ACT · Cost of living

Cost of living in Canberra

The national capital: small, quiet, with a tight rental market but a strong graduate job market in the public service. Regional for skilled migration.

Estimated annual cost, sharing accommodation

A$27,500 to A$35,500

That is roughly A$529 to A$679 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$250 to A$400/wk

Rent, own studio or one-bedroomA$450 to A$650/wk

Groceries and eating outA$110/wk

Public transportA$35/wk

Electricity, gas, waterA$42/wk

Phone and internetA$15/wk

Overseas Student Health Coverabout A$12/wk

Going out, activities, incidentalsA$65/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 Canberra

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

Cost of living in Canberra: common questions

How much does it cost to live in Canberra as an international student?

Roughly AUD 27,500 to 35,500 a year sharing accommodation. The rental market is small and can be competitive at the start of semester, so line up housing early. Canberra is classified regional for skilled migration.

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