Australia and the UK have been top study-abroad destinations among international students. However, before choosing a country it is important to consider the cost of living in each country. Every student should become aware of all finance-related matters and plan their budget accordingly so that they don’t face difficulties in the future. If you are looking for a comparison between the cost of living in Australia vs UK, then this blog will offer you a lot of clarity. Keep reading further to know more!
Table of contents
- Cost of Living in Australia vs the UK: An Overview
- Average Accommodation Costs in Australia vs UK
- Cost of Transportation in Australia vs UK
- Utility Costs
- Food and Groceries Costs
- Entertainment and Leisure Costs
- Cost of Studying in Australia vs UK
- Cost of Living in Major Cities in the UK and Australia
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Australia vs UK
Cost of Living in Australia vs the UK: An Overview
The average cost of living in Australia for an individual is approximately AUD 3839 per month, whereas the average cost of living in the UK is around GBP 1878 per month according to LivingCost data. Additionally, Australia ranks 12th on the global list of the most expensive countries, while the UK holds the 13th position.
However, the cost of living in both countries varies significantly based on the city you choose to live in, as prices differ considerably from one city to another. The cost of student accommodation in Australia are quite different when compared to that of student accommodation in United Kingdom. However, to give you a general idea about the cost of living in Australia vs UK we have covered prices associated with various essential items in the table below.
| Expense Category | Approx Cost in Australia | Approx Cost in UK |
| Cost of living (One person) | AUD 3839 | GBP 1878 |
| One person rent | AUD 2239 | GBP 1167 |
| Food expenses | AUD 915 | GBP 438 |
| Transport expenses | AUD 445 | GBP 137 |
Average Accommodation Costs in Australia vs UK
Housing plays a significant role in your cost of living, no matter where you are. Accommodation prices in Australia and the UK are quite similar, although housing in Australia tends to be slightly more expensive than in the UK. But don’t worry there are some cheapest cities to live in the UK, as well as in Australia where rent and living costs are much lower. Here’s a comparison of the average monthly rent in Australia and the UK to help students understand the cost of living in both the countries.
| Accommodation Type | Approx Price in Australia | Approx Price in UK |
| 1 bedroom apartment in Downtown, 40 m2 or 430 ft2 | AUD 2417 | GBP 1198 |
| Cheap 1 bedroom apartment, 40 m2 or 430 ft2 | AUD 1850 | GBP 939 |
| 3 bedroom apartment in Downtown, 80 m2 or 860 ft2 | AUD 4548 | GBP 2326 |
| Cheap 3 bedroom apartment, 80 m2 or 860 ft2 | AUD 3077 | GBP 1707 |
Cost of Transportation in Australia vs UK
For students, transportation costs are an important thing to consider, especially when you’re commuting to college or hanging out with friends on the weekends. When comparing the cost of transportation in Australia and the UK, they are pretty similar. In both countries, transportation is generally affordable, with options like buses, trains, and trams that won’t cost you too much.
So, whether you’re studying in Australia or the UK, transportation won’t take a big chunk out of your student budget. The table below provides a clear comparison of the costs for local transport tickets, monthly passes, taxi rides, and fuel in both countries.
| Expense Category | Approx Cost in Australia | Approx Cost in the UK |
| Local transport ticket | AUD 5.3 | GBP 2.68 |
| Monthly ticket for local transport | AUD 189 | GBP 74.2 |
| Taxi ride for 8 kilometres or 5 miles | AUD 35.8 | GBP 16.9 |
| Gas or petrol per litre | AUD 2.19 | GBP 1.59 |
Utility Costs
Utilities are an important part of housing costs, though they don’t make up a big portion. But when added together, they can still cost a fair amount. According to the LivingCost website, the basic monthly utility bill for one person in Australia is around AUD 180 to AUD 200. This includes electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage. Similarly, in UK, the utility bill for one person can range from GBP 150 to GBP 200. Here’s a table showing utility costs in Australia vs UK, which can be especially helpful for the students:
| Utility Type | Approx Cost in Australia | Approx Cost in UK |
| Utility Bill (One person, electricity, heating, water, etc.) | AUD 188 | GBP 144 |
| Internet Plan (50 Mbps+ 1 month unlimited) | AUD 87.5 | GBP 32.8 |
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Food and Groceries Costs
When comparing food prices in Australia and the United Kingdom, grocery prices are nearly the same in both countries. You’ll find that the cost of basic items like fruits, vegetables, and other groceries doesn’t differ much. However, when it comes to restaurant prices, Australia tends to be more expensive than the UK.
Additionally, you can explore fancy restaurants in the UK and try some Australian foods to experience the country’s rich food culture. Below, you can find a comparison of meal prices in Australia vs the UK:
| Item | Approx Cost in Australia (AUD) | Approx Cost in the UK (GBP) |
| Lunch Menu | 24.6 | 16.3 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 | 121 | 65.7 |
| Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s | 16.7 | 7.99 |
However, cooking at home is a great way to save money, eat healthier, and control your meals. To help with your grocery budget, here’s a list of common grocery items and their prices in Australia and the UK
| Item | Approx Cost in Australia (AUD) | Approx Cost in the UK (GBP) |
| Milk, 1 L | 2.52 | 1.34 |
| Bread, 0.5 kg | 4.11 | 1.34 |
| Rice, 1 kg | 3.62 | 1.82 |
| Eggs, x12 | 7.23 | 3.33 |
| Cheese, 1 kg | 17.2 | 8.41 |
| Chicken Breast, 1 kg | 14.8 | 7.25 |
| Apples, 1 kg | 5.46 | 2.42 |
| Banana, 1 kg | 4.65 | 1.32 |
| Oranges, 1 kg | 4.91 | 2.4 |
| Tomato, 1 kg | 7.03 | 2.76 |
| Potato, 1 kg | 4 | 1.2 |
| Onion, 1 kg | 3.56 | 1.23 |
| Water, 1 L | 1.71 | 0.8 |
| Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 L | 4.24 | 2.38 |
| Cold medicine, 1 week | 11.3 | 4.95 |
| Hair Shampoo | 9.54 | 4.25 |
| Toilet paper, 4 rolls | 4.95 | 2.32 |
| Toothpaste, 1 tube | 5.28 | 1.86 |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs
As a student in Australia or the UK, it’s not just about paying for rent and groceries—it’s about enjoying your time too! Both countries offer plenty of cultural, recreational, and fun activities, from outdoor adventures to vibrant festivals, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.
You can explore the Fascinating parks in Austrlia, visit best theatres in Australia with your friends and loved ones and enjoy various attractions and activities in the UK as well, including the biggest theme parks in the UK. Below is a comparison of the approximate costs for miscellaneous items in both countries.
| Item | Approx Cost in Australia (AUD) | Approx Cost in the UK (GBP) |
| Gym Membership (1 month) | 82.8 | 37.9 |
| Cinema Ticket (1 person) | 24.6 | 11.5 |
| Haircut (simple) | 32.9 | 11.9 |
| Brand Jeans | 128 | 70.1 |
| Brand Sneakers | 183 | 81.2 |
Cost of Studying in Australia vs UK
When comparing Australia and the UK, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of studying in both countries. Generally, studying in the UK is often considered more affordable than in Australia. Here, we’ve created a table below with the top courses and universities in Australia and the UK.
| Factors | United Kingdom (UK) | Australia |
| Top Courses | Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Accounting, Finance, Life Sciences, Creative Arts, Geology, Information Technology, Nursing, Law, Data Science, Political Science | Architecture, Psychology, Agricultural Sciences, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Accounting, Actuarial Science, Cybersecurity, Business and Management |
| Top Universities | The University of Cambridge University of Oxford Imperial College London UCL The University of Edinburgh The University of Manchester King’s College London | Australian National University The University of Melbourne The University of Sydney The University of New South Wales The University of Queensland Monash University The University of Western Australia |
Cost of Living in Major Cities in the UK and Australia
As we mentioned before, the cost of living can be different depending on the city you live in. To make it easier for you to understand, we’ve created a table below showing the minimum living costs in different cities in both Australia and the UK. This will help you compare how much it might cost to live in each city.
| City | Minimum Cost of Living (per month) |
| London (UK) | GBP 1,334 |
| Outside London (UK) | GBP 1,023 |
| Adelaide (Australia) | AUD 1,300 |
| Brisbane (Australia) | AUD 1,400 |
| Canberra (Australia) | AUD 1,400 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | AUD 1,500 |
| Sydney (Australia) | AUD 1,900 |
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Australia vs UK
The average cost of living in Australia for an individual is approximately AUD 3839 per month, whereas the average cost of living in the UK is around GBP 1878 per month according to LivingCost data.
Urgent and essential treatment is free in Australia. However, to visit a General Physician and receive a prescription you need to pay a fee.
If you are an international student then it is important to know that both of these countries are popular and attract many students from all over the world. However, when it comes to lifestyle, natural beauty and climate, Australia is the winner.
As compared to the UK, the skilled migration program of Australia is considered more open and flexible.
Australian citizens and permanent residents can attend government schools (public schools) for free. On the other hand, catholic and independent schools charge attendance fees.
Firstly, you will be required to obtain a study visa and a work permit after you complete your studies. Once you complete five years of continuous employment in the UK, you will become eligible for PR.
Australia is generally more expensive than the UK, ranking 12th globally for the highest cost of living, while the UK ranks 13th.
Public transportation in the UK, especially in cities like London, is generally more affordable than in most Australian cities, where transportation can be more expensive, particularly in rural areas.
Housing in Australia, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, can be more expensive compared to cities in the UK. However, rental prices can vary widely based on location.
Both Australia and the UK offer plenty of job opportunities. However, the higher cost of living in Australia might reduce the advantage of higher salaries there. On the other hand, the UK has more job options, especially in big cities like London, but the salaries are generally lower compared to Australia.
We hope you liked this blog where we compared the cost of living in Australia vs UK. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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