If you're researching how much it costs for international students to study in Australia, where to study in Australia, you'll find that Sydney is often presented as more expensive than many other cities across the country. This perception, however, isn't the whole story.

When people talk about 'Sydney', they often think about the iconic harbour, Sydney Opera House, the beaches, and expensive inner-city neighbourhoods. But Sydney is more than that. 

• ‘Sydney’ encompasses a large and diverse metropolitan area with significant variations in the cost of living between different regions. 
• Beyond the icons: Sydney is home to 5.5 million people spread across 658 suburbs¹. 
• Western Sydney's identity: This region, which includes major suburbs such as Parramatta, Bankstown, Penrith, Westmead, Liverpool, Hawkesbury, and Campbelltown, is also home to the campuses of Western Sydney University.  
  • It has its own unique and vibrant identity. 
  • Many of Sydney's most affordable suburbs are found in Western Sydney. 
  • The region offers excellent educational opportunities and a great quality of life. 

Aside from your tuition costs, accommodation is typically your biggest expense when it comes to international student cost of living. Western Sydney gives you a significant advantage with plenty of affordable options: 

• On-campus accommodation:  
  • For unparalleled convenience and making life-long friends in a diverse and vibrant student community. 
  • Eliminates the stress of finding nearby housing and navigating public transport. 
  • Budget-friendly and is often below market rate.  
  • 24/7 on-site support services and dedicated staff.  
  • We offer five purpose-built Western Sydney University Villages across our Campbelltown, Parramatta, Penrith, Nirimba and Hawkesbury campuses. 
  • Fully furnished accommodation options including studio, 3/4/5/6/8-bedroom shared apartment or 5-bedroom townhouse. Rooms include single or king single bed, study desk and chair and wardrobe. Shared facilities include full-size kitchen (excluding studio’s), lounge/TV and bathroom. 
  • Weekly rents start from AUD $180* and is all-inclusive: 
    • Fully furnished room and apartment. 
    • Unlimited Wifi. 
    • Access to Residential Life program and events at the village. 
    • 24-hour onsite security. 
    • Electricity and water. 
    • Study spaces. 
    • Onsite laundry (additional charge). Swimming pool (Hawkesbury and Parramatta only). 
    • Half basketball court (Penrith only). 
    • Free BBQ facilities and outdoor spaces for fresh air and relaxation. 
    • Campus shuttle bus. 
    • Secure individual key entry to bedroom. 
    • Maintenance support. 

• Private share houses: Save hundreds of dollars each month. 
  • Average weekly rents for a room near a Western Sydney University campus start from around AUD $232. 
  • This is significantly lower than central Sydney or the eastern suburbs, where similar arrangements can cost between $325 and $500+ a week.  
  • Resource: Flatmates is Australia’s #1 share accommodation website where you can search for a room in a shared house or apartment.  

• Private rentals: If you prefer your own space.  
  • Two-bedroom apartments in areas such as Parramatta typically range from AUD $350 to $450 per week. 
  • This compares to $550 to $800+ in Sydney’s more expensive suburbs. 
  • Resource: The University’s off-campus accommodation provides websites to find furnished or unfurnished accommodation near your campus. 

• Homestays: For immersing yourself in Australian culture.  
  • Provides a supportive environment where you can stay with a family or couple in their house or apartment. 
  • Options for your own private room or sharing with another international student. 
  • Costs generally range from AUD $360 to $400 per week. 
  • Includes two meals per weekday and three meals a day on weekends. 

Food prices in Western Sydney are generally comparable to, or slightly lower than, suburbs closer to Sydney’s centre. 

• Major supermarket chains: Aldi, Coles and Woolworths are accessible throughout the region, offering plenty of choice at different pricing. 
• Multicultural markets: The multicultural nature of Western Sydney means you’ll have easy access to affordable local fresh produce markets and international grocery stores. Perfect for finding familiar ingredients from home or cooking up new dishes from international cuisines on a budget. 

When you want to eat out, Western Sydney offers choices ranging from inexpensive fast food to budget-friendly casual eateries and more formal restaurants that reflect the region's diverse community. 

Culinary hotspots

• Church Street in Parramatta: Features art installations and outdoor dining with food from over 30 countries. 
• Harris Park: Has Australia’s widest array of Indian restaurants. 
• Cabramatta: Lovers of Pho, rice paper rolls and other Vietnamese specialties will be thrilled.  Residents of other Sydney suburbs often travel to these areas to enjoy authentic international cuisine at more affordable prices. 

While Sydney’s centre boasts major tourist attractions and entertainment venues, many come with a higher price tag. You won’t miss out in Western Sydney, with plenty of affordable options: 

• Local events and festivals: Everything from cinemas and shopping centres to local events and festivals, including Diwali, Eid, Lunar New Year and many more. 
• Accessible arts and culture (often free): Top venues where you can immerse yourself in arts and culture, much of it free and easily accessible, include:  
  • The CommBank Stadium (place to watch sports). 
  • The Powerhouse Parramatta (Australia’s newest and most interactive design, engineering and art museum). 
  • Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. 
  • Blacktown Arts Centre. 
  • Campbelltown Arts Centre. 
  • Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith. 

• Western Sydney Parklands: Offers over 70 kilometres of tracks and trails for walking, cycling and enjoying nature. 
• Blue Mountains National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, also within easy reach, offering breathtaking scenery, caves, waterfalls and hiking trails.