First-Year Settlement Costs in Australia: Realistic Budget

Housing and bond

Start with advertised rents for the exact suburb and property type you need. Add temporary accommodation while you inspect properties, the lawful bond and rent in advance under that state's tenancy rules, moving costs and utility connections. Rules differ by state. For example, NSW generally caps a rental bond at four weeks' rent and rent in advance at two weeks, and an agent cannot charge a tenant for preparing a residential tenancy agreement. Get current quotes rather than using a national setup-cost range.

Household setup

List what the rental already includes, then price only the essentials: beds and bedding, basic kitchen equipment, seating, a refrigerator and washing machine if the property lacks them. Compare new, second-hand and furnished-rental options. Buy in stages after arrival; broad furniture packages and claimed national savings percentages are too dependent on household choices to make a reliable estimate.

Transport

Check whether each adult can reach work, school and childcare by public transport from the suburbs you are considering. Price fares with the relevant state operator. If you need a car, obtain current quotes for the vehicle, registration, compulsory and optional insurance, fuel, servicing, parking and any licence conversion or testing. These costs depend on the state, driver and vehicle, so a national range can mislead.

School and childcare

Public-school fees for temporary visa holders vary by state, visa and sometimes year level. Ask the state education department and the proposed school for the current fee and incidental-cost schedule. Obtain childcare quotes from centres near your intended home or work. Services Australia determines Child Care Subsidy eligibility and any newly arrived resident waiting period; do not assume permanent residence alone makes a family immediately eligible.

Healthcare and a personal total

Confirm Medicare eligibility with Services Australia and check any visa condition requiring health insurance. Price OSHC, OVHC or optional private cover for the actual household, including ambulance rules in the destination state. Then build a monthly budget from current quotes for rent, utilities, communications, groceries, insurance and personal spending. Add one-off setup items and a contingency. There is no responsible single first-year total for every migrant household.

Can I bring my household goods to save money?

Compare a written shipping quote, insurance and any storage with the current price of replacing the items in Australia. The answer depends on shipment volume, destination and what you already own.

How much savings should I have before migrating?

Build the amount from your household's quoted one-off costs and monthly spending, then add a contingency for delays or unexpected expenses. A generic savings figure cannot account for city, rent, household size, employment timing or visa conditions.

Are there government subsidies for new migrants?

Eligibility and waiting periods depend on the payment, visa and personal circumstances. Use Services Australia's Payment Finder and newly arrived resident guidance, and do not include a payment in the budget until eligibility is confirmed.

Can I sell my home country assets to fund settlement?

Common strategy. Asset sale provides settlement capital. Tax implications: assets sold before becoming Australian tax resident generally don't have Australian capital gains tax. Sold after becoming Australian resident — Australian CGT applies (cost base typically reset to value at residency date). Strategic timing of asset sales matters. Get tax advice for substantial assets.

Is regional Australia cheaper for settlement?

Some regional areas have lower advertised rents than capital cities, but transport, availability of housing and access to work or services can change the result. Compare current costs for the specific locations rather than assuming every regional move is cheaper.