Homestay Cost in Australia 2026: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Gold Coast Prices Compared
In 2026, homestay in Australia typically costs around AUD 380-470 per week - and that usually covers almost everything. Your private bedroom, most meals, Wi‑Fi, electricity, gas and water are included in one weekly fee, so there are no separate bills to manage and no surprise charges.
Whether you're planning to study in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Gold Coast, this guide breaks down the homestay weekly cost in Australia by city, explains exactly what's included, and gives you a realistic total budget so you and your family back home can plan with confidence.
The Short Answer: How Much Does Homestay Cost in Australia?
Expect to pay around AUD 380–470 per week, all‑inclusive, depending on your age, city and meal plan. Sydney is usually at the higher end of the range, while Brisbane and the Gold Coast are closer to the lower end. All four cities generally include accommodation, most meals and utilities in the weekly fee, so when you compare it with renting a room in a share house and paying separately for food and bills, homestay is often better value than it first appears.
What Does Homestay Cost in Australia? The Headline Numbers
The national range for homestay accommodation in 2026 is approximately AUD 380–470 per week. This range applies across the four major cities where Global experience operates: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The weekly fee is generally all‑inclusive for accommodation and meals. Unlike renting a room independently, where you must budget separately for food, electricity, and gas, homestay combines most core living costs into one predictable payment, which is a significant practical advantage for students on a fixed budget.
Homestay Cost in Sydney 2026
Sydney is Australia's most expensive city, and homestay rates reflect that. In 2026, expect to pay between AUD 380-470 per week for homestay in Sydney.
The higher cost is driven by Sydney's property market and cost of living and host families in Sydney face higher household expenses than their counterparts in Brisbane or Gold Coast, and rates reflect this. That said, the all-inclusive nature of the fee means that students in Sydney homestay are still often spending less in total than students renting independently in the city.
Homestay Cost in Melbourne 2026
Melbourne is slightly more affordable than Sydney for homestay. In 2026, expect to pay between AUD 380-470 per week.
Melbourne's homestay network covers suburbs across the city's east, south-east, and inner north - areas well-connected to Melbourne CBD and the city's cluster of English language schools and universities. Melbourne is particularly popular with students pursuing university pathways, and the city's vibrant cultural life makes it an exceptional place to study.
For a full overview of what life is like for international students in Melbourne, including transport, cost of living, and local lifestyle, see our guide to living in Melbourne as an international student.
Homestay Cost in Brisbane 2026
Brisbane offers the most affordable major-city homestay in Australia. In 2026, expect to pay between AUD 380-440 per week.
Brisbane's lower cost of living translates directly into lower homestay rates without any compromise on the quality of the experience. The city is experiencing rapid growth, its international student population is expanding, and it has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle that many students find highly appealing.
For everything you need to know about homestay in Brisbane, see our Brisbane homestay guide for international students.
Homestay Cost in Gold Coast 2026
Gold Coast is an increasingly popular destination for English language students. Homestay rates in 2026 are in the range of AUD 380-440 per week - comparable to Brisbane and reflecting the city's lower cost base relative to Sydney and Melbourne.
Gold Coast's appeal is its beachside lifestyle: Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads all have active international student communities. For students combining language study with a lifestyle experience, Gold Coast offers strong value.
Learn more about what it is like to study and live in Gold Coast in our article Gold Coast homestay: surf, study and stay.
What Is Included in the Homestay Weekly Fee?
The weekly homestay fee in Australia typically includes:
Private furnished bedroom - bed, storage, study area, and window.
Weekday meals - breakfast and dinner, Monday to Friday.
Weekend meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Saturday and Sunday.
Utilities - electricity, gas, and water are covered by the host family.
Internet - may incur additional cost of $10 per week.
Laundry access - reasonable use of the family's washing machine.
Shared common areas - kitchen, living room, and outdoor spaces.
What is not included in the weekly fee:
Lunch on weekdays (students typically buy lunch near their school).
Personal transport (public transport costs are separate).
School fees and course materials.
Personal items, phone plans, and entertainment.
Are There Extra Fees for Homestay in Australia?
Beyond the weekly accommodation fee, there are typically two additional costs to budget for:
Placement fee
Most homestay providers charge a one-off placement fee when you make your booking. This fee covers the administrative costs of matching you with a suitable host family, coordinating your arrival, and managing your placement.
If you request to move to a different homestay after you arrive, an additional placement fee will usually be charged to arrange a new placement.
Airport pickup (optional)
Some providers offer an airport transfer service for an additional charge. This can be valuable for students arriving late at night or unfamiliar with public transport routes from the airport.
How Does Homestay Cost Compare to Other Accommodation Options?
When comparing total weekly costs - including meals and utilities - homestay is competitive with or cheaper than most alternatives:
Private rental (room in a share house): AUD 200-450 per week for the room, plus an additional AUD 80–150 per week for food, electricity, gas, and internet. Total: AUD 280–550 per week.
On-campus student accommodation: AUD 400-600 per week for the room, typically without meals. Adding a university meal plan or self-catering costs brings the total to AUD AUD 480–700 per week.
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): AUD 300–600 per week in Sydney and Melbourne, without meals.
Homestay at AUD 380-470 per week with all meals and utilities included is a genuinely competitive option in the Australian accommodation market. For a full comparison of the options, see our article on homestay vs student accommodation in Australia.
How to Budget for Homestay in Australia
Beyond your homestay fee, international students in Australia should budget for:
Lunch: AUD 10-20 per day near language schools and university campuses.
Public transport: AUD 30-60 per week depending on your city and commute.
School fees: variable - confirm with your institution.
Personal expenses: AUD 50-100 per week for toiletries, entertainment, clothing, and leisure.
Phone plan: AUD 30-50 per month for a prepaid SIM with sufficient data.
A reasonable total monthly budget for an international student in homestay in Australia, excluding school fees, is AUD 1,500-2,200, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homestay Costs in Australia
How much does homestay cost in Australia?
Homestay in Australia costs between AUD $380 and $470 per week in 2026, depending on the city and the package. This weekly fee includes a private furnished bedroom, meals (breakfast and dinner on weekdays, all meals on weekends), internet, and utilities. Sydney and Melbourne are at the higher end; Brisbane and Gold Coast tend to be more affordable.
How much does homestay cost in Sydney?
Homestay in Sydney typically costs between AUD $380 and $470 per week in 2026. Sydney is Australia's most expensive city, and homestay rates reflect the higher cost of living. The weekly fee includes accommodation, all meals, and utilities.
How much does homestay cost in Melbourne?
Homestay in Melbourne typically costs between AUD $380 and $440 per week in 2026. Melbourne is slightly more affordable than Sydney for homestay, while still offering all the inclusions - private bedroom, meals, utilities, and internet.
How much does homestay cost in Brisbane?
Homestay in Brisbane typically costs between AUD $380 and $440 per week in 2026. Brisbane offers a more affordable homestay option than Sydney or Melbourne, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious students.
How much does homestay cost on the Gold Coast?
Homestay on the Gold Coast typically costs between AUD $380 and $440 per week in 2026. This region is generally similar to Brisbane in price, with many providers offering packages that include a private room, 2–3 meals per day, internet and utilities, and optional extras such as weekday lunches or private bathrooms at higher rates.
What is included in the homestay weekly fee?
The standard homestay weekly fee in Australia includes a private furnished bedroom, breakfast and dinner on weekdays, all meals on weekends, shared bathroom and common area access, internet, electricity, gas, and water. Placement fees and insurance may be charged separately by the provider.
Are there extra fees when booking homestay in Australia?
Most homestay providers charge a one-off placement fee when you make your booking. This fee covers the administrative costs of matching you with a suitable host family, coordinating your arrival, and managing your placement.
If you request to move to a different homestay after you arrive, an additional placement fee will usually be charged to arrange a new placement.
Common Cost Questions We Get From Students (and Their Parents)
If you searched for how much is homestay in Australia per week, homestay price Sydney 2026, homestay cost Melbourne for international students, cheapest homestay Australia, or total cost of living in Australia for international students - welcome! We've got the numbers, the breakdowns, and the honest comparisons you need.
Ready to Find Homestay in Your City? Let's Go.
Global experience places students in homestay across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Gold Coast. With more than 250,000 students placed since 1999 and over 6,500 vetted host families in our network, we'll match you with a great Australian family at the right price for your city and budget - and our team will guide you through every step in your own language.
Apply for homestay today - or contact our team to ask about current availability and pricing.
English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Tagalog, Spanish, or Portuguese speakers are all ready to help.