Information on cost of living in Ballarat?

Question

My husband and I are going to be attending teacher's college in Ballarat, hopefully, and I need to know how much money we should expect to pay per month for rent, groceries, bills (electric, water) etc. How much should a student expect to need? We are not frivolous nor do we go out drinking often so that's not a consideration. Thanks for any help you can offer if you live in the area! Also, any information about Ballarat would be appreciated as well!

Come on, can't ANYONE help me out here?

Answer 1

All in A$...

Rent: http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=bhp&t=ren
Energy: ~$50-70pm plus winter heating, which could easily double your bill (it's over 600m above sea level and cold in winter by Oz standards). When finding a place to live you may want to consider heating requirements and costs.
Water: no idea. If you live in a flat like I do your water may be included in the rent.
Groceries: ~$100-150 per week?
Going out to a restaurant would come to around $50 for two.

Ballarat's a major town with large supermarkets, cinemas, hospitals, etc, about 90 minutes by car or train from Melbourne. In some ways it's an awkward size, because it's big enough to make walking impractical (unless you have plenty of time on your hands) but too small to support frequent public transport. It's fairly flat so a bicycle is a practical option, otherwise you'll have to choose carefully where to live or run a car or scooter.

Ballarat grew rich during the gold rush era (1850-1900). The Eureka rebellion occurred there. Today its economy is based on manufacturing and agriculture. The internet will tell you more than I could (I live in Melbourne).

Answer 2

G'day,

Sorry that we could not respond to your question earlier, since most of us Aussies prefer to be outdoor during Sunday summer ;)

I am attaching a link to University of Ballarat, which has some indications on how much the cost of living in Ballarat. The information is specifically given based on the international students' experience. Some may apply to you, and some not, but it is a good start.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your living in Ballarat and welcome :)

Answer 3

Hi
Go to the Ballarat property guide website (For Ballarat rent costing)

www.ballaratpropertyguide.com.au

Answer 4

All Australia's cities have points in favour and points against. The prettiest and friendliest - and cheapest - is Hobart. Adelaide is next cheapest followed by Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. I have lived in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney and have visited all the others frequently. I enjoy them all. The southern cities, can get cold in winter and all can get very hot in summer. Brisbane would have the least variable climate but it is very much wetter in summer than Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, as is Sydney. The amount and variety of nightlife is linked to the size of the city. Sydney has the most with Melbourne a close second. Hobart would have the least but you can still have a lot of fun in Hobart. Tasmania makes the best beer with Cascade and Boags both great. Adelaide makes the worst in West End and Southwark but has a great beer as well in Coopers. Otherwise beers are of a high standard and some of the boutique beers brewed in the pubs are outstanding. You will find these in all cities if you look. It really depends on your interests. Read about the various cities and choose for yourself. Whichever you chose, you will enjoy it.