🏠 Cost of Living Calculator

How much does it cost to live in Australia?

Estimated monthly costs based on 2026 data. Useful for visa financial evidence and budgeting before you arrive.

Accommodation type
Number of housemates (including you)
How often do you eat out?

Monthly breakdown — Melbourne

Rent (1 bedroom, ÷1)Essential
$2,200/month
GroceriesEssential
$580/month
Public transport (monthly pass)Essential
$210/month
Utilities (÷1)Essential
$180/month
Internet (÷1)
$65/month
Phone plan
$35/month
Eating out / takeaway
$360/month
Total estimate
$3,630/month
$838/week

Student visa (500) context

Maximum work hours (semester)48 hrs/fortnight (~24 hrs/week)
Estimated weekly income (casual min wage)$793/week
Your estimated weekly expenses$838/week
Weekly surplus / shortfall$-45/week

⚠ At minimum wage with student visa work limits, income may not cover estimated expenses in Melbourne. This is why the Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of AUD $21,041 in savings per year for student visa applications.

📋 Visa financial evidence requirement

For a Student visa (500), you must show evidence of at least AUD $21,041 per year for living costs, plus tuition fees and return airfare. This calculator can help you understand and plan for these requirements. Always verify current amounts at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Estimates based on median rental data (Domain, REA) as of mid-2026, ABS household expenditure data, and PTUA transport pricing. Figures are indicative — actual costs vary significantly by suburb, lifestyle, and individual circumstances, and rents in particular can shift materially within months. Always check current listings for your specific area.