The Global Expat Hub
Australia
World-class healthcare and lifestyle, with a points-based system that rewards skills and youth.
Your plan for Australia checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Australia
Costs and character vary significantly within Australia. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Iconic harbour city with world-class beaches, food and career opportunities
Culture, coffee and a European feel — Australia's most livable city
Fastest-growing city with warm weather and lower costs than Sydney or Melbourne
Isolated but beautiful — Indian Ocean beaches and a booming mining economy
Australia by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Varies from tropical Darwin to temperate Melbourne and Hobart. Sydney is warm and humid, Perth Mediterranean. Seasons reversed.
Mean temperatures for Sydney; seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,200 mm (47 in) a year.
Snow Alpine areas Jun–Sep only.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationFederal Register of Legislation ↗
OverviewLaw of Australia on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the left. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Council rates ~$1.5–3k/yr; state land tax on investment property.
Local & regional income tax None; national 0–45% plus 2% Medicare levy.
🎓 University
Not free; HECS loans for citizens, international $25–40k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Telstra, Optus, Vodafone.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $30/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $25 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Points-based skilled migration
- Working Holiday for under-35s
- Parent and retirement (investor) visas limited and slow
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Australia embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Australia faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Australia: remote work you can do from Sydney, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Australia and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Australia safe for expats?
Australia scores 86 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 70 out of 100 for liveability — #17 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Australia?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Australia from around $2,500 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Australia?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Australia include: Points-based skilled migration; working Holiday for under-35s; parent and retirement (investor) visas limited and slow. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Australia for expats?
The top cities for expats in Australia profiled on this page are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Canberra is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.