Cost of Living in Melbourne for Indian Students 2026
Published in 2026 • By Inphase Editorial Team
Cost of Living in Melbourne for Indian Students 2026: A Detailed Breakdown
Voted repeatedly as Australia’s best student city, Melbourne is a cultural powerhouse boasting world-renowned universities, incredible food, and a massive international student community. However, living in Victoria's capital requires careful budgeting. As the best education consultant in Chandigarh, Inphase Global believes in preparing students for reality. Here is the exact cost of living in Melbourne for Indian students in 2026.
1. Accommodation: The Biggest Expense
Housing will consume the majority of your budget. Depending on your proximity to the CBD (Central Business District) and the type of housing, costs vary wildly:
- Shared House/Apartment (Suburbs): AUD 180 to AUD 280 per week. Living in suburbs like Clayton (near Monash) or Bundoora (near La Trobe) is significantly cheaper than living downtown.
- Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): AUD 350 to AUD 500 per week. Options like Scape or UniLodge offer fully furnished rooms, gyms, and utilities included, but at a premium.
- On-Campus Accommodation: AUD 300 to AUD 500 per week. Highly convenient but fiercely competitive.
Pro Tip from Inphase Global
Never sign a long-term lease before arriving in Melbourne. Book a temporary Airbnb or hostel for your first two weeks so you can physically inspect rental properties and avoid scams!
2. Groceries and Food
If you cook at home, Melbourne is quite manageable. Groceries will cost you between AUD 80 to AUD 150 per week. Supermarkets like ALDI, Woolworths, and Coles are everywhere. Furthermore, Melbourne has vibrant Indian grocery stores (especially in areas like Dandenong or CBD) where you can easily find affordable spices, dals, and familiar snacks. Eating out at a standard restaurant will cost around AUD 20 to AUD 30 per meal.
3. Transport and Utilities
Melbourne boasts an extensive public transport network of trams, trains, and buses. International students pursuing diplomas or undergraduate degrees can apply for an iUSEpass, cutting travel costs by 50%. Expect to spend around AUD 40 to AUD 60 per week on transport.
If you are in a shared house, utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) will add another AUD 30 to AUD 50 per week to your expenses.
Total Estimated Monthly Budget
For a comfortable student lifestyle in Melbourne, you should budget between AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,400 per month. The good news? Melbourne's economy is booming, and international students easily find part-time jobs in hospitality, retail, and admin, earning well above the minimum wage to comfortably offset these costs.
Get Expert Financial Planning with the Best Education Consultant in Chandigarh
Managing your finances is the key to a stress-free study abroad experience. As the best education consultant in Chandigarh, Inphase Global connects you with financial advisors to help you secure the best education loans and find affordable student housing options before you even land in Melbourne.
Want to Study in Melbourne?
Let our experts help you budget your expenses, apply for scholarships, and secure your student visa.