Are you looking for a great place to study abroad in Australia? Do you want to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality education system, a diverse culture, and a beautiful natural environment? If so, which cities are the most affordable for international students in terms of cost of living? The universities in Australia are ranked among the top universities in the world and offer quality education. Australia is a great country that offers top-notch economic research possibilities, and its diverse culture makes it even more desirable. While looking to study in Australia, education cost and cost of living are some of the main hurdles. So, to manage your budget, one must choose the most affordable option.
According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024, seven Australian cities are included among the world’s top 100 most-liked cities for studying. Six indicators are used by the QS ranking system, which are as follows:
- Student view
- Student mix
- Employer Activity
- Desirability
- Affordability
- Rankings
Their performance is evaluated against these indicators to rank them accordingly. In this article, we will explore the top 5 affordable Australian cities, offering a low cost of living, a vibrant student life, and a range of academic opportunities. This indicator takes into account both average tuition fees and living costs.
Performance of Top Five Australian Cities according to QS ranking system
| Rank/ Cities | Student Views | Student Mix | Employer Activity | Desirability | Affordability | Rankings |
| Adelaide | 90.6 | 93.7 | 62.3 | 86.3 | 39.1 | 52.2 |
| Perth | 79.7 | 79.7 | 62.1 | 85 | 36.1 | 58.9 |
| Brisbane | 81.4 | 95.8 | 70.1 | 86.1 | 33.1 | 58.8 |
| Melbourne | 98.4 | 98.6 | 84.5 | 96.7 | 30 | 71.6 |
| Sydney | 96.2 | 97.8 | 83 | 98.4 | 28.4 | 71 |
1. Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and one of the most livable cities in the world. It has a population of about 1.3 million people and a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Adelaide is known for its festivals, arts, and wine regions. Among the top affordable cities in Australia, Adelaide tops the list. It is also known that the living cost in Adelaide is 27% less than Sydney’s cost of living and it costs between A$350 to A$700 a week. The cost mentioned here is an estimation of your cost of living, but it varies according to your lifestyle. The transport system in Adelaide includes buses, trams, and trains. Unlike the previously mentioned cities, concession cards work on a 14-day or 28-day pass with unlimited trips.
It is also home to three public universities:
- The University of Adelaide
- Flinders University
- The University of South Australia
The University of Adelaide is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. Australian universities offer quality education as well as prepare students for the international job market. The average annual tuition fee for international students in Adelaide is around AUD 30,000, and the average monthly living cost is about AUD 2100. The estimation of weekly costs is available at numbeo.com.
2. Perth
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and the fourth-largest city in the country. It has a population of about 2 million people and a sunny climate with warm summers and mild winters. Perth is known as the ‘Education City’ of Australia, as it receives many international students from across the globe. The cheap accommodation options and the efficient transportation system make Perth the best option in Australia for international students. Perth is famous for its beaches, parks, and wildlife. It is also a hub for mining, tourism, and innovation. Perth hosts four public universities:
- University of Western Australia
- Curtin University
- Murdoch University
- Edith Cowan University
Three universities from Perth are in the QS world university rankings, with the University of Western Australia as the highest rank. The average annual tuition fee for international students in Perth is around AUD 31,000, and the average weekly living cost is about AUD 449.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia. It has a population of about 2.5 million people and a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Brisbane is renowned for its rivers, bridges, and skyscrapers. It is also a gateway to popular destinations like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Brisbane comes in third on list of the cheapest cities in Australia, yet it offers quality education. Brisbane hosts three public universities:
- University of Queensland,
- Queensland University of Technology
- Griffith University.
The average annual tuition fee for international students in Brisbane is around AUD 32,000, and the average weekly living cost is about $485–500 AUD. Living costs in Brisbane are lower than in many major Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
4. Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and the second-largest city in Australia. Melbourne is the highest-ranked Australian city overall, but in our list of affordable student cities in Australia, it stands at number 4. It has a population of about 5 million people and a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Melbourne is famous for its culture, coffee, and sports. It is also a leader in education, research, and innovation. It hosts seven public universities:
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- RMIT University
- Deakin University
- La Trobe University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Victoria University
The average annual tuition fee for international students in Melbourne is around AUD 33,000, and the average monthly living cost is about AUD 1,810.9 without rent. Seven universities in Melbourne are in the QS world university ranking. Among them, the University of Melbourne ranks 33rd. It has been named the most livable city in the world for seven consecutive years, making it an attractive option for students.
5. Sydney
Among the cheapest cities in Australia for international students, Sydney is at number 5 on our list. Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia. It has a population of about 5.3 million people and receives over 50,000 international students every year. Sydney is popular for its quality of education and highest rate of employment. It has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Sydney is famous for its landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and Bondi Beach. It is also a global city with a diverse economy, culture, and lifestyle. Sydney hosts six public universities:
- The University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- Macquarie University
- Western Sydney University
- University of Technology Sydney
- Australian Catholic University.
The average annual tuition fee for international students in Sydney is around AUD 34,000, and the average monthly living cost is about AUD 1,900.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australia offers a wide range of affordable cities for international students looking to study abroad. Not only are these cities budget-friendly, but they also provide high-quality education and an enriching cultural experience. Students can choose from Hobart, Wollongong, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Perth—all known for their vibrant student life and lower costs compared to larger Australian cities. Hence, it is recommended that prospective students consider these options when planning their study journey in Australia. Start exploring the opportunities that await you in these affordable Australian cities today!
