What your savings need to cover
Initial housing costs
When renting in Australia, landlords typically require:
- 4 weeks bond (security deposit)
- 2 weeks rent in advance
- Temporary accommodation while you search (if not pre-arranged)
Typical upfront housing costs by city:
| City | 1BR Bond + Advance | 2BR Bond + Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $4,800 – $6,400 | $6,800 – $9,200 |
| Melbourne | $4,200 – $5,800 | $5,800 – $8,000 |
| Brisbane | $3,600 – $4,800 | $4,800 – $6,400 |
| Adelaide | $3,000 – $4,200 | $4,200 – $5,600 |
| Perth | $3,400 – $4,600 | $4,600 – $6,400 |
All figures AUD. Based on typical 2026 rental market ranges.
Living expense buffer
A buffer of 8 to 12 weeks of living expenses protects you while you find work, wait for your first pay cycle, and get settled.
- Job secured before arrival: 8 weeks buffer recommended
- No job secured: 12 weeks buffer minimum
- Families with children: 12 weeks minimum regardless of employment
One-off setup costs
Budget for these one-time costs on top of your housing setup:
- Basic furniture and household items: $1,500 – $4,000
- Bedding, kitchenware, appliances: $500 – $1,500
- SIM card and internet setup: $50 – $150
- Myki / Opal / Go Card (transit cards): $10 – $30
- Initial grocery stock: $200 – $400
- Bank account setup (usually free at major banks)
Typical range: $2,000 – $6,000 depending on how furnished your rental is and whether you ship belongings.
Optional costs
Situational expenses that may apply:
- Vehicle purchase: $8,000 – $20,000 for a reliable second-hand car
- Shipping belongings from home country: $2,000 – $8,000+
- School enrolment fees and uniforms
- Childcare deposits (often 2 to 4 weeks upfront)
- International driving licence conversion
Savings targets by household type and city
| Household | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single (1BR) | $18k – $25k | $16k – $22k | $13k – $18k | $11k – $16k |
| Couple (2BR) | $25k – $35k | $22k – $30k | $18k – $25k | $15k – $22k |
| Family of 4 (3BR) | $35k – $50k | $30k – $45k | $25k – $38k | $22k – $32k |
All figures AUD. Includes bond, rent in advance, living buffer (8 weeks, job secured), and essential setup. Add 4 weeks buffer if no job secured. Add $8,000 – $20,000 if purchasing a vehicle. Source: Domain.com.au, realestate.com.au, ABS household expenditure data.
Scenario guides
Tip: Secure a job before arriving. First pay cycle is often 2–4 weeks after start.
Tip: Brisbane vacancy is low. Start your search 4–6 weeks before arrival with references ready.
Tip: School zones affect suburb choice. Check childcare waitlists before signing a lease.
Relocation timeline
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Before arrival
Save your target amount. Secure visa. Research housing markets. Apply for childcare if relevant. Arrange temporary accommodation. Secure employment before arriving if possible.
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Month 1 — Arrival
Move into temporary accommodation. Open an Australian bank account. Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) with the ATO. Begin your property search. Register for Medicare.
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Months 2–3 — Establishment
Move into permanent rental. Start work. Enrol children in school or childcare. Set up utilities, internet, and phone. Receive Medicare card.
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Month 4+ — Stabilisation
Regular income established. Budget normalised. Emergency fund rebuilding begins. Long-term financial planning starts.
What migrants often underestimate
In most Australian states, landlords can require up to 4 weeks bond plus 2 weeks rent in advance. On a $650/week Sydney apartment, that is $3,900 upfront before you've bought a single grocery item.
You cannot receive a salary payment without a TFN, and applications can take 1–4 weeks. Without a TFN, your employer will withhold tax at the highest rate (47%) until it is provided.
Australia's states have different payroll tax structures, vehicle registration costs, stamp duties, and utility pricing. Moving to Queensland versus NSW is not the same financial decision even if the lifestyle looks similar.
Your employer contributes 11.5% of your gross salary into super. Check whether super is included in the quoted salary (package) or on top — the difference is significant when comparing offers.
AUD amounts look large when converted to rupees, pesos, or baht. The relevant measure is always local purchasing power: $650/week for a Sydney apartment is the market reality regardless of conversion.
Sydney and Melbourne vacancy rates regularly sit below 2%. Have your documents ready: employment letter, payslips, passport, references, and bank statements. Being slow costs rentals.
Frequently asked questions
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For a single professional moving to Brisbane or Adelaide with a job secured, $20,000 is a workable starting point. For Sydney or Melbourne, or for a couple or family, $20,000 is tight and leaves little margin for unexpected costs. Aim for the range specific to your city and household in the table above.
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Not always - it depends on your visa category. However, having employment secured before arrival significantly reduces the savings buffer you need and the financial stress of settling in. If moving without employment, increase your buffer to at least 12 weeks and have a clear job search plan.
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Yes. Major Australian banks including CommBank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac allow you to open an account online before you arrive, though full access typically requires in-person identity verification within 6 to 12 months. Opening early simplifies receiving your first pay and paying a rental bond.
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Most migrants on eligible visas can enrol in Medicare from arrival. Processing your Medicare card takes 2 to 6 weeks. You can still access bulk-billed GP services in the interim by showing your Medicare enrolment confirmation.
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For moves from within the region (NZ, Southeast Asia), shipping a container of belongings is often cost-effective for families. For singles or couples, buying furniture locally on arrival from Kmart, IKEA, Marketplace, or Gumtree is often cheaper and simpler than shipping costs. Factor in that Australian electrical standards (240V) mean some appliances from other countries will not work without adaptors or replacement.
Data sources and methodology
The estimates on this page are based on the following sources, reviewed as of April 2026:
- Rental figures: Domain.com.au and realestate.com.au current listings data; ABS Private Rental Market statistics by capital city (2024–25)
- Living expense benchmarks: ABS Household Expenditure Survey and consumer price data by capital city
- Tax File Number: Australian Taxation Office (ATO) published guidance on TFN applications and withholding rates
- Superannuation: ATO superannuation guarantee rate (11.5%, 2025–26)
- Medicare: Australian Department of Health published enrolment and eligibility guidance
- Bond and advance requirements: Residential Tenancies Acts for NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA
Figures are indicative planning benchmarks. Actual costs vary by suburb, household size, and lifestyle. Costeva is not a financial or immigration advice service.
All figures on this page are indicative estimates for planning purposes only. They are based on publicly available data and structured assumptions. Actual costs vary by city, suburb, household size, and individual circumstances. This page does not constitute financial, legal, or immigration advice. Verify all key figures independently before making relocation decisions.