Your Guide to Cost of Living in Ipswich
Life made easy in Ipswich.
Table of Content
Ipswich, located just 40 km from Brisbane, has quickly become one of Australia’s most liveable and affordable cities for students. With its rich heritage, close-knit community, and easy access to the best universities in Australia, this city gives you the best of city comfort and suburban calm.
Still, if you’re moving here soon, you’ll want to understand the cost of living in Ipswich. While it’s cheaper than Brisbane or Sydney, expenses like rent, groceries, and transport can still surprise newcomers who don’t plan. This guide breaks down every aspect of the cost of living in Ipswich, from housing and transport to food, utilities, and monthly budgeting, so you know exactly what to expect and how to manage your expenses smartly as a student.
Average Cost of Living in Ipswich
The Average cost of living in Ipswich typically ranges between AU$1,300 and AU$1,900 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle. Rent tends to make up more than half of the living cost in Ipswich for international students, followed by groceries, transport, and entertainment. Here’s a quick monthly breakdown:
| Expense Category | Budget (AU$) | Mid-Range (AU$) | Premium (AU$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU$750-950 | AU$1100-1500 | AU$1700-2200 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$250-350 | AU$400-500 | AU$600-750 |
| Transport | AU$40-90 | AU$100-150 | AU$200-250 |
| Utilities & Internet | AU$100-150 | AU$180-250 | AU$300-400 |
| Entertainment | AU$60-120 | AU$150-250 | AU$300-400 |
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | AU$80-100 | AU$120-180 |
| Phone Plan | AU$20-40 | AU$40-60 | AU$70-100 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$100-150 | AU$200-300 | AU$400-500 |
If you budget carefully, your cost of living in Ipswich, Australia, would average around AU$1,600 to AU$1,800 per month.
Housing and Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is the largest factor influencing your cost of living. The city offers a range of options, from shared flats and homestays to purpose-built student housing close to transport links. If you’re considering student accommodation in Ipswich, shared rooms usually cost around AU$200-AU$320 per week, while private studios start from AU$400 per week. These properties often include Wi-Fi and utilities, helping you manage your Ipswich cost of living better.
| Neighbourhood | 1-Bedroom (AU$/week) | 2-Bedroom (AU$/week) | 3-Bedroom (AU$/week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich Central | AU$380-480 | AU$550-700 | AU$800-950 |
| North Ipswich | AU$350-460 | AU$520-680 | AU$720-900 |
| Eastern Heights | AU$400-520 | AU$600-750 | AU$850-1000 |
| Brassall | AU$420-550 | AU$600-800 | AU$900-1100 |
| Churchill | AU$380-500 | AU$550-750 | AU$850-1000 |
Food and Grocery Costs
Food prices in Ipswich are quite reasonable compared to major Australian cities. Your total food spend depends largely on how often you eat out versus cooking at home.
| Category | Average Weekly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Groceries for one person | AU$60-100 |
| Casual meal at a café | AU$15-25 |
| Dinner at a mid-range restaurant | AU$60-90 |
| Coffee | AU$4-6 |
| Fast food meal | AU$10-15 |
Money-saving tips:
1. Buy groceries in bulk from Woolworths, Coles, or Aldi.
2. Visit local markets like the Ipswich Central Market for fresh, cheap produce.
3. Cook at home and meal-prep for the week.
Students moving to Ipswich to study in Australia can easily balance good nutrition and budget with a few small lifestyle adjustments.
Transportation Costs
Public transport in Ipswich is affordable and well-connected through Translink buses and trains, linking directly to Brisbane and other nearby suburbs. Students with a valid ID can get 50% concession fares.
| Transport Type | Average Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Single trip (student) | AU$1.6-3.2 |
| Weekly travel (student cap) | AU$25-30 |
| Monthly travel | AU$80-120 |
| Uber (short ride) | AU$8-18 |
| E-scooter rental | AU$1+0.30/min |
| Bike hire | AU$15-25/day |
If you live near your university or within the city centre, you might only spend AU$40-60 per month on transport. Walking or biking can significantly reduce your cost of Living in Ipswich, Queensland.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities fluctuate depending on your apartment size, the number of roommates, and whether your rent includes bills.
| Utility Type | Average Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | AU$100-150 |
| Gas | AU$30-70 |
| Water | AU$40-80 |
| Internet | AU$60-90 |
| Mobile Plan | AU$20-50 |
Choosing student flats Ipswich that include bills can simplify your budgeting and prevent surprises during hotter months when air conditioning use spikes.
Saving tips:
1. Use LED lights and efficient appliances.
2. Compare mobile and broadband plans yearly.
3. Split streaming and utility bills with flatmates.
Other Essential Expenses
The total of these smaller expenses affects your overall cost of living in Ipswich more than most expect, so track them early.
| Category | Monthly Estimate (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | Compulsory for international students |
| Study Materials | AU$50-100 | Depends on your course |
| Gym/Fitness | AU$30-80 | Student memberships available |
| Entertainment | AU$60-150 | Local events, movies, or outings |
Safety and Proximity
Ipswich is known for being peaceful, community-driven, and student-friendly with a safety index of 59. The neighbourhoods around Ipswich Central and Churchill are safe, well-connected, and close to public transport. This makes the living cost in Ipswich for international students lower since you’ll spend less on commuting or late-night rides.
Example Monthly Student Budget
Here’s a sample monthly budget for a mid-range lifestyle in Ipswich:
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared housing) | AU$950 |
| Utilities + Internet | AU$170 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$350 |
| Transport | AU$60 |
| Entertainment | AU$100 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$150 |
| Total | AU$1780 |
The total aligns with the cost of Living in Ipswich, Australia, especially for students who cook at home and use public transport.
Saving Tips for Students
Here’s how to manage your cost of living in Ipswich for students efficiently:
1. Choose student accommodation in Ipswich that includes Wi-Fi and utilities.
2. Cook in batches and freeze meals for the week.
3. Use your student ID for local transport and dining discounts.
4. Attend free or low-cost events at local parks and markets.
5. Buy or rent second-hand books instead of new ones.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Ipswich is among the most affordable in Queensland, making it a smart choice for both domestic and international students. With manageable rent, good public transport, and plenty of affordable dining options, Ipswich lets you live comfortably without financial stress. If you’re planning to move soon, explore student accommodation in Ipswich with amber, from shared flats to private studios; there’s something for every lifestyle and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ipswich for students?
The cost of living in Ipswich ranges between AU$1,300 and AU$1,900 per month, depending on rent and personal choice.
How much does student housing cost in Ipswich?
Shared student flats in Ipswich cost AU$200-AU$320 per week, while private studios range from AU$400-AU$500 per week.
Is Ipswich cheaper than Brisbane for students?
Yes, the Ipswich, Australia cost of living is about 15-20% lower than in Brisbane, especially for rent and daily expenses.
How much should I budget for food and groceries in Ipswich?
Around AU$250-AU$400 per month, depending on whether you cook at home or dine out frequently.
Do international students get transport discounts in Ipswich?
Yes, students get 50% concession fares on buses and trains through Translink.