Living expenses in 5 Australian states hosting top-ranked universities

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026 by the British analyzing firm Quacquarelli Symonds, the top 10 universities in Australia are in the five states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia.

Here are the top ten universities in Australia, including their global ranks and locations.

New South Wales

New South Wales remains one of Australia’s most expensive states, particularly within Sydney and its surrounding suburbs. The state is a premier global education hub, hosting prestigious institutions such as the University of Sydney—the country’s oldest and one of its largest universities—as well as the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Macquarie University.

According to data from The Emigration Group, average monthly living costs in New South Wales hover around AU$3,450 (US$2,285). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from AU$2,300 to AU$2,900 per month, while basic necessities, including groceries and utilities such as electricity, gas, and phone services, average approximately AU$300.

Recent estimates from the University of New South Wales indicate that international students living in Sydney should budget between AU$500 and AU$1,300 per week to cover their total living expenses.

The state continues to be a top destination for Southeast Asian students; as of September, nearly 12,500 Vietnamese students were enrolled in educational institutions across the state, according to Australia’s Department of Education.

Victoria

Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, is renowned for its high concentration of world-class universities, including Swinburne University, La Trobe University, RMIT University, and Monash University. While living costs in Melbourne are generally lower than those in Sydney, they remain among the highest in Australia.

Data from the Victorian state government indicate that average weekly rent ranges from AU$470 to AU$570, with costs varying significantly based on the type of accommodation. Shared housing remains the most affordable option, while private one-bedroom apartments and university-managed housing represent the higher end of the scale.

When factoring in utilities, food, transport, and phone bills, total monthly living expenses for international students are estimated to be between AU$2,300 and AU$3,000.

Victoria is currently the top destination for Vietnamese students in Australia, with nearly 15,000 individuals based in the state. Victoria and New South Wales are the only two Australian states to host more than 10,000 Vietnamese international students each.

Queensland

The state capital, Brisbane, serves as a major academic hub, hosting prominent institutions such as the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and Bond University. For many international students, the city is an attractive option as the overall cost of living is considered significantly more affordable than in Sydney or Melbourne.

According to data from Griffith College, rental prices in Brisbane can be approximately half those found in Sydney. Weekly rent typically ranges from AU$150 to AU$600, depending on whether a student chooses on-campus housing or shared off-campus rentals.

To maintain a comfortable lifestyle that covers food, insurance, textbooks, and entertainment, a weekly budget of AU$400 to AU$750 is generally sufficient.

Approximately 2,800 Vietnamese students are pursuing their education in Queensland.

South Australia

Adelaide, the state capital, hosts several prestigious institutions, including the University of South Australia, Flinders University, and the University of Adelaide. The city is known for offering a high quality of life with living costs that are significantly lower than those in many other Australian state capitals.

According to consultancy Study Adelaide, housing costs in the city are roughly half of what students would expect to pay in Sydney. The University of Adelaide estimates that international students typically need between AU$300–600 per week for rent within the city. Other essential expenses, including food, electricity, water, and internet, are among the lowest in Australia, generally totaling between AU$200–400 per week.

These affordable living conditions have helped make South Australia the third most popular destination for Vietnamese international students. According to the Australian Department of Education, there are currently around 3,000 Vietnamese students enrolled in the state.

Western Australia

The capital of Western Australia is Perth, a city widely recognized for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Australian hubs. The state is home to several prominent institutions, including the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and Edith Cowan University.

According to consultancy Study Perth, weekly rent for international students varies significantly based on the choice of housing, typically ranging from AU$170–700. On-campus dormitories generally serve as the most affordable option for students. Beyond housing, essential expenses such as utilities, food, and transport typically require a budget of more than $200 per week.

On a national scale, data from Australia’s Department of Education indicate that as of September, the country hosted more than 820,000 international students, including approximately 36,000 from Vietnam.

For those planning their studies, average annual tuition fees for international students in Australia generally range from AU$20,000–50,000.