The dream of studying in Australia is often met with the reality of high costs, especially in major capitals. However, choosing the right city is the single most effective way to manage your budget and secure a strong future. This definitive guide cuts through the noise to identify the most affordable cities in Australia for students, balancing low rent with excellent part-time job opportunities.
In this guide, we not only highlight where your money goes further and how much you can expect to earn, but we also show how your choice of city connects directly to your long-term permanent residency goals in Australia (PR).
What is the single cheapest city to live in Australia for international students?
The single cheapest city to live in Australia that still offers high-quality education and a strong economy is Adelaide, South Australia.
Adelaide consistently offers the lowest average shared rent and highly subsidised student transport, making it significantly cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne. Crucially, as a designated regional centre, studying in Adelaide provides accelerated pathways for apr visa Australia through visas like the 190 visa, offering a substantial long-term return on your investment.
Cheapest City to Live in Australia: Top Pick for Migrants 2025
The best city for an international student is one that leads to the best migration outcome. For 2025 and 2026, our top recommendation balances immediate affordability with long-term Australian PR prospects.
Adelaide: The Strategic Choice for Low Cost of Living
Adelaide is our number one strategic choice. Its cost advantage is clear: shared student accommodation typically ranges from AUD $200–$320 per week, a substantial saving compared to Sydney’s average of $350–$550.
Low Rent Advantage: Suburbs like Mawson Lakes and Kent Town offer shared accommodation starting near the lower end of the range.
Job Market Strength: Key industries in South Australia (defence, health, and technology) mean less competition for professional part-time work than in the highly competitive hospitality sectors of the East Coast.
PR Pathway: Studying in regional centres like Adelaide offers additional points towards skilled migration, directly accelerating your path from a student visa in Australia to permanent residency in Australia.
The Financial Reality: Earning Power
Understanding your earning power is crucial. The current casual minimum wage is approximately AUD $31.19 per hour (as of July 2025). Working the maximum 48 hours per fortnight during the semester break allows you to earn nearly AUD $1,500 per fortnight, which significantly covers your weekly living expenses in Australia.
Top 7 Affordable Australian Cities for International Students
Beyond Adelaide, these cities offer outstanding value and opportunity, proving that a budget-friendly Australian education is achievable.
| City (State) | Average Weekly Shared Rent | Part-Time Job Market | PR Pathway Advantage |
| Adelaide (SA) | $200–$320 | Strong in Health, Tech, Defence | Highest Regional PR Points |
| Hobart (TAS) | $200–$350 (University Managed) |
Small, Focused (Tourism, Agriculture) | High Regional PR Priority |
| Perth (WA) | $240–$300+ | Strong in Mining, Engineering | Regional Status, High Wages |
| Gold Coast (QLD) | $275–$320 (Suburb Dependent) | Excellent in Hospitality, Tourism | Regional Status, Lifestyle |
| Brisbane (QLD) | $250–$400 | Diverse (IT, Infrastructure) | High Economic Growth, Major City |
| Canberra (ACT) | $250–$380 | Government, Education (High Skilled) | High Skilled Migration Priority |
| Wollongong (NSW) | $200–$350 | Manufacturing, Education | NSW Regional Option |
Disclaimer: The rental figures provided are estimates based on shared student accommodation data from university and government sources (2025/2026). Actual rental costs may vary significantly depending on the specific suburb, property type (private rental vs. purpose-built student accommodation), and current market volatility.
“Your city choice shapes your PR path. Get expert advice, don’t leave it to chance.
Choosing an affordable, Designated Regional city provides extra points for visas like the 190 and 491. But which city and course combination guarantees the fastest pathway to Permanent Residency in 2026? Stop leaving your migration outcome to chance.
Let our MARA agents assess your academic profile and align it with the highest-demand regional skills list.“
2. Hobart: The Cheapest City to Live in Australia
For those prioritising the absolute lowest utility and transport costs, Hobart, Tasmania, is a standout. The University of Tasmania (UTAS) offers campus-managed shared rooms starting as low as AUD $200–$350 per week. Its compact size means minimal commuting time and expense, significantly reducing the overall student visa cost of living.
3. Perth: High Earning Potential
Perth is unique because while the cost of living is rising, the average part-time hourly wage is often higher than the national minimum, driven by the highly paid mining and resources sector. Students can earn between AUD $24–$30 per hour in hospitality and retail, making it easier to offset expenses.
4. Gold Coast: Sun and Savings
The Gold Coast provides an appealing, vibrant lifestyle at a fraction of Sydney’s cost. Rent in key student suburbs like Molendinar and Labrador can be found around AUD $275–$320 per week for a private room in a shared apartment. The job market, focused on tourism and events, is ideal for flexible, casual work.
Australia’s Most Affordable Cities For Students! (The Long-Term View)
When you look beyond the immediate rent costs, the potential for a 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) or direct skilled PR is the true measure of a city’s value. Cities with booming regional economies, like Perth and Adelaide, provide better pathways toward being sponsored for a 186 visa or qualifying for the state-sponsored 190 visa.
- Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Choosing a course in an area of high demand in a regional city (e.g., Nursing in Hobart, Engineering in Perth) is the best strategy for a quick australian pr outcome.
- The Skills in Demand Visa: New visa classes are being introduced that favour applicants with skills needed in specific Australian regions, directly aligning with the job markets of these affordable cities.
Affordable Cities in Australia for Students 2026: Financial Planning
Before lodging your student visa application (subclass 500), you must demonstrate that you meet the Student Visa Financial Requirements.
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- Visa Application Fee: The current base fee for the student visa in Australia is approximately AUD $2,000.
- Minimum Funds: As of 2026, a single applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover annual living expenses of approximately AUD $29,710, plus tuition fees and return airfare.
- OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory and must be paid upfront for the duration of your visa, costing between AUD $600 and $700 per year.
Expert Migration Guidance: Your Path to Permanent Residency
The decision of where to study should be a long-term strategy for migration. Navigating the constant changes in the skilled occupation list and visa criteria requires professional help.
The team at Bombay Migrations in Melbourne, Australia, are MARA-registered migration agents who specialise in linking education choices to PR pathways. We provide up-to-date, non-automated advice on:
- Selecting courses that qualify for the 190 visa state nomination.
- Understanding the transition from a 482 visa to pr.
- Preparing the necessary financial documentation to prove you meet the student visa Australia cost and maintenance requirements.
Contact a MARA-registered migration agent today to ensure your affordable student journey is also a clear path to an australian pr.
FAQS
What is the cheapest suburb in Australia for student accommodation?
The cheapest student suburbs are typically found slightly outside the CBDs (Central Business Districts) of regional capitals. In Adelaide, suburbs like Mawson Lakes or the outer North offer affordable shared housing starting from AUD $200–$300 per week. For student visa Australia holders, living further out often translates to significant rent savings, though you must factor in transport costs.
Can I live cheaply in Australia if I secure a part-time job?
Yes, securing a part-time job is essential for living cheaply. Working the allowed hours at the current minimum casual rate (approx. AUD $31.19 per hour) can cover almost all your weekly living expenses in Australia (rent, groceries, transport), but not your tuition. Choosing affordable cities in Australia for students, like Hobart or Adelaide, maximises the impact of your earnings.
Is $2000 AUD enough to live in Australia for a month as a student?
Yes, AUD $2,000 is enough for one month of basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, transport) in the most affordable cities in Australia for students like Adelaide or Hobart. However, this relies on finding shared accommodation at the lower end of the rental scale and preparing most meals at home. It does not cover tuition fees or unexpected major expenses.
Which city has the lowest cost of living for a single person in Australia?
Hobart, Tasmania, is often cited as having the lowest overall cost of living, primarily driven by its relatively lower rental prices and minimal commuting costs compared to the mainland capitals.
Is Melbourne or Brisbane cheaper for an international student?
Brisbane is generally cheaper than Melbourne for an international student. While Melbourne offers more cultural life, its average rent and public transport costs are significantly higher than those in Brisbane, making the Queensland capital a better choice for a tight budget.
