Australia is home to crocodiles, kangaroos, the Sydney Opera House, and Hugh Jackman. According to the IEP Global Peace Index, Australia is considered one of the safest nations to live in—above Finland, Sweden, and Germany—making it a world-class destination for work, play, and family raising.

With the golden coastlines, warm weather, easy-going locals, and high standard of living that define the Aussie lifestyle, it’s no wonder that the Lucky Country is an attractive place for ex-pats worldwide.

However, relocating to any new country can be a complex, daunting experience. That’s why we have produced this guide, which details several of the most important considerations to remember when moving to Australia for work.

Lifestyle

While the nation’s metropolitan areas have all the luxuries one would want in a city, Australia is, first and foremost, an outdoor country. As such, there are a myriad of opportunities for outdoor activities, whether solo or with the family, to explore here.

Culture

Australia is as big as a continent, with comparatively few people living here. That means there’s plenty of space to enjoy some of the country’s favourite holiday pastimes, including outdoor bushwalking, camping, swimming, sailing, fishing and, of course, surfing.

Regarding culture, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the country’s native population and are believed to be one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures – dating back 50,000 years.

You can experience a piece of this ancient culture by visiting Uluru, the sacred home of the Aboriginal people at the heart of the nation. You can also see distinctive art created by local artists at some of the many galleries around Australia. For international culture, the iconic Sydney Opera House hosts many spectacular performances every year and is not to be missed.

Sport

Sport is a national obsession for Australians. In rugby, for example, the Australian Wallabies are ranked among the world’s top 10 teams, and the country celebrates a variety of national rugby championships, including League, Union, and Aussie Rules.

Australians are also among the world’s best cricketers, with the third-best record in the country. The country is home to familiar sporting grounds such as the WACA, Gabba, SCG, and iconic MCG.

Cycling is increasing in popularity thanks to events such as the Santos Down Under Tour – the largest cycling race held in the southern hemisphere, which Adelaide has taken to its heart.

Motorsports fans are well covered here. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is held annually in Melbourne, in addition to the famous international endurance race at Australia’s spiritual home of motorsport: Bathurst. Phillip Island is also home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Living Costs

If you’re used to big-city life, you might find the cost of living in Sydney on par. However, just as it is anywhere you live, some places are more affordable than others (but can you put a price on living next to the beach?).

Looking at the national level, Australia is considered one of the world’s slightly more expensive places to live—ranked 11th, compared to the USA’s 27th, UK’s 28th, Canada’s 30th, and countries such as Brazil or India, which are down below 100.2. Some EU countries do outrank Australia, though, like Denmark (5th), Norway (3rd), and Switzerland (2nd).

That said, when you compare cities instead of countries, everything changes. To use London as an example, while the UK was considered overall less expensive than Australia, London is the 19th-most expensive city on its own, compared to Sydney’s 66th, Melbourne’s 99th, and Adelaide’s 126th. So, what does that mean for someone looking to emigrate to Australia?

While certain costs can seem higher, there are other areas where you may see savings. Keep in mind that the numbers also don’t show the full picture—you should consider the higher quality of education, good healthcare, and the fantastic lifestyle benefits that living in Australia provides.

For many people, the opportunities will resoundingly outweigh any costs. However, we have provided several cost comparisons below to help you understand the difference.

Accommodation

Australia has a booming property market, with plenty of houses and apartments available for sale or rent. Of course, this depends on which city you want to live in.

Renting

Rental accommodation in Australia generally comes unfurnished except for blinds/curtains, heating and/or air conditioning, and an oven/stove. Rent is typically paid weekly, and the price depends greatly on location (we have included some cost comparisons below).

Generally, inner-city prices will be higher than in suburbs, which are higher than in regional or rural areas. Whether you will be coming on a permanent visa, Australian partner visa, or one of the country’s student visas, it’s always wise to research the local market beforehand. Moving to Australia is a big decision that can impact your living expenses, whether in the short or long term.

Buying

Buying in Australia is also a great option for those with permanent residency. Australia has seen a strong history of property price growth in recent decades, and it shows little sign of stopping—even after a global pandemic.

Foreigners can apply for an Australian mortgage, but they will typically be required to pay a higher deposit and greater interest rates than someone residing as an Australian citizen.

For that, when buying as locals, banks typically request a 20% deposit—anything less potentially incurring lender mortgage insurance, which is usually an additional $10,000 or more. For advice on your situation, we recommend talking to a financial adviser.

Tax

The Australian financial year runs from July 1 to June 30, at which point the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collects tax that hasn’t already been subtracted as a part of your salary – employers will withhold tax from your paycheque to send to the ATO on your behalf.

In addition, Australian tax residents are expected to pay tax on other income sources such as dividends, investment income, etc. Australia uses a marginal tax rate system where the first $18,200 of earnings are tax-free. Thereafter, income is taxed at higher rates the more a person earns.

Pension

Australia has a compulsory pension savings scheme called superannuation, commonly known as super. As a person earning income in Australia, you must know a few things about this scheme. First, when you start your first job you will need to choose a super provider by filling out the ATO’s Superannuation Standard Choice form (or an equivalent), provided by your employer. If you don’t choose, your employer will do it for you.

Whenever you change jobs, you’ll need to ensure that your new employer pays your pension to this same provider – so you don’t end up with multiple accounts. Every time you earn a paycheck thereafter, a portion of it (10.5%) will be paid into your super. T

This super guarantee affects only your ordinary time earnings and income from your standard work hours. You can increase this percentage if you so choose, but it will mean fewer dollars go into your bank account regularly.

Visas and Immigration

Australia has a skilled migration programme designed to attract highly talented individuals. However, unless you have a job offer from a local employer, you will likely be required to go through a points-based system to determine eligibility for this Australian visa. The system is designed to verify things like your English language skills, qualifications, and work prospects.

Occupation is considered the main basis of eligibility, so the job you plan on taking in Australia will greatly impact whether you obtain a skilled worker visa. Those who work in in-demand sectors on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are generally offered more flexibility and priority regarding approval. At a minimum level, all successful applicants must score at least 65 points on the standard immigration points test and be under 45.

Of course, the Australian government office regularly updates these requirements and its list of sought-after occupations. Before proceeding, it’s worth checking for any new eligibility rules.

The actual skilled work visa application process is relatively fast. It can be done online and takes approximately four to six weeks to finalise. We will provide you with the relevant immigration programme documentation and put you in touch with the right authorities to ensure your Australian visa or permit is processed promptly.

Gaining Sponsorship

Local businesses trying to recruit people with skills on the national Skilled Occupations List may be able to sponsor you to emigrate to Australia on either a temporary (temporary skilled shortage visa) or permanent (permanent residency or Australian citizenship) basis.

Application costs do apply, which could range from around $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the visa type—the majority of the time, your future employer will pay for this. Some employers may also sponsor Australian partner visas for members of your family.

Healthcare

Australia has a publicly funded system known as Medicare that is considered one of the best in the world, and it is open to both Australian citizens and those who hold permanent residency. Medicare covers all the costs of public hospital services, as well as some other areas of healthcare, such as services by GPs, physiotherapy, and dental care for children.

The Australian government also subsidises some pharmaceuticals, making many prescription medicines more affordable.

Health Coverage as an Australian Government Visa Requirement

Holders of The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) are afforded full workers’ rights in Australia and the right to enrol in Medicare. In most cases, you must only meet certain qualifying criteria to be approved for and receive this national coverage.

Most individuals with temporary visas (e.g., Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or subclass 482 and student visas) are not immediately eligible for Medicare. Some countries—including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands—have reciprocal health agreements with Australia, coordinating coverage for temporary workers to cover the cost of only necessary medical care (click here for a full list).

Beyond that, you will generally need private health insurance coverage for your stay.

Before applying for a general skilled migration visa or an Australia partner visa, it’s important to check eligibility requirements and determine whether private health coverage is essential for you and your family.

Additional health Insurance Coverage from your Australian employer

In addition to the support provided by Medicare, some Australian employers may also offer you and your family additional private health coverage for the duration of your work visa. Terms and areas of health insurance coverage can vary from arrangement to arrangement, so we recommend speaking with your recruiter to find out what extra health benefits apply to your role before moving to Australia.

Moving with the Family

Education

All public schools in Australia are funded by the government and are free to citizens and individuals who hold permanent residency. However, yearly voluntary contributions that cover the cost of additional school activities are typically payable to the school. Private schools are also available in most major cities.

Temporary residents may be required to pay school fees, even to public schools, which could be upward of AU$6,400 (to use Adelaide as an example). That said, some employers may co-contribute these fees as a part of your employment. These contributions are typically not available for private schools.

Activities for kids

Rugby, netball, swimming, athletics, and cricket are common sports for Australian kids, played both at school and home. Extracurricular sports also often include tennis, badminton, water polo, horse riding, weightlifting, sailing, and surfing.

Australia is home to its own Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Girl Guides, and Cadets groups, as well as other cultural activities such as debating, music, performance art, and volunteer/charity work.

Australia has four school holidays a year, the longest of which is the summer holiday, which takes place from December to January (as seasons in the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere). There are also about seven national public holidays yearly, and individual state governments often have more.

Being such a large place, Australia’s climate varies depending on your location. Most of the country experiences the four seasons, although the tropical northern reaches see only a dry and wet season.

The southern parts of Australia (including Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Hobart) are temperate areas, with the northeast coast being more subtropical, the north completely tropical, the west drier, and the centre a vast desert.

Summer averages 29 degrees Celsius and winter 13 degrees Celsius, but this depends on where you are. It is not unknown that the warmer parts of the country exceed 30 degrees Celsius and, occasionally, 40 degrees Celsius.

Moving with Pets

It is possible to bring your pet with you when you relocate to Australia, and the country itself is very pet-friendly, with dogs allowed in most public areas. Of course, there will be a lot of organisation involved in getting your pet to Australia, as well as the cost of the move itself, the flight, and any biosecurity requirements.

Some of the Requirements include:

Getting your pet microchipped
Veterinary tests (i.e. rabies or parasites)
Vaccinations
Acquiring an import permit
Quarantine at a specialised facility in various major cities (duration depends on your country of origin)

Read the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website for more information on importing pets to Australia.

A Guide to Australia’s Top Cities

Sydney, New South Wales (NSW)

Sydney, pronounced Seed-nee in the local accent, is the most famous Australian city and capital of New South Wales. It’s the country’s biggest metro by far, a hotbed of attractions, events, and opportunities, and it is well-known worldwide for its iconic Opera House.

Meet Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city in terms of both population and literal size. Did you know that Sydney is larger than London? But it contains almost half the people. Sydneysiders are a multicultural bunch, with as much as a third of the population here having been born overseas. So, no matter where you’re from, chances are you’re going to be able to find a support network of fellow expats from your region.

Now, we could sit here and talk about how Sydney is an economic powerhouse (housing the bulk of the nation’s top companies), but let’s be honest—one of the things you really love the city for is its beaches. And there are over 100 of them! Like most Australian capitals, when you live in Sydney, you’re never far from the water.

Quick Facts

Sydney Harbour Bridge is the widest long-span bridge and tallest steel arch bridge in the world.
Sydney’s ferries have been operating since 1875 and transport over 14 million people annually!
There are over 250 languages spoken in Sydney, including English, Arabic and Cantonese.
Sydney Fish Market is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and the second-largest in the world outside of Japan.

Melbourne, Victoria (VIC)

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was awarded the Economist Intelligence Unit’s “Most Liveable City” title seven years in a row (and still sits in the top 10 today). This is thanks to its fabulous quality of healthcare and education, coupled with its low crime rate, well-developed infrastructure, and, of course, its fabulous culture.

Meet Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural hotspot in Australia, with museums, theatres and art galleries galore – it was named the world’s second-ever UNESCO City of Literature. Beyond its appreciation of the arts, Melbourne is also well-known for its cafes, restaurants, and sports venues. Indeed, it’s considered the cafe and sporting capital of the world!

Melbourne has the highest number of eateries per capita globally and a huge number of international sporting venues – Melbourne Cricket Ground, AAMI Park, Flemington Racecourse, Rod Laver Arena, to name a few. And we couldn’t talk about Melbourne without talking about its public transport. The tram here is vast and famous, making more than 200 million trips yearly as the 475+ trolleys trundle around 1,700 stops. Not to mention, it’s over 100 years old.

Quick Facts

Melbourne has the largest operational tram network in the world, with over 250 km worth of double track.
There are more skyscrapers here than any other city in the country.
Melbourne has the highest concentration of book clubs in Australia.
In Victoria, there’s a public holiday dedicated to sport: Friday Before the AFL Grand Final.

Brisbane, Queensland (QLD)

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a place you’ll definitely need sunscreen. With an average of 283 days of sunshine throughout the year, locals here have plenty of opportunities to head outdoors and enjoy their stunning backyard.

Meet Brisbane

Of the major Australian capitals, Brisbane is one of the least expensive in terms of accommodation costs. But, it’s still a major metropolitan area with all the jobs and amenities you’d want in a city, making it a popular choice for expats looking to get a bite of the Aussie way of life without the crunch of some pricier cities.

Brisbane is an outdoors haven and suits those who love adventuring—whether close to home or on a family road trip. It’s sunny and warm most of the year, and even in the heart of winter, you can still sometimes get days that eclipse the 20-degree mark.

Of course, the city’s proximity to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts helps—both are barely over an hour away. It’s also a booming city, growing fast. Brisbane is a hot spot for those in health care, science, and education, with these three industries rounding out the city’s top three (all of which are predicted to keep growing towards 2041).

Quick Facts

There are more than 2,000 parks in Brisbane.
Brisbane was the world’s busiest submarine port during World War II.
The world’s first cultivated macadamia nut tree lives in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, planted in 1858 (and still alive!).
Every year, Brisbane hosts the country’s largest orientation festival for international students: City Welcome Festival.

Adelaide, South Australia (SA)

An affordable city right on the doorstep of a major wine region – what’s not to love? Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, is compact and relaxed, a favourite of those who like the finer things in life.

Meet Adelaide

Adelaide is sometimes known as the 20-minute city; thanks to its compact size, locals reckon you can get anywhere here in just 20 minutes! And if you don’t want to drive around the CBD, the Adelaide Free Bicycles services offer free bike rental to help promote greener living. Curiously, Adelaide is the only major Australian capital that was not originally founded by colonial settlers as a place for convicts.

It was planned as a ‘free settlement’, and South Australia has gone on to maintain its progressive attitude – being the first place in the country to give women the vote, legalise trade unions, and ban sexual discrimination.

Then there’s the wine. South Australian wines are world-famous, and its top wine regions are within easy driving distance of Adelaide: Barossa Valley (an hour’s drive), Clare Valley (two hours) and Coonawarra (four hours).

Quick Facts

Adelaide is home to the country’s largest display of Aboriginal artefacts.
Bicentennial Conservatory, in the city’s Botanic Gardens, is the largest single-span glasshouse in the southern hemisphere.
Adelaide is the opal capital of Australia, based on the amount of opals available for sale.
Evidence in SA suggests local Aboriginal people have been here for at least 20,000 years.

Perth, Western Australiia (WA)

Perth is the kind of place that can give you that metropolitan feel and rural feel at the same time. The WA capital is miles from its nearest capital counterpart, which means locals have plenty of room to enjoy the great Aussie outback without feeling cramped.

Meet Perth

People love Perth because it gives them that rural feel while still retaining the competitive salaries of a major city. Indeed, Perth’s median house value is below its peers and the cost of living is also generally lower than other capitals (25% lower than Sydney, for example). So what else is cool about Perth?

Well, for starters it has the largest inner-city park on the planet. Yes, even bigger than New York’s Central Park! King’s Park is 4 square km, compared to Central Park’s 3.41 square km. Western Australia as a whole offers endless beach opportunities, too, with over 10,000 km worth of coastline to choose from.

But we should mention – just because Perth is considered isolated, doesn’t mean there’s nothing here. Margaret River is just down south and it’s one of the country’s major wine regions, plus there’s the major tourist destinations of Broome, Busselton, Cape Le Grand and the great Australian outback all within easy driving distance.

Quick Facts

Perth gets more hours of sunlight per year than any other Australian capital.
Western Australia is a major producer of gold, diamonds and pearls.
The local Trans-Australian railway line is the longest straight track in the world, at 478 km long.
Western Australia is the only place in the world where you can find the quokka – one of the world’s most photogenic animals.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

This modern city is the country’s capital, home to its parliament and several of the world’s leading universities. But it’s also small compared to its peer Australian cities, making for easy commutes to work or school.

Meet Canberra

Trendy, modern, well-educated and at the forefront of Australian politics, Canberra is where you want to have your finger on Australia’s pulse. It’s bolstered by a large population of expats and individuals on student visas, perfect for opening your mind to new and exciting cultures.

Interestingly, Canberra was actually designed via competition. In 1911, local authorities competed to find someone to design what would become the new Australian capital, receiving 137 entries from 15 different countries. The winner was American architect Walter Burley Griffin (and his wife Marion, who did all the drawings).

These days, many of Canberra’s suburbs are named after past Australian prime ministers. Canberra isn’t as close to the beach as other capitals, but instead, it has culture, wine and mountains to compensate. The city is nestled at the foot of the Australian Alps, the tallest mountain range in the country and one of the few places to go skiing in Australia.

Quick Facts

25% of the population in Canberra is made up of students.
The city’s name is derived from the Ngunnawal (the local Aboriginal tribe) word for ‘meeting place’.
The Captain Cook Memorial Jet on Lake Burley Griffin can shoot water over 100 metres in the air.
ACT isn’t a state, but rather a territory – so it doesn’t have its own government.

Take the next step and begin your Australian visa journey

If you’ve dreamed of living in Australia, you’ll know that this incredibly vast and beautiful country is home to diverse landscapes, a laidback lifestyle, friendly locals, plenty of sunshine and a great work/ life balance. A move to the Land Down Under will surely be the start of an exciting and life-changing journey.

Of course, relocating to a new country does come with its challenges. That’s why it pays to have a local specialist on your side to help you through each step of the process, making it easier and less stressful overall.

Our specialist consultants here at On Q Recruitment can help you with everything you need to know, from securing employment to getting a permanent residency visa, handling the immigration process, finding a place to live, obtaining an Australian partner visa, etc. Depending on your role, you may be eligible for a relocation package to assist with your flights and accommodation costs. To find out more, speak with your migration agent today.

Take the next step and begin your Australian visa journey

About On Q Recruitment

On Q Recruitment is a leading Australian-owned, specialist Sydney-based Life Sciences recruitment agency connecting scientific, medical, and technical professionals with exceptional Australian visa options since 1999. Although based in Sydney, we service the whole of Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Our specialist life sciences sectors include:

Clinical Research
Regulatory Affairs
Sales & Business Development
Marketing
Quality Assurance
Medical Affairs
Health Tech
R&D/Laboratory
Operations & Engineering
Government Sector

With over 100 years of combined scientific, technical and medical recruitment experience across our Government and private sectors team, we take pride in our ability to deliver outstanding service to clients and job seekers alike.

Unlike other recruitment agencies, we focus exclusively on scientific, technical and medical recruitment, guaranteeing our ability to dedicate more time and resources to finding you the best job or talent from our pool of high-calibre opportunities in the country.

At On Q Recruitment, our philosophy is simple; “We listen, we deliver, you succeed.” It may appear obvious, but it is one of the main reasons we have such long-standing and positive relationships with our clients and talent.

Whether you’re a recent Graduate or a Director looking for your next opportunity or a business looking for a professional and transparent recruitment partner, we’re here to exceed your expectations. Contact us today to find out how we can deliver the best scientific, technical, and medical recruitment solutions from Sydney to Melbourne.