Moving to Australia: Best Places to Live & What You Need to Know
By Justyn Harrison
February 26th Moving to Australia is a dream for many expats, offering a high quality of life, job opportunities, an abundance of culture, stunning landscapes, or a fresh start in a new country. In order to move to Oz, understanding visa options, the healthcare system and the best cities to live in is essential. Here’s what you need to know to make your move ‘down under’ smooth and successful.
Understanding Australian Visa Options
Before you can arrive in Australia, you need to obtain a Visa, which is a form of permission to enter the country. There are many types of visas in Australia and determining which one suits your situation can be hard.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs oversees all visa applications, and there are several options (and subclasses) available for permanent residency, such as:
| Visa Type | Description | Duration/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Study Visa | Allows entry to study, train, or accompany a young student. Full-time students can stay up to 5 years. | Around 1,600 AUD |
| Work Visa | Allows entry for various purposes, including short/long-term stays, skilled work, sponsorship, business, investment, and working holidays. | $400 to $5,000 AUD (depends on factors such as work type, length of stay, etc.) |
| Partner or Family Visa | Allows joining a partner or family member who is an Australian citizen, visa holder, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. | $5,000 to $9,000+ AUD |
| Permanent Visa | Grants permanent residency through family-stream, work-stream, or business/investor-stream visas. | Contact the Department of Home Affairs for costs |
| Refugee and Humanitarian Visa | Designed for individuals fleeing persecution, human rights violations, or conflict in their home countries. Allows seeking asylum and resettling in Australia. | N/A |
New Zealand citizens have different visa options, often receiving automatic rights to live and work in Australia. However, applying for permanent residency is necessary for full benefits like Medicare and superannuation. Each of these visas has specific eligibility criteria that must be met. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. Note that these are just guides and visa costs are subject to change.
Best places to live in Australia
Choosing where to live in Australia depends on your lifestyle, job opportunities, and cost of living. Here are some of the top cities in Australia for migrants and expats:
1. Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s largest city and an economic hub, offering excellent job opportunities and a vibrant culture. It has picturesque city skylines and is host to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. However, the cost of living is extremely high, especially in terms of housing.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne attracts many expats because of its arts scene, coffee culture, and iconic tram-based public transport system. Whilst it isn’t home to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can visit some of Australia’s largest museums and world-renowned galleries to truly learn about both local and international culture.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane offers a warm climate, lower cost of living, and a growing job market, making it attractive for families and individuals seeking a relaxed lifestyle. The city also boasts beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. If you want to be close to some of Australia’s best beaches, Brisbane is your home.
Navigating the Australian healthcare system
Australia has a world-class healthcare system, with both public healthcare and private health insurance options. Permanent residents and citizens can access Medicare, which provides free or subsidised medical services. However, some migrants may need private health insurance to meet visa options requirements.
Websites like ‘Compare the Market’ allow you to compare health insurance plans and find the plan that’s right for you. However, Compare the Market does not display every single provider, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re choosing the best option for your needs.
Financial essentials: Australian bank account & money transfers
Setting up an Australian bank account is a priority when moving. Major banks like Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB allow migrants to open accounts before arrival. These may have specific requirements and criteria, so please reach out to each respective bank for more information. Managing money transfers and understanding exchange rates is also crucial when transferring funds in AUD (Australian dollars).
Cost of living & superannuation
The cost of living varies by city, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most expensive. Rent, groceries, and public transport costs should be factored into your budget. You can find more information in our Sydney cost of living breakdown, Melbourne cost of living breakdown and Australia cost of living breakdown.
If you plan to work, you’ll contribute to your superannuation. This is the Australian government’s retirement savings system, which helps you to save money.
See you in Oz’ 👋
Moving to a new country is a big step, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth transition. From securing the right Australian visa to choosing the best city and understanding the healthcare system, there is plenty to think about before you enjoy your new ‘Aussie’ lifestyle.
