Your Complete Guide to Moving to Australia in 2025
Australia isn't just a countryโit's a lifestyle upgrade. With four cities consistently ranking in the world's top 10 most liveable places, Australia offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity, outdoor adventure, and laid-back quality of life that's impossible to find elsewhere.
Australia's immigration system rewards youth, skills, and English proficiency. Understanding the points test is crucial for success.
| Factor | Maximum Points | Requirements | Strategy Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 points | 25-32 years old | Apply before 33rd birthday |
| English Proficiency | 20 points | IELTS 8+ all bands | Consider PTE Academic for higher scores |
| Educational Qualification | 20 points | Doctoral degree | Australian study adds 5-15 extra points |
| Skilled Employment | 20 points | 8+ years experience | Australian experience highly valued |
| Partner Skills | 10 points | Partner meets basic requirements | Single applicants get 10 points automatically |
| State Sponsorship | 15 points | State/territory nomination | Research state-specific occupation lists |
Best for: High-point applicants with in-demand skills
Advantage: Live anywhere in Australia, no sponsorship needed
Requirements: 65+ points, occupation on relevant skilled list
Processing: 8-12 months, invitation rounds monthly
Reality: Typically need 80+ points for invitation
Best for: Applicants with 60+ points seeking state support
Advantage: Lower points requirement, +15 points bonus
Commitment: Must live in nominating state for 2 years
Strategy: Research state-specific occupation demands
Popular states: Victoria, NSW, Queensland active programs
Best for: Lower-point applicants willing to live regionally
Pathway: 5-year temporary visa leading to permanent residency
Requirements: Live/work in designated regional areas for 3 years
Advantage: Lower competition, additional points available
Reality: "Regional" includes cities like Newcastle, Wollongong
Best for: Professionals with job offers from Australian employers
Duration: 2-4 years depending on occupation
Pathway: Can lead to permanent residency (subclass 186/187)
Advantage: No points test, direct employer relationship
Challenge: Tied to specific employer and role
Best Path: Subclass 189 (high demand occupation)
Best Path: State sponsorship (subclass 190) - high priority
Best Path: Employer sponsorship or regional pathways
| Expense Category | Sydney, NSW | Melbourne, VIC | Brisbane, QLD | Perth, WA | Global Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (City Center) | AUD $600-900/week | AUD $450-700/week | AUD $400-600/week | AUD $400-650/week | $300-1500/week (varies globally) |
| Healthcare (Medicare) | Free (tax-funded) | Free (tax-funded) | Free (tax-funded) | Free (tax-funded) | $0-800/month (varies by country) |
| Groceries (Weekly) | AUD $120-180 | AUD $100-150 | AUD $90-140 | AUD $100-160 | $60-200 (global average) |
| Public Transport (Monthly) | AUD $217 | AUD $169 | AUD $150 | AUD $147 | $50-300 (major cities) |
| Utilities (Monthly) | AUD $200-300 | AUD $180-280 | AUD $160-250 | AUD $170-270 | $100-400 (varies by climate) |
| Dining Out (Mid-range) | AUD $25-40 | AUD $22-35 | AUD $20-32 | AUD $22-36 | $15-50 (global cities) |
| Coffee Culture | AUD $4.50-6.00 | AUD $4.00-5.50 | AUD $4.00-5.50 | AUD $4.50-6.00 | $2-8 (coffee cultures globally) |
| Industry/Role | Graduate Level | Mid-Level (5 years) | Senior Level (10+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | AUD $75,000-95,000 | AUD $100,000-140,000 | AUD $150,000-220,000+ |
| Healthcare (Nursing) | AUD $65,000-75,000 | AUD $75,000-90,000 | AUD $85,000-110,000 |
| Engineering | AUD $70,000-85,000 | AUD $90,000-120,000 | AUD $130,000-180,000 |
| Teaching | AUD $65,000-75,000 | AUD $80,000-95,000 | AUD $100,000-120,000 |
| Trades (Electrician) | AUD $60,000-75,000 | AUD $80,000-100,000 | AUD $100,000-140,000 |
| Mining/Resources | AUD $80,000-100,000 | AUD $120,000-160,000 | AUD $180,000-300,000+ |
Perfect for: Finance professionals, media workers, beach lovers
Comparable to: San Francisco meets London energy with perfect weather
Average Salary: AUD $75,000-130,000
Highlights: Iconic harbour, world-class beaches, financial capital
Industries: Finance, tech, media, tourism, professional services
Reality Check: Highest living costs, competitive housing market
Perfect for: Artists, foodies, sports fans, culture enthusiasts
Comparable to: European cafรฉ culture meets NYC arts scene
Average Salary: AUD $70,000-120,000
Highlights: World's best coffee, street art, four seasons in one day
Lifestyle: Laneways culture, live music, sports obsessed
Weather: Variable climate, cooler than other capitals
Perfect for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, warm weather lovers
Comparable to: Miami meets Austin laid-back vibe
Average Salary: AUD $65,000-110,000
Highlights: Year-round warmth, affordable housing, proximity to beaches
Lifestyle: Outdoor dining, river activities, relaxed pace
Growth: Rapidly expanding job market, Olympic preparations
Perfect for: Mining professionals, entrepreneurs, quiet lifestyle seekers
Comparable to: San Diego with mining boom opportunities
Average Salary: AUD $75,000-140,000
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, mining industry hub, affordable lifestyle
Challenge: Most isolated major city in world
Advantage: Strong economy, work-life balance, sunset beaches
Perfect for: Wine lovers, families, affordable living seekers
Comparable to: European city charm with Australian warmth
Average Salary: AUD $60,000-100,000
Highlights: World-class wine regions, cultural festivals, affordable housing
Opportunity: State sponsorship programs actively recruiting
Lifestyle: 20 minutes to everything, strong community feel
Perfect for: Government workers, public servants, academic professionals
Comparable to: Washington DC with better work-life balance
Average Salary: AUD $80,000-120,000
Highlights: Highest average wages, excellent schools, cultural institutions
Reality: Purpose-built city, can feel artificial
Advantage: Job security, four distinct seasons
Australian work culture embodies "fair dinkum" principlesโhonest work for fair pay, respect for work-life balance, and the belief that everyone deserves a "fair go" regardless of background.
Annual Leave: 4 weeks paid vacation minimum
Long Service Leave: 8-13 weeks after 7-10 years
Sick Leave: 10 days personal/carer's leave annually
Culture: "Work to live, don't live to work" mentality
Employer Contribution: 11% of salary to retirement fund
Investment Growth: Compound interest over working life
Portability: Follows you between employers
Government Support: Co-contribution schemes available
Fair Work Act: Strong employment law protection
Penalty Rates: Higher pay weekends/public holidays
Union Rights: Collective bargaining protection
Unfair Dismissal: Protection against wrongful termination
Medicare is Australia's universal healthcare system, providing free or subsidized medical care to all Australian residents and eligible visa holders.
| Coverage Type | Cost | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Only | Free (via taxes) | Public hospitals, GP visits, subsidized specialists | Healthy individuals, budget-conscious families |
| Private Health Insurance | AUD $100-300/month | Private hospitals, faster elective surgery, extras | Higher earners, those wanting choice and speed |
| Extras Cover | AUD $50-150/month | Dental, optical, physio, alternative therapies | Families, those with ongoing health needs |
| Item Category | Shipping Cost | Buy New in Australia | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | AUD $600-1,500 | Similar or cheaper (competitive market) | Ship high-value items, buy basics locally |
| Furniture | AUD $5,000-12,000 | Wide selection, competitive pricing | Start fresh unless heirloom/expensive pieces |
| Car | AUD $3,000-8,000 | Right-hand drive, established market | Sell overseas, buy locally (RHD + regulations) |
| Books/Documents | AUD $500-1,200 | N/A | Ship essentials, digitize where possible |
| Winter Clothing | AUD $200-600 | Limited selection (mild winters) | Ship if moving to Melbourne/Tasmania |
| Sports Equipment | AUD $400-1,000 | Excellent outdoor gear market | Buy locally - better suited for Australian conditions |