Exchange in Australia: Cost of living in Melbourne 2025

Melbourne is one of the most attractive cities for Brazilian students who dream of doing an exchange in Australia. With its vibrant cultural scene, excellent education system, and abundant professional opportunities, the Australian cultural capital offers a unique experience. But how much does it actually cost to live in Melbourne in 2025? Let's explore all the numbers so you can plan your budget precisely.
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What to expect at the cost of living in Melbourne

For a Brazilian exchange student, the monthly cost of living in Melbourne varies between AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,000, depending on your lifestyle and housing choices. This range includes essential expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and basic leisure.

It is important to remember that Melbourne is among the 5 best cities to study in Australia in 2025, which justifies slightly higher costs compared to smaller cities in the country. The quality of life offered, however, compensates for this investment.

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Australian minimum wage: its calculation base

The Australian minimum wage for 2025 is set at AUD 24.95 per hour, one of the highest in the world. For international students, this represents a real opportunity for financial sustainability during the exchange.

With permission to work up to 20 hours a week during the term of office, a student can earn approximately AUD 1,996 monthly (20h/week × 4.33 weeks × AUD 24.95). During holidays, with permission to work 40 hours a week, this amount can double to around AUD 3,992.

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Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense

Housing represents the largest monthly expense for any student in Melbourne. The options vary significantly in price and location:

Shared room

• Zone 1 (center): AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,400 per month
• Zone 2 (nearby suburbs): AUD 800 to AUD 1,200 per month
• Zone 3 (distant suburbs): AUD 600 to AUD 900 per month

Private apartment

• Studio in the center: AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,500 per month
• One bedroom: AUD 2,200 to AUD 3,500 per month
• Family apartment: AUD 3,500 to AUD 5,000 per month

The tip here is to start with shared accommodation, especially if you're arriving alone. This not only reduces costs, but also makes it easier to create important social bonds during your adaptation.

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Food: local flavors and economy

Eating in Melbourne can be both a cultural experience and a budget challenge. The city offers options for every budget:

Grocery shopping

• Basic budget: AUD 80 to AUD 120 per week
• Moderate budget: AUD 120 to AUD 180 per week
• Comfortable budget: AUD 180 to AUD 250 per week

Meals away from home

• Food Courts: AUD 12 to AUD 18 per meal
• Casual restaurants: AUD 18 to AUD 35 per meal
• Sophisticated restaurants: AUD 40 to AUD 80 per meal

Cooking at home can represent savings of up to 60% compared to eating out on a daily basis. Melbourne has excellent markets such as the Queen Victoria Market, where you can find fresh produce at competitive prices.

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Public transport: efficiency that pays off

Melbourne's public transport system is renowned worldwide for its efficiency. The monthly investment in transportation varies depending on your usage profile:

Myki Pass (transport card)

• Weekly: AUD 35 to AUD 40
• Monthly: AUD 140 to AUD 160
• Student (50% discount): AUD 70 to AUD 80

Transportation alternatives

• Bicicleta: AUD 300 to AUD 800 (purchase) + AUD 50 monthly (maintenance)
• Scooter/motorbike: AUD 150 to AUD 300 monthly
• Used car: AUD 400 to AUD 800 monthly (including insurance and fuel)

For most students, public transport is the most economical and practical option, especially considering that Melbourne has one of the most extensive tram networks in the world.

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Leisure and entertainment: experiencing Melbourne

Melbourne is renowned for its intense cultural life, and this is reflected in the entertainment options:

Cultural activities

• filmmaking: AUD 12 to AUD 20 per session
• Theater/shows: AUD 30 to AUD 150 per ticket
• Museums: AUD 15 to AUD 25 (many free)
• Festivals: AUD 20 to AUD 200 per event

Social life

• Drinks in a pub: AUD 8 to AUD 15 per drink
• Dinner with friends: AUD 25 to AUD 50 per person
• Sporting activities: AUD 15 to AUD 30 per session

Reserve between AUD 200 and AUD 400 monthly for leisure, depending on the intensity of your social life. Melbourne offers many free activities, especially during the summer months.

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Other essential costs

Health and insurance

• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): AUD 45 to AUD 65 monthly
• Extra insurance: AUD 20 to AUD 40 monthly
• Basic medicines: AUD 15 to AUD 30 monthly

Communication

• Cell phone plan: AUD 30 to AUD 80 monthly
• Home Internet: AUD 60 to AUD 100 monthly (generally shared)

Apparel

• Basic clothes: AUD 100 to AUD 300 monthly
• Winter clothes: AUD 200 to AUD 500 (annual purchase)

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Government visa requirements

As of July 2025, the Australian government requires proof of AUD 24.505 per year for student visa purposes. This amounts to approximately AUD 2,042 per month, in line with our basic cost estimate.

This requirement reinforces the importance of sound financial planning before start the Australian visa process. Remember: the amount required is only for basic living costs, not including educational fees.

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Is your investment worth it?

Considering that the Brazilian minimum wage is R$ 1,518, working part-time in Melbourne can pay up to 5 times more. Additionally, international experience, fluency in English, and global networking represent incalculable investments for your future career.

Melbourne isn't just a city where you study, it's where you grow professionally, develop independence, and build an international network of contacts. The cost of living, when analyzed in the context of the opportunities offered, represents a solid investment in your future.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we know that budgeting for Melbourne can seem challenging, but we're here to transform this process into a safe and well-structured journey. Our expert team offers comprehensive guidance on living costs, job opportunities, and financial strategies to maximize your experience in Australia. From budgeting to practical tips for everyday savings, we take care of every detail so you can focus on what really matters: making the most of your transformative experience in Melbourne. Contact us and discover how we can help you achieve that dream in a planned and safe way!