Guidance to help you budget for your lifestyle in Canberra, where the summers are warm (average maximum daily temperatures above 27°C (80.6°F)) and the winters are cold (average maximum daily temperatures below 13°C (55.4°F)).
We have listed some typical living costs that you are likely to have as a student at ANU to help you plan for your studies in 2026.
To live on your own in Canberra, you will need approximately AU$33,000 - $39,000 a year to cover basic costs such as accommodation, food, utilities and clothing (approximately AU$634 - $750 per week).
This equates to approximately AU$24,000 - $28,500 for the academic year (February to November 2026) for an individual.
The additional living cost for each child in Canberra is about $5,500 per year. These estimates do not include the cost of:
- childcare or schooling, or
- large household items such as a car or furniture.
NOTE: All figures are estimates only and are not guaranteed as accurate. Actual costs will depend on your lifestyle choices and needs.
Childcare cost
If you are bringing children of school age, you will need to pay for their schooling (unless exempt) and/or childcare. Please see the ACT Government Education and Training Directorate website for full details on school fees, additional fees (if applicable), eligibility and application criteria.
For very young children, you may need to consider childcare. The average childcare cost in Canberra is approximately $913 per week (full-time)($182.6 per day) as of November 2026. It is important to organise a childcare place early as facilities are often booked up well in advance of the semester's start.
Estimated cost
Initial establishment cost
| Initial establishment cost | Australian Dollars |
|---|---|
| Rental bond | $1,000- $2,651 |
| 2 weeks rent in advance | $624- $1,324 |
| Utilities | $152 - $579 |
| Household items (furniture, linen etc.) | $720 - $1,300 |
| Approximate total cost | $2,496 - $5,854 |
Average weekly living expenses in Canberra
| Average weekly living expenses in Canberra (per week) | Australian Dollars |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $312 (share accommodation) $673 (not sharing) |
| Groceries | $146 - $204 |
| Transport | $5 - $30 |
| Phone and internet plans (not including devices) | $18 - $26 |
| Utilities | $22 - $71 |
| Average Expenditure | $503 - $1,044 per week |
Other costs
| Other costs | Australian Dollars |
|---|---|
| Textbooks | $1,531 - $1,595 per annum |
| Clothing | $214 - $1000 per 6 months |
| Shoes | $60 - $100 per 6 months |
| Haircut | $20 - $82 per month |
| Doctor's (GP) consultation fee | $55 - $115 per month (1 visit per month) |
| Infant childcare | $148 - $192 per day |
Please note that the costs indicated above are not fixed and may vary based on your lifestyle and accommodation arrangement.
Useful webpages:
- The Australian government website MoneySmart has a section specifically for students on how to live on a student budget.
- The Australian government website Study in Australia estimates general living costs for students.
- ANU childcare centre information is available on the Childcare centres at ANU webpage.
- Information about fees and financial assistance are available on the ANU Fees & Payments webpage.
Related websites
Contact
- 135 ANU (135 268)
- Send email