Living in Australia

With its iconic landscapes, laidback lifestyle and robust economy, Australia has long captivated expats seeking endless sunshine and opportunities down under. From the gleaming skyscrapers of Sydney to the reefs and rainforests of Queensland, this guide covers everything you need to know about living in Australia.

Why Move to Australia?

Australia appeals to expats for:

• Cosmopolitan, vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne that consistently rank among the world’s most livable.
• Laidback outdoor lifestyle with beaches, gardens, sports and BBQs thanks to sunny weather and ample open spaces.
• Thriving economy with abundant jobs and business opportunities, especially for skilled professionals in fields like engineering, tech, healthcare, construction and mining.
• World class healthcare and education systems, although expensive. Public and private options available.
• Higher salaries than comparable nations even after higher costs of living. Minimum wage over $19 AUD ($13 USD) per hour.
• Gateway to explore fascinating natural sites like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Tasmanian wilderness yet cities have all urban amenities.
• Welcoming attitude towards immigrants compared to other Western nations. Over 28% of Australians born overseas.

Living in Australia: Pros and Cons

While alluring, some downsides exist:

Pros :

1. Cosmopolitan, world-class cities
2. Laidback outdoor lifestyle
3. Thriving economy and job market
4. Top healthcare and education
5. Higher salaries than comparable nations
6. Easy access to natural wonders
7. Friendly attitude toward immigrants

Cons :

1. Very high costs of living and housing
2. Isolation from global hubs like North America or Europe
3. Limited public transit requiring cars outside cities
4. Sprawling suburbs with cookie-cutter developments
5. Dangerous wildlife like snakes, spiders, jellyfish
6. Long commutes in major cities
7. Can be difficult to assimilate into local circles

Australia offers a enviable quality of life for expats but distances and costs can be hurdles.

The Cost of Living in Australia

Australia has very high costs of living:

Housing

• Major cities average $480,000 AUD ($340,000 USD) for homes.
• Apartments rent from $400/$1,000 weekly.
• Far cheaper in rural areas.

Food

• Groceries about $150-$300 AUD ($105-$210 USD) weekly for two.
• Eating out $30-$60 AUD ($21-$42 USD) per meal in nice restaurants.

Transportation

• Public transit use costs $50-$100 AUD ($35-$70 USD) monthly.
• Gas is $1.60 AUD ($1.10 USD) per liter.
• Used cars start around $10,000 AUD.

Utilities

• Around $150-$350 AUD ($105-$245 USD) monthly total for electricity, water, trash, internet and cell phone.

Healthcare

• Universal healthcare subsidized but private insurance plans around $100-$300 AUD ($70-$210 USD) monthly per person.

Education

• World class public schools but private options average $15,000-$30,000 AUD ($10,500-$21,000 USD) annually.

Taxes

• Income tax up to 45% over $180,000 AUD. 10% GST sales tax.
• No inheritance tax.

Quality of Life in Australia

Australia provides exceptional quality of life:

1. Healthcare – World class care and health outcomes. Universal access via Medicare with option for affordable private insurance and hospitals.
2. Infrastructure – Modern systems for water, electric, roads, internet and facilities like sports stadiums across urban and many rural areas.
3. Safety & Security – Very low violent crime and terrorism rates. Friendly communities across cities and regional towns.
4. Economy – Highly developed economy and GDP per capita. But overreliance on exports like iron ore and coal. High minimum wage.
5. Environment – Challenges with drought, fires and flooding but globally leading conservation efforts to protect unique flora and fauna.
6. Leisure & Culture – Strong beach and sports culture. Arts thriving in cities. Cafe lifestyle prominent. Work-life balance valued.

A Beginner’s Guide to Australian Culture

Key aspects of local culture:

• Outdoor lifestyle dominates thanks to sunny climate and room to roam. Beach visits, sports, BBQs, camping and gardening beloved pastimes.
• Laidback, casual attitudes prevail in social and business realms. Limited class divides. Egalitarian ethos emphasized.
• Self-deprecating humor and lighthearted banter integral to interactions. Passions run high for sports like rugby, cricket and Aussie rules football.
• Multiculturalism esteemed although tensions exist. Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture gaining appreciation after long marginalization.
• Cuisine infused with British roots, Asian influences and local bush ingredients. BBQs, seafood, farm produce, meat pies and vegemite specialties. Excellent cafes and wine regions.
• Arts thrive in major cities like theatre, opera, dance and galleries. Literature icons include Patrick White and Germaine Greer. Indie bands and DJs globally successful.

Best Places to Live in Australia

Top spots for expats:

1. Sydney – Cosmopolitan hub with glittering harbor frontage, beaches, festivals and opportunities.
2. Melbourne – Cultured capital known for cafes, markets, arts scene and Australian Rules football.
3. Brisbane – Laidback city blending nature with a vibrant food, music and nightlife scene.
4. Perth – Booming coastal city with great weather and access to superb beaches and wine regions.
5. Adelaide – Charming city oozing old-world character known for churches, cricket and wineries.
6. Gold Coast – Glitzy strip of beach towns focused on surfing, theme parks and nightlife just south of Brisbane.
7. Canberra – Well-planned inland capital surrounded by hiking trails, full of museums, universities and government jobs.

From the exhilarating cosmopolitan cities to the quintessential chilled-out beach towns, Australia generously rewards expats who embrace its unique culture and renowned outdoor lifestyle.