Complete Guide to Moving to Australia in 2026

Australia is one of the most desirable relocation destinations in the world — and for good reason. It combines first-world wages, universal healthcare, spectacular natural beauty, and a laid-back culture that genuinely prioritizes work-life balance. With a GDP per capita of roughly US$65,000, one of the world’s highest minimum wages, and a multicultural society where nearly 30% of residents were born overseas, Australia is built for immigrants.

But moving to Australia is not simple. The immigration system is points-based and competitive, housing costs in Sydney and Melbourne have soared to eye-watering levels, and the country’s geographic isolation means you are genuinely far from everywhere — a flight to London takes 22 hours, and even Southeast Asia is 7–9 hours away. This guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision: the real costs, the visa pathways, the tax system, the healthcare trade-offs, and honest city-by-city comparisons.

At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. You can explore the full Australia country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the comprehensive breakdown.

Cost of Living: Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane vs Perth

Australia’s cost of living varies dramatically by city. Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world for housing, while Brisbane and Perth offer significantly better value without sacrificing quality of life. Understanding these differences is critical — your choice of city will determine whether Australia feels affordable or financially stressful.

Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city, its financial capital, and home to some of the most recognizable landmarks on earth. A one-bedroom apartment in central Sydney runs A$2,400–A$3,200 per month. In popular inner suburbs like Surry Hills, Newtown, or Bondi, expect to pay A$2,000–A$2,800. Further out in suburbs like Parramatta or Bankstown, rents drop to A$1,600–A$2,200.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Sydney: roughly A$3,500–A$5,000, including rent, groceries (A$400–A$600), dining out (A$250–A$400), transit (an Opal card runs roughly A$50–A$70/week with the weekly cap), utilities (A$150–A$250), internet (A$60–A$90), and mobile (A$30–A$60). Sydney is expensive, but salaries are high — median full-time earnings exceed A$95,000 per year.

Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital and consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. A one-bedroom in the CBD or inner suburbs like Fitzroy, Carlton, or South Yarra runs A$1,800–A$2,600 per month. Melbourne’s tram network is extensive (and free in the CBD zone), and the food and coffee scene is arguably the best in the Southern Hemisphere.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Melbourne: roughly A$3,000–A$4,200. Groceries and dining are slightly cheaper than Sydney, transit is excellent (myki card, monthly cap roughly A$165), and the arts, live music, and sporting culture provide endless entertainment at reasonable prices.

Brisbane

Brisbane is Australia’s fastest-growing major city, and it is having a moment. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, infrastructure investment is accelerating. A one-bedroom in the CBD or inner suburbs like West End, New Farm, or Fortitude Valley runs A$1,500–A$2,200 per month. The subtropical climate (warm winters, no frost, 280+ sunshine days) is a major draw for people fleeing Melbourne’s grey skies or Sydney’s prices.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Brisbane: roughly A$2,600–A$3,500. Brisbane offers the best value among Australia’s major cities without feeling like a compromise — the restaurant scene is growing rapidly, the South Bank cultural precinct is world-class, and the Gold Coast beaches are an hour south.

Perth

Perth is Australia’s most isolated major city — the nearest large city (Adelaide) is 2,700 km away. But that isolation comes with advantages: stunning Indian Ocean beaches, a booming mining-driven economy with some of the highest wages in the country, and a relaxed lifestyle that feels distinctly different from the east coast. A one-bedroom in the CBD or inner suburbs like Northbridge, Subiaco, or Fremantle runs A$1,600–A$2,300 per month.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Perth: roughly A$2,800–A$3,800. Mining sector salaries are exceptionally high (A$120,000–A$200,000+ for engineers and tradespeople), and the sunny climate (over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year) is unmatched on the continent.

Visa and Immigration: How to Legally Move to Australia

Australia’s immigration system is points-based, structured, and competitive. Unlike countries where visa processes are opaque or discretionary, Australia publishes clear criteria and scoring systems. Here are the main pathways for skilled workers and other migrants.

Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa (Permanent Residency)

The subclass 189 is Australia’s premier skilled migration visa and the most desirable pathway because it grants permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship or state nomination. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and are ranked using a points test. Points are awarded for:

• Age: maximum 30 points at ages 25–32, declining to 0 at 45+
• English proficiency: up to 20 points for superior English (IELTS 8+ in each band)
• Qualifications: 15–20 points for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD
• Work experience: up to 20 points for 8+ years of skilled experience (overseas or Australian)
• State nomination or partner skills: additional bonus points

The minimum points score to be eligible is 65 points, but competitive invitation rounds typically require 80–95 points depending on your occupation. Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). In-demand occupations include software engineers, data analysts, nurses, civil engineers, accountants, and medical practitioners. Processing time: 6–12 months from invitation.

Subclass 482: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Employer-Sponsored)

The subclass 482 (formerly the 457 visa) is the main employer-sponsored work visa. An Australian employer nominates you for a position they cannot fill locally. The visa is granted for 2–4 years depending on the occupation stream (Short-term or Medium-term). Medium-term stream holders can transition to permanent residency via the subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after 2–3 years of continuous employment.

Requirements: a genuine position with an approved sponsor, relevant qualifications and at least 2 years of work experience, and a minimum salary at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently A$70,000 per year. The 482 is the most common pathway for professionals who land a job with an Australian company before moving.

Subclass 491/494: Skilled Work Regional Visas

Australia actively incentivizes migration to regional areas (anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). The subclass 491 (provisional) and 494 (employer-sponsored regional) visas offer a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years of living and working in a designated regional area. Regional visas have lower points thresholds than the 189, and state governments in regional areas actively recruit skilled workers through nomination programs.

Subclass 417: Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday visa is available to young people aged 18–30 (18–35 for citizens of Canada, France, Ireland, and a few other countries) from eligible nations. It grants a one-year visa with the right to work for any employer, study for up to four months, and travel freely. You can extend for a second year by completing 88 days of specified work in regional Australia (farm work, construction, mining), and a third year by completing an additional 6 months.

The Working Holiday visa is uncapped for most nationalities, easy to obtain (typically approved within days), and one of the best ways to test-drive life in Australia before committing to a skilled visa pathway. Many people use it as a stepping stone — arriving on a 417, finding an employer willing to sponsor a 482, and eventually transitioning to permanent residency.

Subclass 820/801: Partner Visa

If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the Partner visa provides a pathway to permanent residency. The process is in two stages: subclass 820 (temporary) is granted first, allowing you to live and work in Australia, followed by subclass 801 (permanent) after approximately 2 years. Processing times are long — often 18–30 months for the temporary stage — and the Department of Home Affairs scrutinizes the genuineness of the relationship with extensive documentation requirements.

Subclass 500: Student Visa

Australia is the third most popular study destination in the world. A student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After completing a bachelor’s degree or higher at an Australian institution, you can apply for a Post-Study Work visa (subclass 485) valid for 2–4 years, and that Australian work experience feeds directly into your points score for skilled migration.

Healthcare: Medicare, Private Insurance, and Reciprocal Agreements

Australia’s public healthcare system — Medicare — provides universal coverage to all citizens and permanent residents. Medicare covers GP visits, specialist consultations (with referral), public hospital treatment, and some allied health services. If your doctor bulk-bills (accepts Medicare as full payment), there is no out-of-pocket cost. In practice, around 80% of GP visits are bulk-billed nationally, though rates vary by location.

What Medicare does not cover: dental care, optical (beyond basic eye tests), most allied health (physiotherapy, psychology beyond a Mental Health Care Plan), ambulance services (varies by state — free in Queensland and Tasmania, not in others), and private hospital rooms. This is where private health insurance fills the gap.

Private health insurance costs roughly A$150–A$250 per month for a single person, depending on coverage level. The government incentivizes private insurance through the Medicare Levy Surcharge — high earners (over A$93,000 single / A$186,000 family) who do not hold private hospital cover pay an additional 1–1.5% surcharge on top of the standard 2% Medicare levy. The Lifetime Health Cover loading also penalizes people who take out hospital cover after age 31 — premiums increase by 2% for each year over 30 you waited.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA): Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with 11 countries including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Slovenia, Malta, and Italy. Citizens of these countries can access essential Medicare services while visiting or living in Australia, even without permanent residency. This is a significant advantage for citizens of these countries during the visa processing period.

For temporary visa holders: if you are on a 482, 417, or student visa and do not have Medicare access, you are required to hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). These plans cost A$50–A$150 per month and provide coverage similar to Medicare plus limited extras.

Taxes: Progressive Rates, Medicare Levy, and Superannuation

Australia’s tax system is progressive and relatively straightforward compared to many countries. The 2025–2026 individual income tax rates for residents are:

• A$0–A$18,200: 0% (tax-free threshold)
• A$18,201–A$45,000: 16%
• A$45,001–A$135,000: 30%
• A$135,001–A$190,000: 37%
• A$190,001+: 45%

On top of income tax, all taxpayers pay the Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. Low-income earners (under roughly A$26,000) receive a reduction or exemption. The effective tax rate for a professional earning A$100,000 is approximately 26% including the Medicare levy — comparable to many US states when you factor in federal, state, and local taxes plus health insurance premiums.

Working Holiday tax rate: if you are on a subclass 417 or 462 visa, a special flat rate applies — 15% on the first A$45,000 of income, then standard resident rates above that. This is significantly better than the old non-resident rate of 32.5% from the first dollar.

Superannuation: this is one of Australia’s best features for workers. Employers are legally required to contribute 11.5% of your ordinary earnings into a superannuation (retirement) fund on top of your salary. This is not deducted from your pay — it is an additional benefit. Over a career, superannuation builds a substantial retirement nest egg. If you leave Australia permanently, you can apply to withdraw your super, though a departure tax of 35–65% applies depending on the component.

No state or local income taxes: unlike the US, Australia has no state-level income tax. The rates above are the only income tax you pay. There is a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services, but fresh food, healthcare, and education are exempt.

Use the WhereNext tax comparison tool to model your specific tax situation across countries, and use the salary calculator to understand take-home pay in Australia.

Where to Live: City-by-City Breakdown

Australia’s major cities offer dramatically different lifestyles. Where you choose to live will shape your experience more than almost any other decision.

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney (5.3 million metro) is Australia’s global city — home to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the country’s largest financial sector. It is the headquarters for most multinational companies operating in Australia and has the strongest job market in finance, professional services, and technology. The beaches are extraordinary — Bondi, Manly, Coogee, and dozens more are accessible by public transit. Coastal walks, national parks, and the Blue Mountains are within easy reach.

Best for: finance and tech professionals, beach lovers, career-driven expats who want maximum earning potential.
Trade-off: the most expensive city in Australia. Housing costs are brutal, and commute times can be long if you live far from the CBD to save on rent.

Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne (5.1 million metro) is the creative and cultural heart of Australia. The city is defined by its laneway cafes, street art, live music scene, and passionate sporting culture (Australian Rules Football, cricket at the MCG, the Australian Open tennis). Melbourne has the largest Greek population outside of Greece, the largest Italian population outside of Italy, and thriving Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indian communities. The food scene is world-class, and the coffee culture is unrivaled — Melburnians take their flat whites extremely seriously.

Best for: creatives, foodies, sports fans, people who value culture and liveability over beaches.
Trade-off: the weather is famously unpredictable (“four seasons in one day”), and winters are grey and cool (8–14°C / 46–57°F). Not as sunny as Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth.

Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane (2.6 million metro) is Australia’s third-largest city and its fastest growing. The subtropical climate means warm winters (15–22°C / 59–72°F), no frost, and abundant sunshine. The city has transformed in the past decade with major investment in the South Bank cultural precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, and a growing tech ecosystem. The Gold Coast (surfing, theme parks) is an hour south, and the Sunshine Coast (laid-back beach towns) is an hour north.

Best for: families, people who want affordable Australia with great weather, professionals in construction, engineering, and emerging tech sectors.
Trade-off: smaller job market than Sydney or Melbourne, fewer cultural offerings (though improving rapidly), and summer humidity can be intense (December–February).

Perth, Western Australia

Perth (2.2 million metro) is the capital of Western Australia and the gateway to the state’s massive mining and resources sector. Salaries in mining-related roles are among the highest in the world. Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Indian Ocean beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough, City Beach) rival Sydney’s, and the Swan Valley wine region is 30 minutes from the CBD. Kings Park, at 400 hectares, is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.

Best for: mining and engineering professionals, people who love sunshine and beaches, anyone who values a slower pace without sacrificing city amenities.
Trade-off: extreme geographic isolation. Perth is closer to Singapore (5 hours) than to Sydney (4.5 hours by air). The social scene is smaller, and some expats find it quiet after the initial honeymoon period.

Culture and Lifestyle: What to Actually Expect

Australian culture is genuinely distinct — not just “British with sunshine,” as some assume. Understanding the cultural landscape will help you integrate faster and avoid common friction points.

The Outdoor Lifestyle

Australia’s climate and geography mean that outdoor life is not a weekend activity — it is the default. Barbecues, beach days, bushwalking (hiking), surfing, and outdoor dining are woven into daily life. Most Australians live within an hour of the coast, and beach culture is a genuine social institution. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Australia will feel like paradise. If you prefer indoor urban culture, Melbourne is your best bet.

Work-Life Balance

Australians take work-life balance seriously. The standard work week is 38 hours, and full-time employees receive 4 weeks of paid annual leave plus 10 days of paid personal/sick leave per year. Public holidays add another 8–10 days depending on the state. Overtime culture exists in some industries (finance, law, startups), but the general expectation is that you leave work at a reasonable hour and have a life outside the office. The phrase “she’ll be right” captures the national attitude — relaxed, pragmatic, and disinclined to unnecessary stress.

Multiculturalism

Australia is one of the most multicultural societies on earth. Nearly 30% of residents were born overseas, and another 20% have at least one parent born overseas. In Melbourne and Sydney, you will hear dozens of languages on public transit, and the food scene reflects this diversity — Vietnamese pho, Greek souvlaki, Indian dosa, Japanese ramen, Lebanese kebabs, and Italian pasta are everyday options. Racism exists (as it does everywhere), but the dominant cultural ethos is one of acceptance and “having a go” regardless of background.

Sport

Australians are obsessed with sport. Australian Rules Football (AFL) dominates in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Rugby League (NRL) rules in Sydney, Brisbane, and Queensland. Cricket is national religion in summer. The Australian Open, Formula 1 Grand Prix (Melbourne), and the Melbourne Cup horse race are cultural events, not just sporting ones. If you follow or play sport, you will integrate faster than through almost any other channel.

The Distance Factor

This is the trade-off nobody fully appreciates until they live it. Australia is genuinely far from everywhere. A flight to London is 22–24 hours. New York is 20+ hours. Even Southeast Asian cities are 7–9 hours away. Visiting family in Europe or North America requires significant time and money (A$1,500–A$3,000 for a return flight). Jet lag is brutal. Many expats cite distance from family as the single hardest aspect of living in Australia. Before committing, honestly assess how important geographic proximity to your home country is to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Steps

Australia is a world-class destination for skilled workers, young adventurers, and families seeking a high quality of life in a safe, multicultural society with exceptional natural beauty. The high wages, universal healthcare, superannuation system, and outdoor lifestyle are genuinely hard to beat. The trade-offs — geographic isolation, expensive housing in major cities, and a competitive immigration system — are real and worth weighing carefully.

• Explore Australia’s full country profile — real-time data on cost, safety, healthcare, visas, and more.
• Calculate your take-home pay — model your salary in Australia including tax and super.
• Compare your tax burden — see how Australian taxes compare to your current country.
• Take the WhereNext quiz — 2 minutes to get a personalized country ranking based on your priorities.
• Do a reconnaissance trip — spend 2–4 weeks in your target city. Rent an Airbnb in an inner suburb, test the transit, visit the beaches, try the coffee, and talk to other expats. If possible, visit in winter (June–August) to experience the less glamorous side. Melbourne in July is a very different proposition from Melbourne in February.

The data says Australia is one of the best places in the world to build a life — if you can handle the distance and navigate the immigration system. Start with the numbers, factor in what matters most to you, and make the call. The sunburnt country is worth the journey.