Your Complete Guide To Accommodation Costs In Australia 

From the breathtaking natural landscapes, amazing local cuisine, to the laid-back culture, it’s no question why Australia has remained one of the top overseas university destinations for international students year after year.

But before making the big move, one of the most important factors to consider is where you’re going to stay.

When living abroad, accommodation typically takes up most of a student’s living expenses, which is why it’s essential to choose one that fits your budget and personal needs.

Don’t know where to start? We got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the various accommodation types, the cost of each one, and everything else in between.

7 Types Of Accommodation In Australia & How Much They Cost

1. On-Campus Student Share Room (Halls Of Residence)

Most, if not all, universities around the world offer student share rooms as their primary on-campus accommodation.

These living spaces are often owned by the institutions themselves and offered exclusively to university students. Apart from the convenience factor, security is also a top reason why students choose to stay in residence halls.

Schools typically offer single bedrooms for rent with shared common facilities like kitchen and bathrooms, free internet access, as well as all utility costs covered.

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, the weekly rate ranges from $125 to $522 while private rooms at Macquarie University cost $350 to $486 per week.

Visit the respective university websites to learn more about the rental prices of residence halls in greater detail.

2. Homestay With Host Family

Homestays are best suited for students travelling to their study destination for the first time.

Living with locals instead of other students not only helps you get acquainted with the city and lifestyle better, but also offers a valuable cultural experience and learnings from the host family.

At the same time, it also serves as a “home away from home”, and a way to learn local secrets from your hosts on the best eats and ways to get around.

Depending on the arrangement, homestays generally provide students with their own room, a shared bathroom and living area, and sometimes a few meals a day—all of that for an average of $250 to $350 a week.

You can find some homestay opportunities here and on the Australian Homestay Network.

3. Student Apartment

For students who weren’t able to secure a spot in the university’s residence hall accommodation due to high demand, student apartments are a viable alternative.

While dedicated landlords and providers mainly provide this option, some universities across Australia offer similar student apartment rentals within proximity or on the campus itself.

These buildings can house anywhere between 50 to 300 students at a time, with separate units within the same block. Shared among 4 to 5 students, each unit features single or twin rooms along with a shared kitchen and bathroom—making it a cost-saving option for students on a budget.

The price point varies from apartment to apartment but students can expect to pay anywhere between $200 to $500 per week, which is usually inclusive of utilities.

Have a look at these student apartment options here.

4. Queenslander

A term native to Aussie locals, Queenslander houses are single detached homes that are characterized by their wide verandas and signature raised stilts designed to counter extreme weather conditions in Australia. 

Queenslanders can either be offered for rent or as a homestay, with the latter being the more affordable option.

What makes this experience special compared to typical homestays is the experience of living in an authentic Queenslander home, which is a unique offering you cannot get anywhere else.

Depending on the location and age of the house, the rental cost for Queenslander homes ranges between $795 up to $2,800 a month. Since this may be a hefty expense to shoulder alone, consider gathering a few other friends to share the cost.

Here are some Queenslander rental options to explore.

5. Hostel

Hostels are more popular among travelers, tourists, and digital nomads. But did you know that long-term stays are offered as well?

These establishments take on a dormitory-style layout and provide guests with a bed, typically a bunk bed, along with a communal lounge, shared bathroom, and kitchen. Certain hostels in Australia also offer private rooms and ensuite bathrooms at a more expensive rate.

This option would suit students who are more low maintenance and are comfortable with sharing their personal space with others.

Although they’re most known for their inexpensive prices for short stays, long-term stays are an entirely different story. For a weekly hostel stay in Sydney, it can range from $195 to $260 per person.

You can find hostel accommodations here.

6. Residential Colleges

Unlike residence halls, some residential college options are located near campus and not on the school grounds themselves. This gives students an alternative without compromising convenience from the distance and travel time to and from the university.

Fully-furnished bedrooms, weekly room cleaning, utility bills covered, and all meals provided are just some of the many things that come with residential colleges—some of which aren’t provided by on-campus student share rooms.

However, these don’t come at a low price point. Expect to fork out anywhere between $200 and $750 every week.

Check out one of the top websites for residential college bookings in Australia here.

7. Private Rental Apartment

Prefer to live outside of campus with your university mates to save money on rent? Try a private rental apartment.

Since private rentals have no affiliation with universities, students need to conduct their research on the available properties in the area and negotiate with their landlords.

With residence halls and residential colleges, universities may have rules and curfews that students have to comply with. But living in a private rental unit allows international students to truly experience Australian culture for what it is.

Apart from the ability to move freely in your own space, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the city with no restrictions.

On average, the average rental cost varies from $100 to $400 per week, and $70 to $250 per week for shared rentals.

Here are some private rental apartment options to consider.

Let Us Help With Your Accommodation And Beyond!

Searching for the ideal accommodation that meets both your needs and your budget can be a challenge for any university student. But that doesn’t mean you have to figure it out on your own.

At IDP, our dedicated team of education counsellors can assist students with all that they need to get settled into their study destination, university applications, and everything in between.

Let us help guide you through each step of the way. Book your free counselling session today!