Brisbane is one of Australia’s largest cities with the lowest cost of living. Making the most of your university experience in Queensland’s capital will depend on how much it will cost you to live there, whether you are an international or domestic student. You’ll need to include all types of spending in your budget, from necessities like food and rent to less substantial fees like eating out.
You may do the math with the assistance of our guide on Brisbane’s living expenses for overseas students. When you compare Brisbane’s cost of living to those of other densely populated cities, you may be pleasantly surprised by its affordability if you are drawn to Queensland’s “great southeast.” If you stick to a budget, each individual’s projected monthly cost of living in Brisbane is $2,000 per month.
Living cost Brisbane
Brisbane has a $2077 average cost of living, which places it in the top 4% of the most expensive cities worldwide. It is placed 363rd out of 9294 cities worldwide and 4th out of 64 cities in Australia on our list. The typical earnings after taxes are $4103, enough to cover two-month living expenses. Ranked fourth in Australia and thirteenth (TOP 0.1%) among the most amazing locations on the earth to live.
With an estimated 2.36 million residents, Brisbane ranks third in terms of population in Australia. Depending on your living situation, the average weekly cost for a single individual to live well in Brisbane ranges from $400 to $750.
Utilities
Your only utility bills will be your phone and data plan if you live in catered accommodations like on-site campuses and homestays. Options include postpaid and pre-paid plans. A 12-month post-pay contract typically costs between $45 and $60 per month for data use over 60GB. The monthly cost of a pre-paid subscription with up to 40GB of data is between $20 and $30. If you live alone, you could incur more expenses.
Accommodation
Brisbane’s student housing prices are reasonable compared to Sydney and Melbourne’s. The average cost of an apartment in Brisbane’s metropolitan region was $400 per week in January 2020, according to rent.com.au. Rentals often cost more the closer you are to the CBD. In Brisbane, living in accommodation where utilities (such as electricity and internet) are included in the rent may be more reasonable for students.
Read More: Tips for Avoid Hidden Costs When Booking Furniture Removals
Food
The typical grocery budget for a person is between $100 and $135 a week. You would only have to pay for additional food, which would be little if you reside in a facility that provides all or portion of your meals. A McDonald’s Big Mac combo costs $12 when dining out, and a modest dinner in the city often costs $20.
Study costs
Tuition costs are a significant factor when comparing living expenditures for international students in Brisbane. Although fees might vary depending on the topic, you choose to study. According to The Times Higher Education, international undergraduate students attend Australian universities for between $20,000 and $45,000.
You may compare prices amongst the many institutions in Brisbane before enrolling because there are many options available to students. It’s essential to factor the cost of items like stationery, laptops, and textbooks into your budget and the price of your course.
Transportation
You’ll need to consider transportation if you decide to live off-campus. Buses, ferries, and trains are all part of Brisbane’s public transportation system. Owning a car is more expensive since it might cost up to $150 per week to drive and park. Utilize the tertiary student discounts if you do want to use TransLink. Get a GO card to reduce travel expenses by up to 50%. Usage fees might be between $20 and $40 per week.
Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover is a requirement for all overseas students studying in Australia (OSHC). This kind of insurance covers visits to the doctor, hospital care, ambulance transportation, and some prescription medications. The cost of OSHC varies based on the level of coverage, but according to Canstar, the annual cost of basic coverage for individuals is about $438.
Shopping
Queensland offers high-end brand shopping, unique boutiques, and contemporary malls. Your favorite pair of jeans will probably cost you around $90 to replace, and depending on the brand, a couple of running shoes will cost you between $100 and $200. A high street store will charge around $90 for a summer outfit.
Lifestyle
A few popular tourist destinations in Brisbane are the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. It also has a thriving nightlife and athletic arenas, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to spend any excess cash when you’re not in class.
Brisbane’s average net monthly wage (after taxes) is $5,253.04, a little less than Sydney’s or Melbourne’s, but the cost of necessities is significantly lower.
How to reduce your living costs?
- Transportation: Purchase a Go Card and use your student discount to save up to 50% on travel expenses.
- Data: To use less data when at a college or homestay, use public WiFi. Set a limit on your data rate and opt to get alerts when you reach it or go over it.
- Don’t waste water or power, please. Make careful to turn off any unused appliances. Since there are various electrical suppliers, look for one that offers a competitive price.
- While purchasing food, try to buy goods in bulk when they are on sale. In Australia, Aldi is a more affordable supermarket than Coles or Woolworths. Farmers’ markets provide a fresh alternative to buying vegetables from supermarkets by enabling you to buy directly from the seller.
- Shopping: New apparel purchases might be pricey. In Australia, purchasing used clothing is typical. If you want clothes that make you look great and save the environment, check out your neighborhood Vinnies or Salvation Army store.
