Cost Of Living In Wollongong As A Student
Study, live, and budget right in Wollongong.
Table of Content
- Average Cost of Living in Wollongong
- Accommodation: Where You Live Shapes Your Budget
- Food & Groceries: The Silent Budget Killer
- Transportation: One of the Biggest Money Savers
- Utilities & Internet: Small Student Living Costs That Stack Up
- Other Essential Expenses
- Safety, Proximity & Lifestyle Perks
- Example Monthly Student Budget
- Saving Tips for Students
- Conclusion
Wollongong feels like it was designed for students. Beaches in front, mountains behind, and a smart, diverse crowd thanks to the University of Wollongong’s 30,000+ student population. It’s the 12th-largest city in Australia, big enough to stay exciting but still friendly and easy to navigate. You get the quality of a major student hub without the chaos and high prices of Sydney.
But let’s be honest. You can’t enjoy any city if your wallet is constantly crying. That’s why knowing the Cost of Living in Wollongong before moving is a smart move. Plan your budget early, and you’ll settle into student life here faster than you can say “North Gong Beach”. If you’re still exploring your study options, here’s a helpful guide on the secret benefits of studying in Australia. Now let’s dig into what living here actually costs.
Average Cost of Living in Wollongong
Most students spend AU$1,600-AU$2,400 per month, depending on accommodation and lifestyle. To put that in perspective, the city is roughly 10-20% cheaper than Sydney and about 5-10% cheaper than Melbourne for students, especially when it comes to rent and daily living. Rent is the biggest student expenses, followed by food and transportation.
| Expense Category | Budget (AU$) | Mid-Range (AU$) | Premium (AU$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU$850-1,150 | AU$1,250-1,600 | AU$1,700-2,200 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$260-350 | AU$400-580 | AU$650-750 |
| Transport | AU$40-80 | AU$90-150 | AU$160-200 |
| Utilities & Internet | AU$110-180 | AU$200-250 | AU$260-350 |
| Entertainment | AU$60-120 | AU$150-250 | AU$300-400 |
| Phone Plan | AU$20-40 | AU$40-60 | AU$70-100 |
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | AU$80-100 | AU$120-180 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$100-150 | AU$200-300 | AU$350-500 |
A realistic, well-balanced student budget sits around AU$1,800-AU$2,100. So yes, the living cost in Wollongong for international students is pretty manageable.
Accommodation: Where You Live Shapes Your Budget
Here’s the thing. Where you stay decides whether you live like a beach local or constantly do mental math before ordering coffee.
| Neighbourhood | 1-Bedroom (AU$/week) | Shared: per room (AU$/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Gwynneville | AU$400-520 | AU$210-280 |
| Keiraville | AU$420-550 | AU$220-300 |
| Fairy Meadow | AU$430-580 | AU$230-320 |
| Wollongong CBD | AU$500-650 | AU$260-350 |
| North Wollongong | AU$480-620 | AU$250-340 |
Close to the University of Wollongong = less transport cost.
Near beaches = slightly higher rent, much higher happiness.
If you want furnished housing, short commute times, and bills included, student accommodation in Wollongong is worth exploring. Not to mention, starting your housing search early always gives you options. If you're curious about how Wollongong compares to other popular university cities, check out this list of the bestplacestoliveinAustralia. It’ll give you a broader picture of affordability versus lifestyle.
Food & Groceries: The Silent Budget Killer
Cooking keeps the Cost of Living in Wollongong healthy. Eating out every day does the opposite.
| Category | Average Weekly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Groceries | AU$75-130 |
| Café brunch | AU$18-25 |
| Restaurant dinner | AU$70-110 |
| Coffee | AU$4.5-6 |
| Fast food meal | AU$12-18 |
Pro tips:
1. Hit the markets for fresh produce
2. Share groceries with housemates
3. Track how many “little treats” you grab near the beach
Because those coffees add up fast.
Transportation: One of the Biggest Money Savers
Living close to campus means you can walk or cycle. It’s the simplest way to shrink your cost of living in Wollongong, Australia.
| Transport Type | Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Single student trip | AU$1.5-3.5 |
| Weekly spend cap | AU$25-35 |
| Monthly travel | AU$80-120 |
| Uber (short ride) | AU$10-22 |
| Bike hire | AU$15-25/day |
Students who live near UOW often spend next to nothing on travel. That’s huge savings over a year.
Utilities & Internet: Small Student Living Costs That Stack Up
| Utility Type | Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | AU$90-130 |
| Gas | AU$20-40 |
| Water | AU$30-60 |
| Internet | AU$65-95 |
| Mobile Plan | AU$20-50 |
If you want fewer surprises in your monthly spending, choose accommodation where bills are included. It keeps your Wollongong cost of living predictable.
Other Essential Expenses
| Category | Monthly Estimate (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | Required for internationals |
| Study Materials | AU$50-120 | Depends on the course |
| Gym & Fitness | AU$35-90 | Uni gym deals help |
| Entertainment | AU$70-150 | Markets, bars, beaches |
Balance social life with free stuff. Luckily, Wollongong is full of free stuff.
Safety, Proximity & Lifestyle Perks
The best part? Wollongong is safe, friendly, and incredibly convenient for students. Keiraville, Gwynneville, and North Wollongong are the hot spots. You’ll walk to class, grab groceries easily, and spend more time by the beach than on buses. If you want more info while picking a university, this guide on the best universities in Australia is helpful.
Example Monthly Student Budget
Here’s a mid-range student lifestyle based on real numbers aligned with the cost of living in Wollongong, NSW:
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | AU$1,200 |
| Utilities + Internet | AU$200 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$420 |
| Transport | AU$80 |
| Entertainment | AU$120 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$120 |
| Total | AU$2,140 |
If you cook more and share more, AU$1,800 is doable.
Saving Tips for Students
1. Pick a suburb close to campus
2. Share your housing and bills
3. Use concession fares every time
4. Free beaches > expensive nights out
5. Buy or rent textbooks second-hand
6. Cook more than you order
Small habits = low Cost of living in Wollongong long term.
Conclusion
The Cost of Living in Wollongong hits the sweet spot. It’s affordable without being boring. It’s busy without being stressful. You get beaches, great food, friendly people, and a top university. If you’re planning to study here, start your housing search early, set a solid budget, and you’ll enjoy your time from day one. Wollongong gives you all the perks of a coastal student city, minus the financial pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Cost of Living in Wollongong as a student?
The cost of living Wollongong is around AU$1,600-AU$2,400 per month, depending on where you live and how you spend.
Is Wollongong cheaper than Sydney?
Absolutely. The Cost of Living in Wollongong is noticeably lower, especially for rent.
How much does Wollongong student accommodation cost?
Shared rooms cost around AU$850-1,150/month, while private studios cost AU$1,400+.
How much should I budget for food?
Students typically spend around AU$260 to AU$550 per month on good-quality food. You can plan accordingly, too.
Do international students receive public transport concessions?
Yes. Students receive public transport concessions, which makes the living cost in Wollongong more manageable.