Adelaide is the fifth most populous city in Australia, known for its beauty, culture, tourism, education, and lifestyle. Many international students choose to study at the top universities here. The cost of living in Adelaide is quite affordable compared to other major Australian cities, which ranges from AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,600 per month. Let’s explore the cost of living in Adelaide along with money-saving hacks to help you budget wisely.
Table of contents
What is the Total Cost of Living in Adelaide?
The major costs of living in Adelaide for international students include tuition costs. Excluding this, students are required to pay for utilities, groceries, transportation, internet, phone, etc. The average cost of living for international students ranges from AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,600 per month. Below we have
| Expenses | Monthly Cost of Living |
| Accommodation | AUD 800 to AUD 2,400 (INR 46,000 to 1.38 lakhs) |
| Utilities | AUD 200 (INR 11,000) |
| Groceries | AUD 240 to AUD 480 (INR 13,000 to 27,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 100 (INR 5,700) |
| Internet and Phone | AUD 100 to AUD 160 (INR 5,700 to 9,200) |
| Entertainment | AUD 320 (INR 18,000) |
| Total Estimated Costs | AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,600 (INR 98,000 to 1.50 lakhs) |
Cost of Studying in Adelaide
Adelaide is home to many popular universities. Tuition fees for international students at universities in Adelaide can vary significantly depending on the level and type of course and university. You can anticipate paying tuition fees ranging from approximately AUD 39,500 to AUD 56,000 annually (INR 22.84 lakhs to 32.38 lakhs per year).
You must also budget for additional expenses such as textbooks, materials, and living costs. It is advisable to allow for at least AUD 500 per year for textbooks and other materials. You can consider some of the top Australian scholarships for Indian students and save major expenses on tuition fees. Check the cost of studying in Adelaide as per the various programmes.
| Undergraduate Courses | AUD 39,000 to AUD 56,000 annually |
| Postgraduate Courses | AUD 40,000 to AUD 52,000 annually |
| MBA Courses | Approximately AUD 28,000 annually |
Also Read: Check out some of the richest suburbs in Adelaide and experience the historic charm as well as the modern luxury in these areas.
Cost of Accommodation in Adelaide
You can book any type of student accommodation in Adelaide, on-campus as well as off-campus. The accommodation costs usually range between AUD 200 per week to AUD 700 per week. On-campus accommodation ranges from AUD 200 to AUD 600 per week and off-campus accommodation costs in Adelaide range from AUD 150 to AUD 650 per week.
There isn’t any major difference, however, the type of rooms, amenities offered and distance from the university are major factors that determine the actual costs. Look at the cost of accommodation in Adelaide in the table below.
| Category | Average Price (AUD) |
| Rent Per Month | |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 1,970.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 1,553.75 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 3,095.83 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 2,393.75 |
| Buy Apartment Price | |
| Price per Square Meter Inside of the Centre | 9,727.00 |
| Price per Square Meter Outside of Centre | 5,898.00 |
Cost of Transportation in Adelaide
Adelaide offers a well-connected public transportation system, which includes metro, buses, trains, and trams. The average monthly transportation costs for international students in Adelaide can vary based on usage but typically range from AUD 80 to AUD 160. Look at the table below to find the average cost of Adelaide.
| Category | Average Price (AUD) |
| Transportation | |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4.25 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 113.55 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.20 |
| Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 65.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.82 |
Cost of Food in Adelaide
Eating out can add additional expenses, depending on dining experiences in cafes and restaurants in Adelaide. Thus, it is ideal to shop for groceries and food from affordable options, including food markets and local supermarkets. Below e have mentioned the cost of food in Adelaide to manage your expenses accordingly.
| Category | Average Price (AUD) |
| Restaurants | |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 26.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 150.00 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 15.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5.30 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.93 |
| Markets | |
| Milk (1 litre) | 2.20 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.96 |
| Rice (1kg) | 3.70 |
| Eggs (12) | 6.58 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 15.25 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 12.71 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 22.10 |
| Apples (1kg) | 4.34 |
| Banana (1kg) | 4.08 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 4.67 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.28 |
| Potato (1kg) | 3.89 |
| Onion (1kg) | 3.50 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3.29 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.72 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 20.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | Milk (regular), (1 litre) |
Cost of Utilities in Adelaide
Estimated utility costs (electricity, gas, water) are around AUD 50 per week, which may be lower if shared with roommates. Apart from that, there are other utility costs also which are included in the rent. However, you must keep these expenses in your understanding. Here we have mentioned the cost of utilities in Adelide in the table below.
| Category | Average Price (AUD) |
| Utilities (Monthly) | |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 379.31 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 40.38 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 84.57 |
Also Read: Check out this blog to know the top 5 solo travel destinations in Adelaide offering safe, exciting, and unique experiences to international students.
Tips to Save on the Cost of Living in Adelaide
Adelaide can be a bit pricey if you do not plan your budget effectively. With some tips and proper planning, you can reduce your living expenses without compromising the quality of your student life in Australia. We have mentioned some of the tips to save on the cost of living in Adelaide below.
- Consider sharing a house or apartment with others to reduce rent costs.
- Prepare meals in advance to save money on dining out.
- Consider bulk-buying items at local markets like the Adelaide Central Market. They can provide fresh produce at reasonable prices.
- Take advantage of Adelaide’s efficient public transportation system to save on travel costs. The City Connector Bus provides free transport around the city centre, connecting major attractions and services.
- Use student discount cards to receive discounts at various businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Keep a record of your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back.
- At last, be aware of fake Australian currency notes, especially counterfeit 100-dollar bills in Australia.
This was all about the cost of living in Adelaide. Make sure to check the cheapest student accommodation in Adelaide. For any further assistance, reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest accommodation abroad.
FAQs
The average cost of living in Adelaide varies depending on lifestyle and housing. On average, monthly expenses for a single person may range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,000, including rent, groceries, and utilities. Rent for an apartment can cost between AUD 1,200 and AUD 2,000 per month, depending on location and size.
No. Adelaide is comparatively affordable to live in compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. With reasonable living, travelling, grocery and utility costs for everyday items, international students can live comfortably without compromising on other things.
The average monthly cost ranges from AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,600, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Accommodation costs typically range from AUD 800 to AUD 2,400 per month, depending on location and type of housing.
Monthly transportation costs for students usually range from AUD 80 to AUD 160, depending on the usage of public transport.
Yes! Consider sharing accommodation, cooking at home, using public transport, and taking advantage of student discounts to save money.
The cost of living in Adelaide includes affordable rent prices compared to other Australian cities. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around AUD 1,500– AUD 2,000 per month, while outside the city centre, it can be as low as AUD 1,000–AUD 1,500 per month.
Yes, there are several affordable neighbourhoods in Adelaide. Suburbs like Salisbury, Morphett Vale, and Elizabeth offer lower rent and living costs. These areas contribute to the overall cost of living in Adelaide, making it easier for students and families to budget.
The cost of living in Adelaide includes health care, which is relatively affordable. If you have private health insurance, monthly premiums may range from AUD 100 to AUD 200. Medicare covers public health services for residents, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
The cost of living in Adelaide includes transportation expenses, which are affordable. A public transport monthly pass typically costs AUD 100–AUD 150. Taxis are around AUD 3 to AUD 4 per kilometre, while the cost of petrol is roughly AUD 1.60 per litre.
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