Cost of Living in Adelaide

Cost of Living in Adelaide for Students

Australia has more than 40 universities and is home to six of the world’s 100 universities.

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is a compact and well-connected city.

It is an affordable and friendly city, welcoming students from around the world to study and seek opportunities.

The cost of living here is lower as compared to other cities in Australia. The average cost of living ranges between A$1,700 to A$3,000 per month. Please note that this can vary. It depends on your accommodation, lifestyle, and other expenses.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Adelaide, let’s give you a brief summary of its cost.

Expenses Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees A$35,000 – A$56,000 / Year
Accommodation A$850 – A$2,150 / Month
Transportation A$152 / Month

Costs of Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition fees varies depending on the university, course, and degree.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee Post- Graduate Tuition Fee
A$35,000 – A$40,000 / Year A$40,000 – A$56,000 / Year

Student Accommodation Costs 

The cost of student accommodation in Adelaide will depend on location, accommodation type, facilities, etc. 

Student Housing

In student housing, you get to enjoy a furnished home with your own bedroom. There are many amenities and facilities provided by this type of accommodation. Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles. 

The cost of student housing will vary and depend upon your location, type of housing, and facilities.

Student Housing Price
Ensuite / Studio A$850 – A$1,350 / Month

Private Apartment 

Private apartments offer a great choice for any student who wants to have a private room or rent with friends. You can even choose a location close to the university.

Apartment Price
Private A$1,550 – A$2,150 / Month

University Halls

This is one of the most common types of housing chosen by students. It is almost like a flat share system, which can either be privately or publicly owned.

University Hall Price
Ensuite/ Studio £500 – £1,200 / Month

Food

It’s expensive to eat food outside in Adelaide, a meal will cost you A$25- A$50, and coffee, and drinks will cost A$5.

Utility Bills

If you opt for PBSA, then you will not need to worry about your utility bills because it is inclusive.

Transportation

There is no shortage of public transport in Adelaide, from buses and trams to taxis and bicycles. If you are living in the CBD area, you can also rent bikes for free. Paid modes include taxis that can be used during the busiest days, such as Friday and Saturday nights. 

Entertainment

Adelaide is a livable and entertaining city where students can enjoy and have fun too. You can head to the cinemas, visit a live music lounge, or go on a good ol’ bar crawl. 

How to live on a budget in Adelaide

Adelaide is on the top list of the most affordable cities in Australia. Yet some things are expensive, and cutting down on unnecessary spending will give you extra cash to enjoy and explore the city more! 

Find a budget-friendly accommodation

There are plenty of options for accommodations in Adelaide. You can opt for a PBSA, and if you can’t find one, you can opt for shared spaces at an affordable price. 

Meal

The less you eat outside, the more money you can save. One of the best ways is to cook meals at home. You can find cheap groceries at a farmer’s market and stock up weekly. 

Use student discounts

Ask your universities for places that accept student discounts. Ask shops about discount rates available for students 

Transportation

Being a compact city, towns are closer to each other. You can cycle, walk, or use the public mode of transport. Buses and trains offer discounts for students too. 

We hope you enjoyed the blog and found it helpful in understanding the cost of living in this city.

About the author

University Living

University Living is a global student accommodation platform designed to make studying abroad simpler and stress-free. We help international students discover, compare, and book safe, verified housing near top universities worldwide. Catering across 5.5K+ universities, 640+ global cities and 65K+ safe homes, University Living offers trusted options, expert support, and flexible choices, so students can focus on their education while feeling truly at home.

Handpicked Rooms Just for You

Handpicked Rooms, Just For You!

Your ideal home that matches your vibes!