What is the cost of living in Adelaide?

Last Modified: 13/Jul/2024

As Adelaide is a mid-sized and compact city, the cost of living is slightly more affordable compared to other larger cities in Australia. However, planning your budget ahead of time will ensure you get the most out of your student experience.

In addition to costs such as your visa and degree tuition fees, you will need to consider living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, utilities, study materials, health and personal care and entertainment.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be one of your largest expenses, however, you will find a range of student accommodation available in Adelaide to suit your budget and lifestyle, ranging from AUD$150 - $600+ per week.

Food

Adelaide has an outstanding food culture and is close to some of the most renowned food regions in the world. There is a range of produce markets, supermarkets and international specialty food stores in the city and suburbs.

Preparing your own food is the most cost-effective way to stretch your food budget, and most local supermarkets offer a range of products that cater to dietary needs and preferences including vegan, halal and gluten-free. Depending on whether you are cooking for one or sharing food expenses with housemates, you can expect to spend between AUD$60 - $200 a week on groceries. If you prefer to eat out, or want to treat yourself, a meal at a restaurant or café in Adelaide can cost around AUD $15 - $30.

Transport

Getting around the city of Adelaide is easy and affordable via Adelaide Metro public transport including trams, buses, and trains. As an international student, you will be eligible to receive a 50% discount on fares via a rechargeable metroCARD, plus there are several free public transport options around the central business district and North Adelaide. A 28-day student pass metroCARD which enables unlimited trips costs AUD$27.80.

Adelaide is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Australia with several dedicated bike lanes and paths. Cycling is a budget and eco-friendly choice, plus most of our campuses have end-of-journey facilities and secure bike storage.

Owning and driving a car is also an option, however, there are several factors to consider in addition to the initial purchase price, such as the cost of fuel, maintenance, insurance and parking which can range between AUD$50 - $100 per week.

Utilities

Utilities can include services such as electricity, gas, water, internet and a mobile phone. Many student apartments and residential colleges include services (except mobile phone costs) in the accommodation fee. However, if you choose a private rental these expenses may not be included and can vary in cost depending on how these bills are split with other housemates, from AUD$150 - $300 per month.

Mobile phone costs can vary in cost depending on the features of the plan and type of service, from AUD$25 - $110 per month.

To stretch your budget further, free WiFi is available on campus, around the city and at most public libraries.

Study materials

Study materials such as textbooks, stationery and course- specific equipment such as a calculator, lab coat or placement uniform are likely to be required in addition to your tuition fees. Some of these items can be purchased second-hand via student noticeboards or online platforms. You can expect to spend around AUD$500 - $1500 per year on study materials.

Health and personal care

As an international student it is mandatory to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which will cover a significant amount of your health care costs should you require medical treatment. Depending on the level of cover you choose, the cost can range from AUD$580 - $4000 per year.

It is also important to budget for personal care and grooming items such as haircuts, soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Depending on your personal preferences you can expect to spend around AUD$25 - $70 per month.

While you will likely bring most clothing that you will need with you, it’s a good idea to budget some money for additional items you may require in your wardrobe. Around AUD$50 - $100 per month will cover this expense.

Entertainment

Adelaide has a thriving arts, music and sporting culture with plenty of exciting activities and experiences. There is a huge range of free activities, such as exploring the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia or MOD, plus a variety of festivals throughout the year which offer free or low-cost performances. Many arts and sporting events also offer discounted tickets to students and young people, from as little as AUD$15.

To further plan your student budget, check out Study Australia’s cost of living calculator.