Moving to Australia involves more than visa costs. Your visa status can affect access to healthcare, schooling, work rights and ongoing living expenses.
Start with these 4 questions:
- What visa will I hold, and how does it affect my access to services?
- What income can I realistically expect in Australia?
- Where will I live, and how will that affect costs?
- What ongoing expenses will I need to cover for myself or my family?
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Why visa status matters for budgeting
Your visa does more than determine whether you can enter Australia. It can affect your access to healthcare, schooling, work rights and government support.
These differences can significantly change your ongoing cost of living.
The biggest differences are usually between:
Permanent residents
- Access to Medicare (public healthcare system)
- Treated as domestic students in most government schools
- May be eligible for certain government supports (subject to criteria)
Temporary visa holders
- Most need private health insurance
- May be required to pay public school fees (varies by state)
- Limited or no access to government financial support
Costs and support to consider
Moving to Australia can involve both direct costs and differences in access to government services. Your visa status may affect what you need to pay for and what support may be available.
The sections below highlight common areas to consider when planning your budget.
Permanent residents
Children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are generally treated as domestic students in government schools.
Temporary visa holders
Children on temporary visas may be required to pay tuition fees in government schools, depending on the state or territory.
Families with dependant children
Confirm school-fee requirements before choosing a location, accepting a role or enrolling children in school.
Permanent residents
Permanent residents can generally enrol in Medicare if they live in Australia and meet the enrolment requirements.
Temporary visa holders
Access to Medicare depends on visa type and eligibility, including reciprocal health care agreements with certain countries.
Families with dependant children
Where Medicare access is limited or not available, budget for private health cover and out-of-pocket costs such as prescriptions, dental care and specialist appointments.
Permanent residents
Permanent residents may meet the residence requirements for the Child Care Subsidy, subject to eligibility criteria.
Temporary visa holders
Most temporary visa holders are not eligible for the Child Care Subsidy unless they hold an eligible visa.
Planning Tip
Confirm subsidy eligibility before committing to childcare, work hours or a household budget that relies on subsidised care.
Permanent residents
Permanent residents may be eligible for certain Australian Government payments, rebates or concession cards, subject to residence requirements, income tests and waiting periods.
Temporary visa holders
Most temporary visa holders are not eligible for Centrelink payments or government assistance and should plan their budget on the basis that support may not be available.
Planning Tip
Do not assume access to government payments when budgeting. Many new residents must serve a waiting period before they can access support.
See the Services Australia eligibility and waiting period guidance for more information
Understand the everyday cost of living
A practical way to understand your potential cost of living in Australia is to use a cost-of-living calculator.
The Australian Government’s Study Australia cost-of-living calculator allows you to estimate and compare everyday expenses across different locations and categories such as accommodation, food and transport.
Although it is designed for international students, it can still provide a useful starting point using Australian cost-of-living data.
How to use the calculator
Create more than one scenario:
- compare different cities or regions
- test different accommodation types
- adjust expenses to reflect your lifestyle
Planning tip
You should also allow for costs that may not be fully captured, such as school fees for temporary visa holders, private health insurance, childcare gaps, professional registration or car ownership.
Treat any calculator as a guide only. Actual costs will vary depending on your location, visa status, household needs and timing. Allow a realistic buffer for unexpected expenses
Housing and accomodation
Housing is often the largest and most immediate expense when moving to Australia. Weekly rent is only one part of the overall cost. You may also need to allow for bond, rent in advance, temporary accommodation, connection of utilities, internet, furniture, appliances and basic household items.
Rental availability and pricing vary between states, cities, suburbs and regional areas. In some locations, rental markets can be competitive, and it may take time to secure suitable accommodation, particularly if you have specific requirements such as school zones, public transport access, parking, disability access, pet approval or proximity to work.
Planning considerations
Location and schooling
The location of a rental property may affect which government school a child can attend, as well as transport, commute times and access to childcare or community services.
Timing and flexibility
It may take time to secure a long-term rental. Temporary accommodation or flexible arrangements may be required on arrival.
Short-term options
For single applicants or those arriving ahead of family members, shared or temporary accommodation may be a practical option. It is still important to understand the terms, costs and suitability before committing.
common real estate websites
Income, tax and take-home pay
Understand how much tax you will pay
Planning tip
Before relying on a salary figure, prepare an estimated monthly budget based on likely net income rather than gross annual income. Check the Australian Taxation Office website or seek professional advice if you are unsure how tax or deductions may apply
Healthcare and Medicare access
Healthcare costs can vary significantly depending on your visa status and eligibility for Medicare.
Australian citizens and permanent residents can generally enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health system, if they live in Australia and meet the enrolment requirements.
Temporary visa holders may also have access to Medicare, depending on their visa type or whether a reciprocal healthcare agreement applies. Others may need to maintain private health insurance or overseas visitor health cover.
It is important to allow for costs such as insurance premiums, out-of-pocket medical expenses, prescriptions, dental care and specialist appointments when planning your budget
Planning tip
Before moving, check whether you and your family can enrol in Medicare and what private health cover, if any, may be required under your visa conditions.
Schooling and childcare
Schooling and childcare can have a significant impact on your household budget, particularly where visa status affects access and fees.
Children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are generally treated as domestic students in government schools and are not charged international student tuition fees. Families should still budget for uniforms, books, digital devices, excursions, transport and extracurricular activities.
Temporary visa holders may face a different cost position. In some states and territories, children on temporary visas may be required to pay tuition fees to attend government schools, while others may be exempt depending on visa subclass. These rules are set at a state level and should be confirmed before choosing where to live.
Childcare can also be a significant household expense. The Child Care Subsidy is generally linked to residence and eligibility rules. Permanent residents may be able to meet those rules if the other eligibility requirements, while many temporary visa holders will not qualify unless they hold an eligible visa.
Planning tip
Transport and location choices
A lower weekly rent may not result in a lower overall cost if it increases transport expenses or requires a car. In some areas, public transport may be frequent and reliable. In others, daily life may be more difficult without private transport.
Key considerations
Public transport vs car use
In some areas, public transport may be frequent and reliable. In others, daily life may be more difficult without private transport.
Full cost of a vehicle
If you plan to use a car, allow for more than the purchase price. Registration, insurance, servicing, fuel, parking and tolls can all add to your ongoing costs.
Location trade-offs
Lower rent in one area may increase overall expenses if it results in higher transport costs or longer commute times.
Planning tip
Budgeting before you move
A realistic budget should include both pre-arrival costs and the first few months after arrival. Many relocation costs occur before regular income is received or before a household has settled into a normal routine.
It is useful to prepare two separate budgets: one for the cost of getting to Australia, and one for the first 90 days after arrival. This can help you identify upfront costs, recurring expenses and areas where additional savings may be needed.
First 90 days budget framework
Budget period | What to plan for | Common examples |
Before departure | Costs that may be paid before arrival in Australia. | Visa costs, professional fees, skills assessment, registration, flights, travel insurance and document preparation. |
Arrival period | Costs that may arise immediately after landing. | Temporary accommodation, local transport, mobile phone, initial groceries, school enquiries, health cover arrangements. |
First month | Costs linked to securing housing and setting up daily life. | Rental bond, rent in advance, utilities, internet, furniture, appliances, school uniforms, childcare deposits and commuting costs. |
First 90 days | Costs that may continue while employment, schooling and routines stabilise. | Rent, groceries, transport, medical costs, insurance, childcare, school expenses, licence conversion, car costs and contingency savings. |
Planning insights
The first 90 days are often the most expensive period because many costs overlap. A household may still be paying for temporary accommodation while securing a rental, setting up utilities and establishing work or schooling arrangements.
Costs to consider
When preparing your budget, ensure you account for both upfront and ongoing costs:
- Visa application costs and professional fees
- Flights and travel insurance
- Temporary accommodation on arrival
- Rental bond, rent in advance and housing setup
- Utilities, internet and mobile plans
- Groceries and household essentials
- Schooling, childcare and education-related expenses
- Transport and vehicle or public transport costs
- Health insurance and medical expenses
- Emergency savings or a contingency buffer
Exchange rates and real income
Exchange rates can affect how a budget prepared in another currency translates into Australian dollars. Avoid relying only on exchange rate comparisons or headline salary figures.
The more useful question is whether your expected income can support your Australian expenses over time.
Plan your move in stages
For a step-by-step checklist covering what to plan for before departure and after arrival, see: Plan your move
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is general in nature and does not consider your individual situation. Visa eligibility, skills assessment requirements, professional registration requirements and outcomes can vary depending on your specific circumstances.
This content should not be relied upon as migration, skills assessment or professional registration advice. For advice tailored to your situation, you can book a consultation with our team.