Cost of Living in Melbourne for International Students 2027

The cost of living in Melbourne for international students can range from around A$2,000 to A$3,800 or more per month in 2027, depending on rent, accommodation type, and lifestyle. This guide covers housing, groceries, transport, phone costs, and Australian student visa financial requirements.

Melbourne Student Accommodation Options and Rent Costs

Accommodation is often the largest ongoing expense for international students in Melbourne. Your rent will depend on whether you live in university accommodation, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), a shared house, or a private apartment. Location, room type, and whether meals and utilities are included can also make a significant difference.

The University of Melbourne publishes accommodation prices for the 2027 academic year, while its cost-of-living guide provides broader rental-market benchmarks. The examples below illustrate how costs vary by housing type; they are not guaranteed prices for every provider.

For current accommodation examples, visit the University of Melbourne accommodation page. For broader rental benchmarks, consult its cost-of-living guide and the September 2026 Domain Rental Report.

Before signing a lease, check the bond, contract length, payment schedule, cancellation terms, and whether utilities and internet are included. Living farther from campus may lower rent, but compare any savings with transport costs and commuting time.

Grocery Costs, Dining, and Daily Expenses

Your food budget will depend on your diet, how often you cook, and whether your accommodation includes meals. As a starting point, use the University of Melbourne cost-of-living guide and the Study Australia living-cost guidance to build a budget that reflects your circumstances.

When planning your food and leisure expenses, allow for:

• Groceries: Set a weekly limit based on your diet and how often you prepare meals at home.
• Dining out: Compare local menus and account for meals purchased on campus or while socialising.
• Coffee and snacks: Frequent small purchases can add up over a month.
• Entertainment: Budget for cinema tickets, events, fitness, and other activities.

Public Transport and myki Fares in Melbourne

Melbourne's public transport network includes trains, trams, and buses. Many journeys use the myki ticketing system. Tram travel within the designated Melbourne CBD Free Tram Zone is free, but trips outside the zone may require a valid ticket.

Victoria introduced a temporary 50% public transport fare discount for all passengers from 1 June 2026 until 1 January 2027. That discount is not a permanent fare arrangement for the rest of 2027. Under the standard full-fare metropolitan myki rates published before the temporary discount, a two-hour Zone 1+2 fare is A$5.70 and a daily fare is capped at A$11.40 on applicable weekdays. Check the current official fare table before travelling, as fares and caps may change.

Visit the official metropolitan train, tram, and bus fare page for current fares and ticket options. Weekend and public-holiday fares may differ from weekday fares.

You can also review the official guide to myki fares to understand fare zones, daily caps, and concession options.

Mobile Phone and Internet Expenses

You'll likely need a local mobile plan and, depending on your accommodation, a home internet connection. As a planning estimate, allow around A$25–A$55 per month for a prepaid mobile plan and A$60–A$90 per month for home internet if it is not included in your rent. These are indicative amounts rather than official averages; actual prices depend on the provider, data allowance, and current offers.

Before buying a plan, compare current options and check whether your student residence or sharehouse already includes Wi-Fi. If you share a property, ask how internet costs are divided and whether connection or equipment fees apply.

Student Visa Funds and Work Rights

To apply for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500), you must demonstrate that you can meet the relevant financial requirements. The published financial-capacity benchmark for an individual student's living costs is A$29,710 for 12 months. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to show funds for travel, tuition, and accompanying family members.

This amount is a visa financial-capacity benchmark, not a guarantee that A$29,710 will cover your actual living costs in Melbourne. Your budget may need to be higher, especially if you live in private accommodation. Read the Study Australia living and education costs guidance and use the Department of Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool to check the evidence relevant to your application.

The standard Student visa application charge starts at A$2,500, although limited concessions apply to eligible applicants. Additional costs, such as health checks, police certificates, or biometrics, may also apply. Confirm the charge on the official Student visa subclass 500 page before you apply.

Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Eligible master's by research and doctoral students are exempt from this work limit once their course has started. Students can generally work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to their visa conditions.

From 1 July 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. Many employees are covered by an award, which can set different minimum rates, penalties, and allowances. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman minimum-wage guidance for the rate that applies to your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning ahead can help you manage Melbourne's living costs while you study. Compare accommodation options, budget for groceries and transport, and include visa expenses and unexpected costs in your financial plan so you can focus on your studies.