Your Guide to Cost Of Living In Wellington
Live smart, budget better in Wellington.
Table of Content
Wellington in New South Wales offers students something many big cities can’t - affordability, nature, and community. It’s a calm regional town in the Dubbo Region where you can focus on your studies and live comfortably without blowing your budget. If you plan to study in Australia, Wellington is a smart base with nearby educational opportunities and a slower pace of life.
Before you move, you need to understand the cost of living in Wellington and what day-to-day student expenses actually look like. Rent, transport, food, and basic utilities are all manageable here. This guide breaks down every essential cost, so you know exactly what to expect as a student in regional Australia. Let’s dive into the real cost of living in Wellington, Australia, and help you budget confidently.
Average Cost of Living in Wellington
The average cost of living in Wellington ranges between AU$1,200 and AU$1,800 per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. Housing usually takes the biggest share of the budget, followed by food and transport.
| Expense Category | Budget (AU$) | Mid-Range (AU$) | Premium (AU$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU$550-750 | AU$800-1,000 | AU$1,100-1,300 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$200-300 | AU$350-450 | AU$500-600 |
| Transport | AU$20-50 | AU$60-100 | AU$120-150 |
| Utilities & Internet | AU$120-160 | AU$180-230 | AU$260-350 |
| Entertainment | AU$50-100 | AU$120-200 | AU$250-300 |
| Health Insurance | AU$50-60 | AU$70-90 | AU$100-150 |
| Phone Plan | AU$20-40 | AU$40-60 | AU$70-90 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$60-100 | AU$120-180 | AU$200-300 |
A well-planned student typically spends around AU$1,400-AU$1,600 monthly based on the cost of living in Wellington, NSW.
Housing and Accommodation Costs
Accommodation forms the largest part of the cost of living in Wellington as a student, and Wellington has some of the best places to live in Australia. Students usually look for shared rentals & cheap accommodation Wellington NSW near universities, supermarkets, and bus routes to save money.
| Neighbourhood | 1-Bedroom (AU$/week) | 2-Bedroom (AU$/week) | 3-Bedroom (AU$/week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington Central | AU$300-380 | AU$420-520 | AU$600-750 |
| Montefiores | AU$320-400 | AU$450-550 | AU$650-800 |
| Apsley | AU$280-360 | AU$420-500 | AU$600-760 |
| North Wellington | AU$300-380 | AU$450-550 | AU$650-800 |
Finding student accommodation in Wellington early helps secure lower rent and convenient locations. If you prefer furnished studios or shared flats, private listings are available too, usually at a higher price but with utilities included.
Food and Grocery Costs
Groceries are affordable in Wellington, especially with local markets and shared cooking.
| Category | Average Weekly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Groceries for one person | AU$60-110 |
| Casual café meal | AU$12-20 |
| Restaurant dinner | AU$35-60 |
| Coffee | AU$4-6 |
| Fast food meal | AU$10-15 |
Quick savings:
1. Shop from local farmers and weekend markets
2. Meal-prep and split supermarket costs with housemates
3. Keep takeaway meals as an occasional treat
Managing food choices can significantly cut down the cost of living in Wellington, Australia.
Transportation Costs
Transport is one of the major reasons why the living cost in Wellington stays low. It’s a walkable town with reliable regional buses and student concessions.
| Transport Type | Average Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Single trip (student) | AU$1.5-3.0 |
| Weekly spend (student cap) | AU$15-25 |
| Monthly travel | AU$50-90 |
| Short taxi ride | AU$12-20 |
| Bike maintenance | AU$5-10/month |
Choosing housing near shops and education centres helps lower your cost of living in Wellington as a student even more.
Utilities & Internet Costs
Avoid bill shock by understanding shared household costs. Staying in rentals that include utilities helps balance the cost of living in Wellington across seasons.
| Utility Type | Average Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | AU$70-110 |
| Gas | AU$15-30 |
| Water | AU$20-40 |
| Internet | AU$50-80 |
| Mobile Plan | AU$20-50 |
Other Essential Expenses
These small costs add up but are easy to control with smart budgeting. Wellington offers plenty of free outdoor activities, helping reduce your cost of living in Wellington, NSW.
| Category | Monthly Estimate (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | AU$50-60 | Required for international students |
| Study Materials | AU$30-80 | Course dependent |
| Gym & Fitness | AU$20-80 | Community sports options |
| Entertainment | AU$50-150 | Local events + social outings |
Safety and Proximity
Wellington is known for its slower, community-oriented lifestyle & safety index of 65. Most student areas stay close to shops, bus routes, and outdoor recreation. Less travel means fewer expenses and more peace of mind. What this really means is you can focus on both studies and wellbeing while keeping the living cost in Wellington under control.
Example Monthly Student Budget
Here’s a mid-range budget aligned with the average cost of living in Wellington:
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared housing) | AU$900 |
| Utilities + Internet | AU$160 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$350 |
| Transport | AU$60 |
| Entertainment | AU$120 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$120 |
| Total | AU$1,710 |
Saving Tips for Students
1. Secure housing early, as availability varies
2. Choose accommodations with bills included
3. Walk or bike, save on bus fares
4. Use student discounts across the town
5. Buy or rent second-hand textbooks
6. Share streaming or utility plans with housemates
7. Lower choices = lower cost of living in Wellington every month.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Wellington makes the town a great pick for students who want affordability, community, and manageable expenses. It’s peaceful, budget-friendly, and close to strong regional education options. Start your search for student apartments in Wellington early to score the best prices and locations. If you’re still exploring your study choices, check out some of the best universities in Australia. Wellington delivers student life that doesn’t break the bank, just the fresh start you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Wellington for students?
The cost of living in Wellington is around AU$1,200-AU$1,800 per month, depending on rent and lifestyle preferences.
How much does student housing cost in Wellington?
Shared accommodation usually ranges between AU$550-750 per month, while private studios may cost AU$1,000+.
What is a good food budget in Wellington?
Students typically spend AU$200-450 per month on food, depending on whether they cook or eat out.
Do students get transport concessions in Wellington, NSW?
Yes, tertiary students receive discounted fares, which makes the cost of living in Wellington, NSW, even more manageable.