Looking to save money on education costs? Don’t live in Sydney…

Claire Halliday

Sydney has taken the title of the most expensive Australian city to educate children.

The latest Futurity Investment Group’s cost of education index report has revealed what Aussies fork out for schooling in different parts of the country for 13 years of attendance at government, independent or Catholic schools.

The findings show that Sydney parents with a child starting their educational journey in 2025, with a full government school education, will pay a total of $150,323 over the course of that child’s primary and schooling. That figure represents a 59 per cent surge, compared to 2024 data.

But school fees and voluntary contributions will make up just five per cent of that cost for a Sydney public school education in 2025, with the remainder spent on expenses such as electronic devices, tuition, and uniforms.

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Sydney is also the most expensive place in Australia for a private school education, with an estimated 13-year-cost of $411,108 for a child starting school in 2025. That figure is up nine per cent compared to 2024 and puts an independent education in Sydney at 17 per cent above the national average of $350,158. School fees add up to 55 per cent of the total.

Perth, where it costs $122,106 for the lifetime of a government school education, is in second place on the list for 2025. Western Australia is the most expensive place for a non-metro independent education, with a forecast 13-year cost of $277,862, a rise of 32 per cent compared to 2024.

But for a Catholic education, our nation’s capital is the most expensive, with Canberra’s parents facing a forecast total cost of $215,633 for a child starting school in 2025 – three per cent up on last year and 11 per cent more than the national average of $193,666.

School fees make up 46 per cent of those Catholic education costs for a child starting school in Canberra this year.

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Regional education costs

Outside the major cities, the cost index found that Queensland was the most expensive state for a government school education in regional and remote areas. There, the forecast cost is $90,267 across 13 years, 11 per cent above the national non-metro average of $81,141.

Queensland is also the most expensive state for a regional or remote Catholic education, with the 13-year total adding up to $157,805. The good news is that it’s a four per cent drop than in 2024.

Futurity Investment Group’s Sarah McAdie says education-related costs are adding financial stress to the lives of many Australian families.

Futurity Investment Group’s Sarah McAdie says cost-of-living increases play a key part in school costs. (Supplied: Futurity Investment Group)

Cost-of-living stresses drive choices

“Spiralling cost of living, rent and mortgage repayment pressures mean many households are under considerable pressure,” says McAdie.

“With less discretionary money to spend, it is going to be a challenge for many families to pay for education, including school fees and voluntary contributions, which have all increased in the past year.”

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Although McAdie says parents are still prioritising education, despite the financial burden, they are cutting down on extras, such as additional tuition, musical instruments and electives.

“A growing proportion of parents are also choosing to delay an education opportunity for their child,” she says.

“Parents who have planned and saved for education will be in a better position in the long run and will have the opportunity to explore and afford choice when it comes to their children’s education.”

Can’t afford education costs? Charge it!

McAdie says more than 10 per cent of families surveyed reported relying on a grandparent to ease education costs. More than a quarter of respondents also reported meeting some costs with credit cards – a decision that can have long-term consequences that make the costs even higher.

“Those ancillary categories have really driven up costs, especially in the government sector.”

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Claire Halliday has an extensive career as a full-time writer - across book publishing, copywriting, podcasting and feature journalism - for more than 25 years. She lives in Melbourne with children, two border collies and a grumpy Burmese cat. Contact: claire.halliday[at]educationdaily.au