Cost of Living in Brisbane for International Students 2027

The cost of living in Brisbane for international students can range from around A$2,000 to A$3,500 or more per month in 2027, depending on rent, accommodation type, and lifestyle. This guide covers housing, groceries, transport, phone plans, and the financial requirements for an Australian student visa.

Brisbane Student Accommodation Costs: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing

Accommodation is usually one of your biggest expenses as an international student in Brisbane. You can choose university residences, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), homestays, shared houses, or private rentals. Your costs depend on the property's location, facilities, and whether utilities and meals are included.

Study Queensland's living-expenses guide estimates accommodation costs across Queensland at approximately A$150 to A$600 per week, depending on the type of housing. Brisbane rents can be higher than those in some regional areas, so compare actual listings before choosing where to live.

These are broad budgeting estimates, not verified market averages for every housing category. Prices vary by suburb, property size, room type, and availability. For university-specific prices, consult the accommodation pages of your institution. You can also review Study Queensland's accommodation guidance.

Mobile SIM Plans and Internet Expenses for Students in Brisbane

Staying connected helps you manage university communications, access study materials, and keep in touch with family. Your phone and internet expenses depend on the provider, data allowance, and whether you share a connection.

• Mobile SIM: As a planning estimate, allow around A$20–A$50 per month for a prepaid or standard mobile plan. Compare data allowances and current offers before choosing a provider.
• Home internet: Budget approximately A$60–A$100 per month for a home broadband plan, depending on the provider and service. Internet may already be included in student accommodation or shared housing, so confirm this before signing a contract.

Compare available broadband services and connection information through NBN Co and check current mobile plans directly with telecommunications providers. These prices are estimates rather than official fixed rates.

Average Weekly Grocery Budget for International Students in Brisbane

Groceries are another important part of your budget. As a starting estimate, allow around A$80–A$150 per week for food, depending on your diet, shopping habits, and how often you eat out. Students who cook most meals at home and compare supermarket prices may spend less, while those who purchase specialty foods or prepared meals may spend more.

Budget for household essentials and toiletries separately if they are not included in your grocery estimate. For broader budgeting guidance, see Study Queensland's living-expenses guide.

Entertainment, Dining Out, and Student Discounts in Brisbane

Brisbane offers cafés, restaurants, cinemas, parks, cultural attractions, and student events. Your spending will depend on how often you go out and the activities you choose.

• Cinema tickets: Budget around A$18–A$25 per ticket, depending on the cinema and session.
• Casual dining: Allow around A$20–A$40 per person, depending on the venue.
• Coffee: Use A$4.50–A$6 as a general budgeting estimate.
• Student discounts: Ask participating venues whether they offer student pricing, and check your institution's student-benefit programs.

These are illustrative prices, not official citywide averages. Check current menus, ticket prices, and eligibility requirements before relying on a discount.

Brisbane Student Public Transport Fares: Translink's 50-Cent Trips

Translink operates Brisbane's public transport network, including buses, trains, ferries, and trams. The Queensland Government made its 50-cent flat fare permanent in 2024, and it remains in effect as of October 22, 2026.

The 50-cent fare also applies to eligible passengers using concession payment methods during the flat-fare arrangement. The usual concession discount does not reduce the fare further while this arrangement applies. Always check the official conditions for the service you plan to use.

How to pay:

• Go card: A reusable travel card that you top up with credit. Follow Translink's instructions for tapping on and off. Learn more about the go card.
• Contactless payment: Eligible debit or credit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches can be used to tap on and off on supported services. Use the same card or device for both taps.
• Paper tickets: Paper tickets are available through designated ticket machines and other approved options. Cash is not accepted onboard South East Queensland Translink services.

A 50-cent fare can make commuting affordable, although your total transport costs will depend on how often you travel and whether you need other services that are not covered by the flat fare.

Estimated Monthly Budget for Brisbane International Students (2027)

Your monthly budget will depend heavily on your accommodation and lifestyle. The table below is an illustrative budget for a student sharing accommodation. It is not a government-set cost of living or a guarantee of what you will spend.

The total is calculated from the low and high ends of the listed categories. It assumes shared accommodation and does not include tuition, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), initial relocation expenses, rental bond, visa charges, or unexpected costs. Utilities and internet should not be counted twice if they are already included in your rent.

Some students will spend more, particularly if they choose a private apartment or higher-cost student accommodation. For comparison, the Queensland University of Technology's Brisbane living guide recommends budgeting around A$500 per week for rent, food, transport, bills, study costs, and entertainment once settled.

Student Visa Work Rights

Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to their visa conditions. Different rules apply during scheduled course breaks, and certain exemptions may apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs Student visa guidance before accepting employment.

From July 1, 2026, Australia's National Minimum Wage is A$26.44 per hour for eligible adult employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. Most employees are covered by an award or agreement, which may provide different minimum rates. Casual employees entitled to the National Minimum Wage receive at least A$33.05 per hour, including the 25% casual loading. Junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may have different rates.

Read the Fair Work Ombudsman's minimum wage guidance for details about your employment entitlements.

Money-Saving Tips for International Students Living in Brisbane

• Compare university residences, student accommodation, and shared rentals before deciding where to live.
• Cook at home, plan meals, and compare supermarket prices to manage grocery spending.
• Use eligible Translink services to benefit from the 50-cent flat fare, and check whether your journey involves a service such as Airtrain that has separate fares.
• Ask whether utilities and internet are included in your rent before signing a lease.
• Build an emergency fund for unexpected costs, and avoid relying on part-time employment to meet every essential expense.
• Compare mobile and broadband plans, and check whether your university offers student discounts or other benefits.

FAQs

Brisbane offers international students a range of housing, dining, and transport options. Start your accommodation search early, compare the full cost of rent and bills, and account for visa-related expenses separately from your everyday budget. Planning ahead can help you manage your finances throughout your studies.