SA · Cost of living

Cost of living in Adelaide

Consistently the most affordable mainland capital for students, with the lowest rent of the big cities and a compact, walkable centre. Regional for skilled migration.

Estimated annual cost, sharing accommodation

A$22,500 to A$28,000

That is roughly A$430 to A$540 a week. Add your tuition on top. The Australian Government requires you to show A$29,710 in living funds for the student visa.

Weekly breakdown

Rent, room in a shared houseA$170 to A$280/wk

Rent, own studio or one-bedroomA$350 to A$500/wk

Groceries and eating outA$100/wk

Public transportA$35/wk

Electricity, gas, waterA$38/wk

Phone and internetA$15/wk

Overseas Student Health Coverabout A$12/wk

Going out, activities, incidentalsA$60/wk

Estimates for 2026, based on published international-student cost ranges. Rent is the figure that varies most, by suburb and by how close you are to campus.

Universities in Adelaide

See the cheapest universities in Adelaide ranked by first-year budget.

Cost of living in Adelaide: common questions

Is Adelaide the cheapest city to study in Australia?

Among the major cities, yes. Rent is the lowest of any mainland capital, commonly AUD 170 to 280 a week for a shared room, and a full year sharing accommodation is around AUD 22,500 to 28,000. Adelaide also counts as regional for skilled migration.

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