Cost of moving to Australia: a complete breakdown for 2026

Visa application fees

The visa application charge (VAC) is the first hard cost, and it varies significantly across visa types.

For skilled migration visas, the primary applicant charge for a subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa is AUD 4,640 as of the current fee schedule (Department of Home Affairs). Additional applicants aged 18 and over add AUD 2,320 each, and children under 18 add AUD 1,160 each. A family of four (two adults, two children) applying for a 189 visa faces a VAC of approximately AUD 9,280.

Student visa (subclass 500) applicants pay AUD 710 for the primary applicant. Subsequent student visa applications by the same person incur a higher charge of AUD 1,600.

Partner visas (subclass 309/100 or 820/801) have a primary applicant charge of AUD 9,095, making them one of the most expensive visa categories for individuals.

Employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482) cost AUD 1,455 for a Short Term stream or AUD 2,645 for a Medium Term stream.

Parent visas (subclass 143, Contributory Parent) carry a VAC of AUD 4,990 for the first instalment, with a second instalment of AUD 47,755 payable when the visa is about to be granted.

These figures do not include skills assessment fees, health examination costs, police clearance charges, English language test fees, or migration agent fees — all of which can add substantially to the total pre-application cost.

Skills assessments, health checks, and English tests

Most skilled visa applicants need a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority before they can apply. The cost depends on the occupation and the assessing body. Assessments from ACS (computing) cost approximately AUD 550, Engineers Australia charges around AUD 800–1,200 depending on the pathway, VETASSESS (general professional occupations) charges around AUD 700–1,000, and AHPRA-related health profession assessments vary by profession. For applicants submitting documents from overseas, additional fees for certified translations and document verification apply.

Health examinations must be completed by a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Costs vary by country — in India, a standard medical and chest X-ray costs approximately AUD 150–250 equivalent; in the UK, it is typically GBP 250–350. Most applicants can expect to pay between AUD 200 and AUD 500 per person.

English language tests accepted by Home Affairs include IELTS (approximately AUD 395), PTE Academic (approximately AUD 410), TOEFL iBT (approximately USD 245–315), and the OET for healthcare professionals (approximately AUD 587). Some applicants take the test more than once to achieve their target score, which doubles the cost.

Police clearance certificates are required from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Costs range from free (some countries) to AUD 50–100 equivalent per certificate.

Migration agent fees

Using a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) is optional but common, particularly for skilled and business visa applications. Agent fees vary widely depending on the visa type and the complexity of the case.

For a straightforward subclass 189 or 190 application, agents typically charge between AUD 3,000 and AUD 7,000. Employer-sponsored visa applications (where the agent handles both the nomination and visa application) can range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 10,000. Partner visa applications, which require extensive relationship evidence, usually fall between AUD 3,500 and AUD 8,000. Business and investor visa applications, given their complexity, can run from AUD 10,000 to AUD 25,000 or more.

These are indicative ranges based on market pricing — agents set their own fees, and there is no regulated fee schedule. Always confirm fees in writing before engaging an agent, and verify their registration on the OMARA register.

Flights and travel costs

International airfares to Australia vary based on origin, season, and how far in advance you book. One-way flights from major departure cities typically fall into these ranges (economy class, full-service carrier):

From the United Kingdom, one-way fares run approximately AUD 800–2,000 depending on season and routing. From India, AUD 500–1,200 is typical. From the Philippines, AUD 400–900. From China, AUD 600–1,500. From the United States, AUD 900–2,200. From South Africa, AUD 1,200–2,500. From New Zealand, AUD 200–500.

Families need to multiply these figures. A family of four flying from London to Sydney in peak season (December–February) could spend AUD 6,000–8,000 on airfares alone.

If you are travelling with excess baggage (common when relocating), additional bag fees add AUD 50–200 per bag depending on the airline and weight.

Shipping and freight

How much you bring with you is one of the biggest cost variables.

A full 20-foot container (suitable for a one-to-two-bedroom household) shipped by sea freight typically costs AUD 4,000–8,000 from Asia and AUD 6,000–12,000 from the UK, Europe, or the US. A 40-foot container costs roughly 40–60% more than a 20-foot. Transit times are 4–8 weeks from Asia and 8–12 weeks from Europe or the Americas.

Air freight is significantly more expensive — roughly AUD 5–15 per kilogram — but delivers within days. It makes sense for essentials you need immediately (laptops, documents, a few boxes of clothing) while the bulk of your belongings travels by sea.

Many migrants opt for a middle approach: arriving with checked luggage and a few extra bags, shipping 5–10 boxes by sea or consolidated air freight, and buying larger items (furniture, appliances) in Australia. Australian second-hand markets (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree) are well-established, and furnished rental options reduce the need to ship furniture.

Do not forget customs considerations. Personal effects that you have owned and used for at least 12 months before arrival are generally duty-free under the unaccompanied personal effects concession. New items or gifts may attract GST (10%) and customs duty.

Housing costs on arrival

Housing is typically the single largest ongoing expense and the biggest immediate cash outlay on arrival. Australian rental markets require upfront payments that can total six to eight weeks' rent before you even move in.

A standard rental application involves a bond (usually four weeks' rent, held by the state's bond authority), two weeks' rent in advance, and sometimes a letting fee (though this is being phased out or banned in some states). In Sydney, where median weekly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the inner suburbs is approximately AUD 650–850, the upfront cost is AUD 3,900–5,100 in bond and advance rent alone. In Melbourne, median two-bedroom rents of AUD 500–700 mean upfront costs of AUD 3,000–4,200. In Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, lower rents of AUD 400–600 reduce the upfront figure to AUD 2,400–3,600.

These figures assume you secure a rental immediately. In practice, many migrants spend one to four weeks in temporary accommodation (hostels, Airbnb, serviced apartments) while searching for a rental. Temporary accommodation costs AUD 100–250 per night in major cities, adding AUD 700–7,000 to the initial housing outlay.

Utility connections (electricity, gas, internet) typically involve connection fees of AUD 50–150 total, though some providers charge nothing for online sign-ups.

Health insurance

Health insurance requirements depend on your visa type.

Student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. Annual premiums range from approximately AUD 500–700 for singles and AUD 1,200–1,700 for families, depending on the insurer and level of cover. OSHC must typically be purchased before the visa is granted.

Temporary visa holders (subclass 482, 494, and others) must maintain adequate health insurance. Most purchase Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), which costs approximately AUD 800–1,500 per year for singles and AUD 2,000–4,000 for families.

Permanent residents and citizens are eligible for Medicare, Australia's public health insurance system. Medicare enrolment is free, but it does not cover everything — dental, optical, and some specialist services require private health insurance or out-of-pocket payment. Private health insurance premiums start at approximately AUD 1,200–1,800 per year for basic hospital cover.

New permanent residents should be aware of the Medicare Levy Surcharge — if you earn above the income threshold (currently AUD 93,000 for singles) and do not hold private hospital cover, you pay a surcharge of 1–1.5% of your taxable income on top of the standard 2% Medicare levy.

First-month living costs

Beyond housing, the first month in Australia typically includes setting up the basics of daily life.

Groceries for a single person run approximately AUD 400–600 per month in major cities. A family of four should expect AUD 1,000–1,500. Australian supermarket prices are higher than most Asian countries and comparable to or slightly above UK prices.

Public transport costs vary by city. Sydney's Opal card system caps weekly fares at AUD 50 (AUD 25 for concession holders). Melbourne's myki caps at approximately AUD 46.40 per week for Zone 1+2. Brisbane's go card has a similar capping structure. A monthly transport budget of AUD 150–200 is typical for commuters.

Mobile phone plans with data start at AUD 20–40 per month for prepaid and AUD 50–80 for postpaid plans with substantial data allowances.

If you are buying a car, registration, insurance, and a roadworthy inspection add to the purchase price. Registration costs vary by state (approximately AUD 300–800 annually) and compulsory third-party insurance is included in some states but separate in others.

Setting up financially on arrival

Opening an Australian bank account should ideally happen before you arrive. Both Commonwealth Bank and NAB offer pre-arrival account opening for new migrants, allowing you to transfer funds before landing and have a working debit card ready on arrival. See the guide on opening an Australian bank account before arrival for the step-by-step process.

Applying for a Tax File Number (TFN) is essential within the first 28 days. Without a TFN, your employer will withhold tax at the highest marginal rate. The application is free and can be done online through the ATO once you arrive.

Understanding your tax residency status from the outset helps avoid surprises at tax time. Most new migrants become Australian tax residents from their date of arrival, which means worldwide income is taxable from that date. See the guide on tax residency when you move to Australia for the four tests the ATO uses.

If you are transferring savings from overseas, the method you choose affects how much arrives. Bank-to-bank SWIFT transfers typically cost more in fees and exchange rate margins than specialist transfer services. For a detailed comparison of costs by provider and corridor, see the guide on transferring money to Australia.

Total cost estimates by scenario

To give a practical sense of the total outlay, here are three common scenarios.

A single skilled worker on a subclass 189 visa, arriving from India with checked luggage only, settling in Melbourne: visa fees and assessments (approximately AUD 7,000), flights (AUD 800), first four weeks of accommodation plus bond (AUD 5,000), health insurance for the first year (AUD 1,500 if on a bridging visa, or Medicare if PR is granted), living expenses for the first month (AUD 2,500), and setup costs (AUD 1,000). Total: approximately AUD 17,800.

A couple on a partner visa (subclass 309/100), arriving from the UK, shipping 30 boxes by sea, settling in Sydney: visa fees (AUD 9,095), agent fees (AUD 5,000), flights for two (AUD 3,500), shipping (AUD 4,500), temporary accommodation for three weeks (AUD 4,200), rental bond and advance (AUD 5,000), health insurance (AUD 2,500), first-month living costs (AUD 3,500), and setup costs (AUD 1,500). Total: approximately AUD 38,800.

A family of four on an employer-sponsored subclass 482 visa, arriving from the Philippines, shipping a 20-foot container, settling in Brisbane: visa fees (AUD 4,100), flights for four (AUD 3,200), shipping (AUD 5,000), temporary accommodation for two weeks (AUD 2,800), rental bond and advance (AUD 3,200), OVHC for the family (AUD 3,000), first-month living costs (AUD 4,000), car purchase and registration (AUD 8,000), and setup costs (AUD 1,500). Total: approximately AUD 34,800.

These are estimates, not guarantees. Individual circumstances — particularly the cost of the visa subclass, whether you use an agent, and whether you buy a car — create significant variation.

What is the minimum amount of money I need to move to Australia?

There is no single answer because it depends on your visa type, family size, and city. A solo skilled worker with a job lined up and minimal belongings could manage initial costs of AUD 10,000–15,000. A family relocating with a household of goods to Sydney should budget AUD 30,000–50,000 or more. The practical guide on how much money you need to move to Australia provides detailed budgets by scenario.

Are moving expenses tax-deductible in Australia?

Generally, no. Moving expenses incurred when you first arrive in Australia are not tax-deductible because they are not connected to earning assessable income. However, if your employer reimburses or pays for relocation costs, the treatment of those payments for tax purposes depends on how they are structured. Consult a registered tax agent for advice on your specific situation.

Should I bring cash or transfer money electronically?

Electronic transfers are safer, cheaper (if you use a competitive provider), and do not trigger the physical cash declaration requirement. If you carry AUD 10,000 or more in physical cash or foreign currency equivalent into Australia, you must declare it to the Australian Border Force. There is no limit on how much you can transfer electronically, though amounts of AUD 10,000 or more trigger automatic reporting by your bank under AUSTRAC rules. Most migrants transfer the bulk of their savings electronically and carry only enough cash for the first day or two.

How far in advance should I start transferring money to Australia?

If you have opened a pre-arrival bank account, you can begin transferring funds as soon as you have the account details — there is no need to wait until after arrival. Transferring in stages rather than one large lump sum can help you take advantage of favourable exchange rates and reduces the risk of a single poorly-timed conversion.

Is Australia more expensive than the UK, US, or Canada?

Australia's cost of living is broadly comparable to the UK and Canada, and somewhat lower than the major US coastal cities (New York, San Francisco) but higher than most US cities overall. Groceries and dining out tend to be more expensive in Australia, while healthcare costs are lower for those eligible for Medicare. Housing costs in Sydney and Melbourne rival London and Vancouver, while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth offer more affordable alternatives.