Study in Australia
Cost Of Living Adelaide Vs Melbourne: All You Need To Know!
Compare the cost of living in Adelaide vs. Melbourne. Discover differences in housing, groceries, transport, and more to help you decide where to live.
Published on: May 29, 2024
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Relocating to a completely different country is a challenging task, packing those suitcases is not just a thing. You need to resonate with the expenses, experiences, diversity, etc coming your way, completely different from what you have been living with. Studying in Australia seems to be an exciting opportunity till you find out that the cost of your survival is a bit more daunting than the academic pressure swaying your way.
Understanding the living cost in a prospective location, herein Adelaide and Melbourne, can profoundly impact your financial planning, lifestyle, and overall quality of life. Therefore with the help of this blog, You can delve into understanding the concept of cost of living in Australia, and procure a comparison of the living cost based on locations, including housing, transportation, food, healthcare, etc as essential factors to consider while choosing your ideal location. Make an informed decision regarding your location to ensure a smooth transition to your new home here.
Overview of the cities: Adelaide & Melbourne
Adelaide
The capital city of South Australia is renowned for having the most prestigious and research-focused universities, vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed lifestyles. The city is nestled between the Adelaide hills and the Pristine beaches offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban conveniences. Further, it is the fifth most populous city in Australia, with approximately 1.4 million of the population occupying the land. The city is a hub for defence technology and research, thanks to its proximity to the Edinburgh Defence Precinct. Additionally, Adelaide has a growing reputation in the wine industry, being close to some of Australia's premier wine regions such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
Melbourne
Victoria state’s capital, yes is Melbourne, the second-largest city and global powerhouse of Australia. It is well-known for its dynamic art scenes, world-class dining, and diverse population, leading to rank higher in global liveability indexes. More often, it consists of historical architectural buildings, and then modern buildings, offering a synopsis of the historical disposition, on the southeastern coast of Australia. Equipped with an approximately 5 million population, it is considered to be the most densely populated city on the island. The community is vibrant and inclusive, so you will be feeling home during your stay. Additionally, the city significantly contributes to industries such as finance, manufacturing, research, IT, education, logistics, transportation, and tourism. The city is also a major centre for arts, culture, and sport, hosting a variety of international events such as the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Breakdown of living cost in Australia for international students: Adelaide & Melbourne
Cost of living comparison between both destinations
We have tried to mention the cost of variable aspects while living in Australia above, however, let us understand them in detail and how both the cities have differences in the same factors.
1. Housing cost
Adelaide: The average rent in the city centre is around AUD 1,300 per month, but for those who prefer a bit more space or a quieter neighbourhood, a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre typically costs about AUD 950 per month. Subsequently, the price increases if you acquire a large accommodation ranging between AUD 2,500 per month, while the same outside the city centre goes for around AUD 1,800 per month.
Melbourne: The rental properties are comparatively expensive compared to Adelaide, with an average rent for one one-bedroom apartment is approximately AUD 1,800 per month in the city centre. However, if you look for a larger accommodation option, the rent costs around AUD 3,500 per month, and away from the city centre is AUD 2,500 per month.
2. Utilities and Household expenses
The basic necessities which are required to facilitate ease in living in Australia are included here. These are prominent and require more margin. Look at the table below, offering an insight into the general expenses incurred in this:
3. Food and Groceries
These expenses are counted in the cost of living as these are recurring and are monthly. Food and grocery costs can differ greatly depending on the person’s preferences, eating habits, likes and dislikes, and standard of living. However, here are the general estimated expenses which can occur:
4. Grocery prices
5. Cost of shopping from supermarkets
The cost may differ based on the store location, but the supermarkets at the locations can be great choices and the popular chains include Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI.
6. Dining-out options
The average cost of having meals at restaurants can vary again, based on the locations. The dining out in Adelaide and Melbourne offers a variety of experiences, from budget-friendly options to high-end dining.
7. Transportation expenses
As an international student public convenience is the basic requirement for travelling purposes hence the cost of travel in both locations on a monthly basis goes like this:
Additionally, if you have been staying in Australia for a long duration, and possess a car then the average cost incurred on its fuel, parking, maintenance, etc is stated as:
8. Educational cost
This includes the cost which you incurred to initiate your education in Australia, entailing expenses of the materials, tuition fees, etc. Let us find out what the average expense is incurred to study in Australia.
Make sure that these are just an average representation of the tuition fees and the actual fees depend upon the course you choose, nationality, scholarships, financial aid, etc. It is advisable to check with the university directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding tuition fees.
Conclusion
While you plan your stay in Australia, the location you choose becomes the priority as in the same location you will be staying and conducting activities. Choosing between Adelaide and Melbourne is solely your decision but before relocating check the living cost for students in Australia by comparing both the cities. Where Adelaide offers a more relaxed pace of life, beautiful scenery, and a strong sense of community, Melbourne is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and bustling city life, making both locations an appealing choice to those who crave excitement and opportunities. You can take your time selecting the preferable choice, and differentiate between them through exploring the pros and cons of the cities.
Lastly, if you feel the need to secure assistance across this, you can read relevant blogs on our website and in case of any academic assignment discrepancy, don’t forget to contact us!