Exchange in Australia: what are the most expensive cities to live in in 2025?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 5 most expensive cities in Australia in 2025, analyzing not only the costs but also the opportunities each one offers for exchange students. With this information, you'll be able to better plan your Australian adventure and make more informed financial decisions.
Why know the cost of living in Australian cities before the exchange?
Before embarking on your journey through the program Study and Work in Australia, it's essential to understand the financial impact that your choice of city will have. Australian cities have significant variations in terms of the cost of living, especially in terms of housing.
Knowing this data will help you:
- Plan your monthly budget accurately
- Identify part-time work opportunities compatible with your studies
- Avoid unpleasant financial surprises
- Choose the city that best matches your academic and financial goals
- Make the most of the experience without constant worries about money
Top 5 most expensive cities in Australia for exchange students
1. Sydney: The Iconic Waterfront Metropolis
Sydney leads the ranking of the most expensive cities in Australia, ranking 37th among the most expensive cities in the world. With its iconic Opera House, stunning beaches and vibrant cultural scene, Sydney remains the most sought after destination for international exchange students.
Why Sydney is expensive:
- Australia's main financial and commercial center
- Extremely competitive real estate market
- High demand for housing in areas close to the beaches and the center
- High-quality transportation infrastructure
Monthly living cost for exchange students:
- Shared room rental: AU$300-400 per week (AU$1,200-1,600/month)
- Food: AU$400-500
- Public transportation: AU$217 (monthly Opal card)
- Lazer: AU$200-300
Opportunities for exchange students:
- Largest labor market in the country with options in various sectors
- International networking with professionals from all over the world
- Rich cultural experience with festivals and events throughout the year
- Perfect balance between urban life and paradisiacal beaches
Be Easy tip: Consider living in suburbs like Newtown, Marrickville, or Randwick, which offer good transportation links to downtown and more affordable housing costs. Sharing rent with other students can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
2. Canberra: Australia's Sophisticated Capital
The capital of Australia is ranked second in the ranking of the most expensive cities, with a cost of living index of 66.8 (41st position in the world). Although smaller than Sydney, Canberra offers a unique experience, with modern architecture, large green spaces, and prominent governmental and cultural institutions.
Why Canberra is expensive:
- High concentration of public employees with higher-than-average salaries
- Limited offer of student housing
- Quality of urban infrastructure and services
- Food costs approximately 12% higher than other cities
Monthly living cost for exchange students:
- Shared room rent: AU$250-350 per week (AU$1,000-1,400/month)
- Food: AU$450-550
- Public transportation: AU$150 (monthly MyWay card)
- Lazer: AU$180-250
Opportunities for exchange students:
- Internships in government agencies and embassies
- Safe and highly planned environment
- Excellent quality of life with low crime rates
- Proximity to nature and national parks
Be Easy tip: Take advantage of housing options on university campuses, which are often more affordable than the private market. Neighborhoods like Belconnen and Bruce offer good options for students with more reasonable prices.
3. Adelaide: the accessible charm of the south
Adelaide is ranked third among the most expensive cities in Australia, with a cost of living index of 61.5 (76th in the world). Known as the “church city”, Adelaide combines historic charm with a relaxed and affordable lifestyle.
Why Adelaide is expensive:
- Growing popularity among international students
- Real estate market in appreciation
- Exceptional quality of life in relation to cost
- High utility costs (water, electricity, internet)
Monthly living cost for exchange students:
- Shared room rental: AU$180-250 per week (AU$720-1,000/month)
- Food: AU$350-450
- Public transport: AU$140 (monthly Metrocard card)
- Lazer: AU$150-250
Opportunities for exchange students:
- Growing labor market in health and technology
- Proximity to world-renowned wine regions
- Easy access to stunning beaches
- Welcoming environment for international students
Be Easy tip: Adelaide offers excellent value for money. Look for housing in the North Adelaide or West Torrens neighborhoods, which combine good location with more affordable prices. Public transportation is efficient and economical, especially for students.
4. Melbourne: the Australian cultural capital
Melbourne is ranked fourth in the ranking, with a cost of living index of 61.5 (84th in the world). Considered Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne enchants with its cafés, street art, and world-class cultural and sporting events.
Why Melbourne is expensive:
- High demand for properties in central areas
- Sophisticated gastronomic and cultural scene
- Accelerated population growth
- Urban infrastructure quality
Monthly living cost for exchange students:
- Shared room rental: AU$200-300 per week (AU$800-1,200/month)
- Food: AU$400-500
- Public transportation: AU$155 (monthly Myki card)
- Lazer: AU$200-300
Opportunities for exchange students:
- Wide range of part-time jobs in the hospitality sector
- Multicultural environment with active international communities
- Vibrant nightlife and diverse art scene
- Excellent public transport system (including free trams in the center)
Be Easy tip: Brunswick, Footscray, and Thornbury are neighborhoods popular with students, offering more affordable rent and a youthful atmosphere. Melbourne has one of the best public transport networks in Australia, so living in the suburbs is a viable option.
5. Perth: the West Coast's secluded treasure
Perth closes our ranking of the most expensive cities in Australia. Secluded on the west coast, Perth offers a relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches and a strong economy driven by the mining sector.
Why is Perth expensive:
- Geographic isolation that increases the cost of imported products
- Economy strongly linked to the mining industry
- Growing demand for quality housing
- Exceptional climate that values properties
Monthly living cost for exchange students:
- Shared room rental: AU$180-250 per week (AU$720-1,000/month)
- Food: AU$350-450
- Public transportation: AU$140 (monthly SmartRider card)
- Lazer: AU$150-250
Opportunities for exchange students:
- Higher salaries compared to other Australian cities
- Outdoor lifestyle with beaches and parks
- Strong labor market in the natural resources sector
- Lower competition for jobs compared to Sydney and Melbourne
Be Easy tip: The suburbs of Northbridge, Mount Lawley, and Victoria Park offer good housing options for students. Perth has an excellent public transport system and bike paths, making it easy to get around without a car.
Comparison: Australia vs Brazil
To better understand the financial impact of studying in Australia's most expensive cities, let's compare Sydney (the most expensive) with São Paulo:
While absolute values are significantly higher in Australia, purchasing power and quality of life make up for the difference. The Australian minimum wage of AU$24.10 per hour (approximately AU$3,850 per month) is one of the highest in the world, providing greater financial stability for exchange students who are able to work part-time during their studies.
More affordable alternatives for exchange in Australia
If the five most expensive cities seem out of your budget, consider these alternatives that offer excellent quality of life at more affordable costs:
- Brisbane: tropical climate, relaxed lifestyle and costs 15.2% lower than Sydney
- Gold Coast: stunning beaches, theme parks and active tourism
- Hobart (Tasmania): untouched nature, low cost of living and welcoming environment
- Newcastle: proximity to Sydney, beaches and much lower cost of living
- Wollongong: coastal university city just 1h30 from Sydney
Job opportunities for exchange students in Australia
A major differential of the exchange in Australia is the possibility of working legally while studying. With a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during term time and full time while on vacation.
Areas with the highest demand for international students include:
- Hospitality and tourism: cafés, restaurants, hotels and tour operators
- Retail: stores in shopping malls and local businesses
- Agriculture: seasonal work on farms (popular for visa extension)
- Care: nurseries, nursing homes and support workers
- Information Technology: technical support and development
The minimum wage of AU$24.10 per hour (2025) is one of the highest in the world, allowing exchange students to cover a large part of their monthly costs, even in the most expensive cities.
Is it worth living in Australia's most expensive cities?
Definitely yes! While the initial cost may seem intimidating, the combination of quality education, exceptional security, and unparalleled lifestyle makes the investment worthwhile. In addition, the most expensive cities generally offer:
- Increased supply of well-paying jobs
- Superior transportation infrastructure
- Multicultural and diverse environment
- Largest cultural and entertainment offer
- Valuable international connections for your career
The key lies in proper planning and the use of strategies to reduce costs, such as:
- Share housing with other students
- Use student discounts (food, transportation, culture)
- Cooking at home instead of constantly eating out
- Consider residential neighborhoods that are well connected to the center
- Combining studies with part-time work
Be Easy: turning your exchange dream in Australia into reality
Na Be Easy, we understand that each exchange dream is unique. Our specialized team offers full support for your journey in Australia, from choosing the ideal city to guidance on work, accommodation, and cultural adaptation.
Don't let the cost of living in big Australian cities stop you from living this transformative experience. With proper planning and our personalized support, your exchange in Australia can be not only feasible but also a game-changer for your international career.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how we can help you fulfill your dream of studying in Australia with peace of mind and security!
