Cost of Living in Adelaide
Adelaide is a more affordable city to live in than most other Australian capital cities. In particular, the costs of accommodation and transportation are significantly less than in Sydney or Melbourne.
Statistics show that it costs 18% more to live in Sydney, 17% more in Melbourne, 6% more in Perth and 6% more in Brisbane. **
** Statistics from the Economist Intelligence Unit released August 2006.
Guide to Average Weekly Expenses in Adelaide*
| Item | Cost ($AUD) |
| Rent (shared or separate) |
$90-250
|
| Food |
$80-100
|
| Electricity, gas # |
$25
|
| Transport |
$15-20
|
| Telephone, postage |
$20-30
|
| Other (clothes, entertainment, etc) |
$35+
|
| Total |
$265-440
|
|
*Source - Survey of International Students' Spending in Australia (2005) Australian Education International (AEI) Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).
This should be viewed as a guide only for a single student. Costs can vary enormously from one student to another. These are basic living costs and do not include program tuition fees, costs for textbooks, other study related needs, running a car, medical expenses, or any luxuries.
# Gas and electricity often included in University managed accommodation
|
Before Arrival Costs
| Item | Cost ($AUD) |
| Tuition Fee deposit |
$6000 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover |
$370 - $1406* |
| Economy air travel |
$1200 - $1800 |
| Visa application charge |
$430 |
| Visa fee |
$420 |
| Medical exam for visa |
$250# |
| Refundable deposit for University managed rental accommodation (if applicable) |
$500 |
|
* Total program length cover ($370 for 12 months, $1055 for 36 months single cover) based on 2008 rate and subject to change
# Approximate cost for standard exam only - additional costs may be incurred if more comprehensive medical exams are required.
|
After Arrival Costs
After arriving in Adelaide, please read more information on financial matters.
| All students | Cost ($AUD) |
| Rent in advance |
Two weeks |
| Household setup (linen, groceries, etc) |
$220 |
| Remainder of tuition fee |
|
| For private accommodation options only | Cost ($AUD) |
| Refundable accommodation deposit |
Four to six weeks' rent |
| Electricity and gas deposit and connection charges |
$29 - $72 |
| Telephone connection charge (landline) |
$59 - $299 |
| Furniture and household goods |
$1000+ |
Accommodation is the largest variable cost - $90 is an average cost of shared private accommodation outside of the city centre, whereas $190 is for University-managed or rental accommodation often within the city centre. Please note that there can be very large set-up costs associated with private accommodation that are not applicable to University-managed accommodation.
Item Costs (Australian Dollars)
| Bowl of noodles |
$4.50 - $5.50 |
| Slice of pizza |
$3.00 - $5.50 |
| Bread (loaf) |
$3.07 |
| Milk (2 litres) |
$3.20 |
| Bottle of water (600 ml) |
$2.00 |
| Takeaway coffee |
$3.00 |
| Big Mac |
$3.60 |
| Newspaper |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
| Cinema ticket (student rate) |
$12.00 |
| Phone call (local) |
$0.50 |
| Bus/Train/Tram ticket (student rate, multi trip) |
$7.30 - $13.80 |
| Bus/Train/Tram ticket (student rate, single trip) |
$1.20 - $2.10 |
|
