NSW · Cost of living
Cost of living in Sydney
The most expensive student city in Australia, driven almost entirely by rent. Everything else costs roughly the same as anywhere else in the country.
Estimated annual cost, sharing accommodation
A$33,000 to A$43,500
That is roughly A$632 to A$832 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
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 Sydney
- University of Sydney
- UNSW Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- Macquarie University
- Western Sydney University
See the cheapest universities in Sydney ranked by first-year budget.
Cost of living in Sydney: common questions
How much does it cost to live in Sydney as an international student?
Budget roughly AUD 33,000 to 44,000 a year if you share accommodation, more for your own studio. Rent is by far the largest item: a room in a shared house typically runs AUD 320 to 520 a week, more the closer you are to the city or a beach.
Is Sydney cheaper than Melbourne for students?
No. Sydney is the most expensive Australian city for students, mostly because of rent. Melbourne is a little cheaper, and Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are meaningfully cheaper.