Cost of Living Near Australian Catholic University Fitzroy for Students (2026)
Understanding what it actually costs to live near ACU Fitzroy in Fitzroy is essential for budgeting your time at university. With 6,000 students on campus, the local economy is shaped by student demand, which keeps some costs competitive and drives others up.
This breakdown uses real price data for the Fitzroy area as of early 2026. Every figure is based on typical local costs, not national averages.
Rent
Rent is the largest single expense. What you pay depends on how you choose to live:
| Housing type | Weekly cost | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Share house room | $200-300/week | $866-1,300 |
| Studio apartment | $300-420/week | $1,300-1,820 |
| One-bedroom | $350-500/week | $1,516-2,166 |
| PBSA (all inclusive) | $350-500/week | $1,516-2,166 |
| On-campus residence | $350-550/week | $1,520-2,390 |
The realistic choice for most students: a share house room at $200-300/week.
Living in Collingwood or Carlton can save $30-60 per week compared to Fitzroy.
Groceries
| Shopping method | Weekly cost | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi-focused | $50-70 | $217-304 |
| Coles/Woolworths | $70-100 | $304-434 |
| Market + Asian grocer | $40-60 | $174-260 |
| Mixed approach | $55-80 | $239-347 |
Tips: Aldi for staples, markets for fresh produce (20-40% cheaper than supermarkets), Asian grocers for rice, noodles, tofu, and sauces. Batch cooking on Sundays reduces waste and temptation.
Transport
| Fare type | Per trip (2hr) | Daily cap | Weekly cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full fare | $5.30 | $10.60 | $53.00 |
| Concession | $2.65 | $5.30 | $26.50 |
Monthly transport estimate:
- Concession Myki (5 days/week): $80-110/month
- Full fare: $160-220/month
- Cycling: $0/month (plus occasional maintenance)
Get your concession Myki through ACU’s student portal. It halves your transport costs.
Utilities
| Utility | Share house (weekly) | Living alone (weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity + gas | $15-25 | $25-45 |
| Internet (share) | $10-15 | $20-30 |
| Water | $5-8 | $8-12 |
| Total | $30-48 | $53-87 |
Monthly: $130-210 (share house) or $230-380 (alone). Compare energy providers using the Victorian Government Energy Compare tool to save $200-400/year.
Phone
| Service | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Mobile (20-40GB) | $25-45 |
| Home internet (your share) | $15-25 |
| Total | $40-70 |
Prepaid plans from Boost, Aldi Mobile, or Woolworths Mobile offer the best value at $25-35/month.
Other Regular Costs
| Expense | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Health insurance (OSHC, international) | $50-60 |
| Gym (campus, subsidised) | $20-35 |
| Textbooks and materials | $30-80 |
| Personal care and clothing | $50-100 |
| Social and entertainment | $80-150 |
Monthly Budget Summary
Budget Option: Share House + Careful Spending
| Category | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (share house) | $866-1,300 |
| Groceries (market + Aldi) | $180-260 |
| Transport (concession) | $80-110 |
| Utilities (share) | $130-210 |
| Phone | $25-45 |
| Personal + social | $100-150 |
| TOTAL | $1,381-2,075 |
Making Your Money Last
- Track spending with a budgeting app for the first month. Most students are surprised where their money actually goes.
- Cook at home. The single biggest lever. Eating out adds $50-100/week to food costs.
- Get your concession card immediately. $26.50/week vs $53.00/week is $1,378/year saved.
- Work part-time strategically. 10-20 hours/week in hospitality, retail, or tutoring earns $250-500/week.
- Use free university services. ACU provides counselling, medical, legal advice, and financial hardship support.
- Apply for Centrelink if eligible. Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Rent Assistance can contribute $200-500/fortnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live near Australian Catholic University Fitzroy as a student?
A budget-conscious student in a share house near ACU Fitzroy in Fitzroy spends approximately $1,381-2,075 per month total including rent, food, transport, and utilities.
What is the cheapest way to live near ACU Fitzroy?
The cheapest option is a share house room at $200-300/week, cooking at home using market produce ($40-60/week groceries), and using a concession Myki ($26.50/week).
How much should I budget for food as a student in Fitzroy?
A realistic monthly food budget in Fitzroy: $180-260 if cooking at home with market produce and Aldi, $300-450 for a mix of cooking and eating out.
Related Guides
- Student Accommodation Near Australian Catholic University Fitzroy (2026)
- Cheapest Suburbs to Rent Near Australian Catholic University Fitzroy (2026)
- Cheap Eats Near Australian Catholic University Fitzroy (2026)
- Student Guide to Fitzroy: Living Near Australian Catholic University Fitzroy (2026)
Data sourced from university websites, PTV, ABS Census 2021. Compiled April 2026. All costs are estimates based on Fitzroy prices.