in English—ask admissions and rescue the cost of living in Melbourne fund.

Let AI handle finances & slash the cost of living in Melbourne

Wish you had a robot banker in your pocket?

Smart apps mean smoother Melbourne cost of living for student planning.

Managing the cost of living in Melbourne doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you’ve got AI on your side! These handy apps help international students stay on top of their finances, reduce waste, and save more each month.

Frollo

• Tracks and auto-categorizes your spending.
• Sends real-time alerts when you overspend.
• Monthly saving: Up to AUD 40.

Spendee AI

• Creates visual dashboards of your budget.
• Adjusts your spending plan as your income changes.
• Monthly saving: Around AUD 30.

MoneyBrilliant

• Offers cash-flow forecasts to plan ahead.
• Helps reduce unexpected costs.
• Monthly saving: Roughly AUD 20.

Cleo Chatbot

• Sends fun messages to check your daily spend.
• Nudges you to spend smarter—habit changer!
• Monthly benefit: Behavior-focused, not direct savings.

Digit

• Moves small amounts into savings automatically.
• Grows your savings without you noticing.
• Monthly savings: Up to AUD 50.

Mealime

• Generates meal plans based on your budget.
• Keeps grocery costs under AUD 50/week.
• Monthly savings: Around AUD 60.

Moovit

• Suggests the cheapest travel routes daily.
• Cuts down your transport costs.
• Monthly savings: Around AUD 20.

These tools make the Melbourne cost of living for student life easier, smarter, and way more affordable. Total potential: AUD 250 shaved off the cost of living in Melbourne each month.

Conclusion

Balancing dreams with dollars is the heartbeat of every student journey. By picking the right suburbs to live in, tapping your myki card wisely, and cooking a week’s worth of dal and rice on Sundays, you can stretch every dollar without sacrificing your student life. And when you let AI apps track your spending and find savings, managing the cost of living in Melbourne gets even easier. Whether you’re catching a tram to class or sipping coffee on a study break, Melbourne becomes more than a city—it becomes a smart, sustainable home. The trick is to live wisely, not less. Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, cozy bookstores, and bustling cafés are still within reach—wallet intact, dreams alive, and horizons wide.

FAQs

1. How accurate is the average cost of living in Melbourne figure of AUD 1,900?

It suits a shared-house lifestyle; studios or nightly takeaways raise totals fast.

2. Can the Cost of living in Melbourne per month drop below AUD 1,500?

Yes, by living in Dandenong, cooking every meal, and maxing concession fares.

3. What part-time wage offsets the Melbourne cost of living for students most?

Roles at university cafés or tutoring earn AUD 25–30/hour, covering groceries and transport.

4. Is the Living cost in Melbourne for a single person cheaper than for couples?

Usually, but couples splitting a studio may pay less per person in rent.

5. Do scholarships really cover Living expenses in Melbourne for international students?

Major research scholarships offer stipends that meet or exceed the average monthly spend.

Student Cost of Living in Melbourne Breakdown 2025