Cost of Living in Adelaide: Complete Guide for 2025

Darshan Shah

20 Jul 2024

Planning to study in Australia in 2025? Check out our complete guide on “cost of living in Adelaide for international students” to make a budget for your study abroad journey. Adelaide is famous for a lot of things and the list won’t end if we were to tell you everything that makes Adelaide such an attractive destination to study in Australia. Adelaide is not just about its wine, restaurants, gin, and beaches, but also about its globally competing universities. The University of Adelaide is ranked 109th by the QS World University Rankings. Let us gather some more ideas about the cost of living in Adelaide from our comprehensive guide.

Cost of Living Adelaide: Why Choose Adelaide to Study in Australia?

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Adelaide is known for its affordability compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. International students can benefit from lower accommodation, transportation, and general living costs, making it an attractive destination for those on a budget.

2. High-Quality Education Institutions

Adelaide is home to several prestigious universities and educational institutions, such as:

• University of Adelaide: One of Australia's leading Group of Eight universities, known for its research and academic excellence.
• Flinders University: Renowned for its innovative courses and strong emphasis on student support.
• University of South Australia (UniSA): Offers a wide range of programs with a strong focus on practical and industry-relevant education.

3. Vibrant Cultural Scene

Adelaide has a rich cultural life, with numerous festivals, events, and activities throughout the year, including:

• Adelaide Festival: A major arts festival featuring theater, dance, music, and visual arts.
• Adelaide Fringe: The largest open-access arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
• WOMADelaide: An annual world music festival held in Botanic Park.

4. Safe and Welcoming Environment

Adelaide is known for being one of the safest cities in Australia, with a welcoming and friendly community. The city's smaller size compared to Sydney or Melbourne means it has a more relaxed and accessible feel, ideal for international students adjusting to a new environment.

5. Great Student Support Services

Universities in Adelaide offer extensive support services for international students, including:

• Orientation Programs: Help students settle in and understand their new environment.
• Academic Support: Tutoring, workshops, and resources to help with studies.
• Career Services: Assistance with job searches, internships, and career planning.

6. Public Transport and Accessibility

Adelaide has an efficient and affordable public transport system, including buses, trains, and trams. The city is well-planned and easy to navigate, making it convenient for students to get around.

7. Beautiful Natural Surroundings

Adelaide is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities:

• Beaches: Glenelg, Henley Beach, and Semaphore are popular spots for relaxation and water sports.
• Adelaide Hills: A picturesque region with hiking trails, wildlife parks, and charming towns.
• Wine Regions: Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are world-famous wine regions located near Adelaide, offering tours and tastings.

8. Part-Time Work Opportunities

International students in Adelaide can find various part-time work opportunities to support their studies. The city's hospitality, retail, and service industries often have vacancies suitable for students.

9. Multicultural Society

Adelaide boasts a diverse and multicultural population, with a wide range of cultural events, international cuisine, and community groups. This diversity enriches the student experience and provides a sense of belonging for students from different backgrounds.

10. Quality Healthcare

International students in Adelaide have access to high-quality healthcare services. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) ensures that students are covered for most medical expenses during their stay.

11. Climate

Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This pleasant weather is conducive to outdoor activities and an active lifestyle year-round.

12. Research Opportunities

Adelaide's universities offer numerous research opportunities, particularly in fields such as health sciences, engineering, environmental studies, and social sciences. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and contribute to significant advancements in their fields.

Top Universities in Adelaide 

QS World University Rankings:

Average Living Expenses Adelaide Monthly

Here’s the basic breakdown of average living expenses in Adelaide:

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Rent & Accommodation

The cost of living in Adelaide when it comes to rent, differs depending on which type of accommodation you choose. Here are a few options to choose from and their average monthly costs:

Study in Australia: Find Accommodation in Adelaide

University Accommodation Services:

• Check directly with your university's accommodation office or student services department. They often have listings of on-campus and affiliated off-campus housing options.

Real Estate Websites:

• Domain: Domain lists a wide range of rental properties across Adelaide.
• Realestate.com.au: Realestate.com.au offers a comprehensive database of rental listings, including apartments and houses.
• Flatmates.com.au: Flatmates.com.au specializes in shared accommodations, making it ideal for finding roommates or shared rental opportunities.

Student Housing Platforms:

• Urbanest: Urbanest provides purpose-built student accommodations in Adelaide.
• Iglu: Iglu offers modern student accommodations with facilities designed for student living.
• Atira: Atira provides a range of student housing options including shared apartments and private rooms.

Social Media and Student Groups:

• Facebook groups specific to international students or your university often have posts about available accommodations or roommate searches.
• Forums and community boards on university websites or student union websites can also be useful.

Local Real Estate Agents:

• Contact local real estate agents in Adelaide who specialize in rental properties. They can provide personalized assistance based on your requirements.

Notice Boards and Local Newspapers:

• Check notice boards on campus, community centers, and local newspapers for rental advertisements and listings.

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Food & Groceries

Below are the costs for groceries and meals at restaurants:

Cost of living in Adelaide: Dining out costs at a restaurant

Cost of Living Adelaide: Save Money on Groceries

• Plan Your Meals: Create a weekly meal plan and shopping list based on affordable recipes and ingredients. This helps avoid impulse purchases and reduces food waste.
• Shop at Markets and Discount Stores: Visit local markets such as Central Market or farmers' markets for fresh produce at lower prices. Discount stores like Aldi and Costco can also offer savings on groceries.
• Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items, grains, and staples in bulk where possible. This often reduces the cost per unit and can save money in the long run.
• Compare Prices: Compare prices between different supermarkets and stores to find the best deals. Use apps or websites that compare grocery prices in your area.
• Use Loyalty Programs and Coupons: Sign up for supermarket loyalty programs to earn discounts and use coupons or digital offers for additional savings.
• Cook at Home: Eating out can be expensive. Cooking meals at home not only saves money but also allows you to control portion sizes and ingredients.
• Utilize Leftovers: Repurpose leftovers into new meals or freeze them for later use. This minimizes food waste and saves on future grocery expenses.
• Consider Seasonal Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and fresher. Incorporate them into your meal planning to save money.
• Limit Convenience Foods: Pre-packaged and convenience foods are usually more expensive. Opt for cooking from scratch as much as possible.
• Share Costs with Roommates: If you live with roommates, consider sharing grocery costs and cooking meals together to split expenses.
• Grow Your Own Herbs or Vegetables: If you have space, consider growing herbs or even some vegetables at home. It can save money and provide fresh ingredients.

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Transportation

Below are the average monthly transportation costs in Adelaide.

Cost of Living Adelaide: Save Money on Transport

• Use Public Transport Concessions: International students in Adelaide are eligible for discounted public transport fares. Obtain a student concession card from Adelaide Metro or your university to access reduced fares on buses, trains, and trams.
• Opt for Monthly Passes: Consider purchasing monthly or longer-duration passes instead of single tickets. These passes often offer better value for frequent travelers.
• Carpool or Share Rides: Coordinate with classmates or friends for shared rides to university or common destinations. This reduces individual travel costs and promotes social interaction.
• Cycle or Walk: Adelaide is bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes. Cycling or walking for shorter distances not only saves money but also promotes fitness and reduces carbon footprint.
• Plan Your Travel: Optimize your travel routes to minimize transfers and unnecessary travel. Use apps like Adelaide Metro's journey planner to find the most efficient routes.
• Look for Student Discounts: Some bike rental shops and car rental services offer student discounts. Explore these options for occasional or specific travel needs.
• Avoid Peak Times: If possible, schedule your travel outside peak hours to benefit from lower fares and less crowded transport.
• Consider Second-Hand Bikes: If you plan to cycle regularly, buying a second-hand bike can be cost-effective. Look for bike sales, community notice boards, or online marketplaces.
• Stay Near Campus: Consider accommodation options that are within walking or cycling distance from your university. This reduces daily commute costs and time.
• Monitor Expenses: Keep track of your transport expenses to identify areas where you can save and budget accordingly.
• Bike Share Programs: Adelaide has bike share programs like Ofo and City Bikes. These services allow you to rent bikes for short trips, often at a low cost per ride.
• Carpooling Apps: Use carpooling apps such as UberPool or BlaBlaCar to share rides with others traveling in the same direction. This can significantly reduce individual travel expenses.
• MetroCARD: Purchase a MetroCARD for convenient travel and discounted fares on Adelaide Metro services. Load it with funds and benefit from cheaper fares compared to single-ticket purchases.

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Utilities

Utilities are basic costs that come linked with your accommodation. Some rentals may already include this cost while others may not. Make sure to check the cost accordingly before choosing an apartment:

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Entertainment

While you may want to save money in your cost of living in Adelaide for international students, it can be a rewarding experience to try out the social events and nightlife in Adelaide. Here are the average costs:

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Healthcare

A basic healthcare plan is a must in your cost of living in Adelaide for international students:

Cost of Living in Adelaide: Miscellaneous Expenses

Some other average living expenses Adelaide apart from the basic cost of living in Adelaide:

Study in Australia with D-Vivid Consultant

We hope you were able to gain in-depth insight into the average cost of living in Adelaide. For your study in Australia, you must compare prices across cities to decide which suits you best financially. The cost of living in Adelaide for international students is more than other cities such but it is worth the extra mile due to the amazing lifestyle you’ll get to experience. The cost of living in Adelaide for Indians has been mentioned too throughout the article so you can compare INR costs side-by-side. The average living expenses Adelaide every month amount to approximately 1,60,731 INR. 

For further questions or personalized guidance for your study in Australia, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 75750 20920. D-Vivid is here to help you with each step of your study abroad journey, from preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and GRE, to writing an SoP and LoR, to submitting your university and visa applications.