Melbourne is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students in Australia. Understanding the average cost of living in Melbourne helps you plan your budget before arriving and decide whether your expenses are below or above the typical range. The overall monthly cost for an international student in Melbourne ranges from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500 in 2026.
- The average cost of living in Melbourne for international students is AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500 per month, covering rent, food, transport, and health insurance
- The Australian government requires student visa applicants to show funds of at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs
- The Australian student visa (Subclass 500) fee is AUD 2,000 as of 2025-26.
What Does Accommodation Cost in Melbourne for Students?
Accommodation is the biggest cost for students in Melbourne. Shared rooms or private rooms in shared flats cost AUD 600 to AUD 1,200 per month. On-campus university housing costs AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per month and usually includes utilities. Private studios in inner suburbs cost AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,400 per month.
Your accommodation choice has the largest impact on your total monthly spend. Sharing a house or apartment with two or three other students is the most popular way Indian students keep costs manageable in Melbourne. Suburbs like Carlton, Parkville, and Brunswick are popular for proximity to universities and reasonable rent. If your rent exceeds AUD 1,200 per month, your housing costs are above the average student benchmark.
How Much Do Food and Groceries Cost in Melbourne?
Students who cook at home typically spend AUD 300 to AUD 600 per month on groceries in Melbourne. Affordable supermarkets like Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths keep food costs manageable. Eating out at casual cafes or restaurants costs AUD 15 to AUD 25 per meal. Regular dining out can push monthly food expenses well above the average student range.
Buying in bulk, meal prepping, and shopping at local markets further reduces grocery bills. Students who cook most meals at home and shop at budget supermarkets typically fall in the lower half of the AUD 300 to AUD 600 range. If you spend more than AUD 500 per month on food alone, you are above the student average for groceries in Melbourne.
Cost of studying in Australia for Indian students 2026Read →What Is the Cost of Transport in Melbourne for Students?
A monthly public transport pass in Melbourne costs AUD 126 to AUD 199 in 2026. Full-time students qualify for concession Myki cards with reduced fares. Melbourne's inner-city tram zone is free, which benefits students near the CBD. Most students spend AUD 80 to AUD 200 per month on transport, depending on commute frequency and location.
If your monthly transport spend is under AUD 150, you are at or below the student average in Melbourne. Students who live within cycling distance of campus or in the free tram zone spend significantly less. Avoid rideshare apps for daily commuting — they can add AUD 100 to AUD 250 extra per month on top of regular public transport costs.
Australia student visa 2026 – fees, requirements and processRead →What Are Other Monthly Expenses in Melbourne for Students?
Beyond rent and food, students budget for health insurance, utilities, and phone plans. OSHC is mandatory and costs AUD 650 to AUD 850 or more per year. Utilities add AUD 100 to AUD 200 per month in private rentals. Mobile plans cost AUD 20 to AUD 50 per month in Melbourne.
On-campus and purpose-built student accommodation often includes utilities and internet in the rent, which helps keep total costs predictable. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be purchased for the full duration of your student visa before arriving in Australia. Textbooks, study materials, and occasional entertainment add around AUD 50 to AUD 150 per month on average.
Top scholarships for Indian students in Australia 2026Read →To check whether your expenses are below or above the Melbourne average, compare your monthly spending to the benchmarks above. A student spending AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,600 per month on all expenses combined, with shared accommodation and home cooking, is well within the average range. Students in private apartments or those eating out regularly will typically spend AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 per month or more.