Moving to Australia can be an exciting fresh start, but it can also involve more upfront costs than people expect. Flights and visa expenses are only part of the picture. Temporary accommodation, rental bonds, transport, furniture and everyday living expenses can quickly add up.
So, how much money should you have saved before moving to Australia? There isn’t one amount that will suit everyone. Your destination, family size, employment situation and lifestyle will all influence your budget. However, understanding the major expenses before you move can help you arrive financially prepared.
1. Visa and Migration Costs
Your Australian visa is one of the first costs to consider.
Application charges vary significantly depending on the visa pathway and may change over time. There can also be additional expenses associated with health examinations, police checks, document translations, skills assessments and professional migration assistance.
Rather than relying on an old online estimate, check the current costs applicable to your circumstances when planning your budget.
2. Flights to Australia
Airfares can vary enormously depending on where you’re travelling from, the time of year and how far ahead you book.
Remember to consider additional baggage costs as well. Someone permanently relocating to Australia is likely to travel with considerably more luggage than an ordinary holidaymaker.
3. Shipping Your Belongings
Will you bring most of your possessions or start again after arriving?
International shipping can be a significant expense, particularly if you’re transporting furniture. Compare shipping costs against the price of replacing larger household items in Australia.
Australia also has strict biosecurity requirements, making it important to check what you can bring into the country before packing.
4. Temporary Accommodation
Even if your goal is to rent or buy a home, you may need temporary accommodation when you first arrive.
Allowing enough money for several weeks of short-term accommodation can give you time to explore neighbourhoods and inspect properties rather than feeling pressured to secure a home before you’ve seen it.
5. Rental Bond and Upfront Housing Costs
Securing a rental property generally requires more than your first week’s rent.
You may need to pay a rental bond and rent in advance, subject to the rules applying in your state or territory. You’ll also need to budget for connecting utilities, internet and other household services.
For a newly arrived family, these upfront expenses can represent a substantial portion of the cost of moving to Australia.
6. Furniture and Household Essentials
Even if you rent a furnished property initially, you’ll eventually need everyday household items.
Beds, furniture, appliances, cookware, linen and dozens of smaller purchases can add up surprisingly quickly. Building a separate household setup allowance into your moving budget can prevent these costs eating into your emergency savings.
7. Transport
How will you get around once you arrive?
Depending on where you live, public transport may be sufficient. In other locations, purchasing a vehicle could become an early priority.
If you’re considering buying a car, remember the purchase price isn’t the only expense. Registration, insurance, fuel, servicing and other ongoing costs should also be included in your calculations.
8. Everyday Living Expenses
You’ll need enough money to cover normal living expenses while establishing yourself.
Groceries, transport, phone services, utilities, healthcare, school-related expenses and entertainment don’t stop simply because you’ve just moved countries.
Research the typical living costs in your intended destination rather than using an Australia-wide estimate. Living expenses in different cities and regional areas can vary considerably.
9. Allow for a Gap Between Jobs
One of the biggest considerations is how quickly you’ll begin earning an income.
You may already have employment arranged before arriving. If not, allow for the possibility that finding the right position could take longer than expected.
Having enough savings to comfortably cover your essential expenses during this period can remove considerable pressure from your job search.
10. Keep an Emergency Fund
Try not to arrive in Australia having spent every available dollar on the move itself.
Unexpected expenses happen. You may need additional temporary accommodation, replace something you hadn’t planned for or simply find that establishing your new life costs more than anticipated.
Keeping an emergency fund separate from your expected moving expenses provides valuable breathing room.
So, How Much Should You Save?
Instead of choosing an arbitrary figure, create a personalised moving budget.
Add your expected visa and migration expenses, flights, shipping, temporary accommodation, housing setup costs and everyday living expenses. Then consider how many weeks or months you may need to support yourself before receiving a regular Australian income.
Finally, add a contingency amount for the things you haven’t anticipated.
Moving to another country is a major financial commitment, but careful planning can make those first months considerably easier.
If you’re considering moving to Australia, Australian Visa Advice can help you understand the visa pathways that may be available based on your individual circumstances, allowing you to plan the immigration side of your move with greater certainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to move to Australia?
There is no single amount that applies to everyone. Your costs will depend on factors such as your visa pathway, country of departure, family size, destination, accommodation and employment arrangements.
What are the biggest costs when moving to Australia?
Major expenses can include visa-related costs, flights, international shipping, temporary accommodation, rental bond and advance rent, transport and setting up a new home.
Should I have a job before moving to Australia?
This depends on your circumstances and visa. Having employment arranged can provide greater financial certainty, but some migrants look for work after arriving. Your right to work will depend on your visa conditions.
Should I ship my furniture to Australia or buy new furniture?
Compare international shipping costs with Australian replacement prices before deciding. The best option will depend on how much you’re bringing, its value and your shipping costs.
Should I keep emergency savings when moving to Australia?
It’s sensible to include a financial buffer in your planning. Unexpected accommodation, transport, healthcare or household expenses can arise during your first few months.