How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Australia in 2026?

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:

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

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. Last reviewed: April 2026.

Scenario guides

Single professional moving to Melbourne

• Estimated savings needed: $16,000 - $22,000
• Housing setup (2BR bond + advance): $5,800 - $8,000
• Living buffer (8 weeks): $8,800 - $11,000
• Setup essentials: $2,000 - $4,000
• Common risks: First pay cycle can be 2 to 4 weeks after starting. Some employers use monthly pay cycles. Build buffer for this gap.
• Suggested approach: Secure employment before arrival if possible. Research suburbs near your workplace before committing to a rental.

Couple relocating to Brisbane

• Estimated savings needed: $18,000 - $25,000
• Housing setup (2BR bond + advance): $4,800 - $6,400
• Living buffer (8 weeks, both working): $9,600 - $12,800
• Setup essentials: $2,500 - $5,000
• Common risks: Brisbane's rental vacancy rate is low. Properties move quickly. Budget for 1 to 2 weeks of short-term accommodation while you search in person.
• Suggested approach: Start your rental search online 4 to 6 weeks before arrival. Have proof of income and references ready.

Family relocating to Sydney

• Estimated savings needed: $35,000 - $50,000
• Housing setup (3BR bond + advance): $7,200 - $10,000
• Living buffer (12 weeks): $18,000 - $24,000
• Setup essentials: $4,000 - $8,000
• School and childcare deposits: $2,000 - $5,000
• Common risks: Sydney school zones affect rental choices. Popular public school catchments command higher rents. Childcare waitlists are long in inner Sydney - apply before you arrive if possible.
• Suggested approach: Research school catchments and childcare availability before choosing a suburb. Factor childcare costs into your weekly budget from day one.

Relocation timeline

Before arrival: Save target amount. Secure visa. Research housing markets. Apply for childcare if relevant. Arrange temporary accommodation. If possible, secure employment before arriving.

Month 1 - Arrival: Move into temporary accommodation. Open Australian bank account (required for most rentals and employment). Apply for Tax File Number (TFN) with the ATO - essential for paid work. Begin property search. Register for Medicare.

Month 2 to 3 - Establishment: Move into permanent rental. Start work. Enrol children in school or childcare. Set up utilities, internet, and phone. Apply for Medicare card if not yet received.

Month 4+ - Stabilisation: Regular income established. Budget normalised. Emergency fund rebuilding begins. Long-term financial planning starts.

What migrants often underestimate about moving to Australia

Bond and advance add up fast. In most Australian states, landlords can require up to 4 weeks bond plus 2 weeks rent in advance. On a $650 per week Sydney apartment, that is $3,900 upfront before you have even bought a single grocery item.

Your Tax File Number takes time. You cannot receive a salary payment without a TFN, and applications can take 1 to 4 weeks to process. Apply online as soon as you arrive - or before, if your visa allows. Without a TFN, your employer will withhold tax at the highest rate (47%) until it is provided.

State differences affect costs. Australia's states have different payroll tax structures, vehicle registration costs, stamp duties, and utility pricing. Moving to Queensland versus New South Wales is not the same financial decision even if the lifestyle looks similar. Factor in state-specific costs when comparing cities.

Superannuation is not spendable income - yet. Your employer contributes 11.5% of your gross salary into a superannuation fund. This does not appear in your take-home pay but is part of your total remuneration package. When comparing Australian job offers to those in other countries, check whether super is included in the quoted salary (package) or on top of it - the difference is significant.

Currency conversion from South or Southeast Asian currencies can mislead. AUD amounts look large when converted to rupees, pesos, or baht. The relevant measure is always local purchasing power - $650 per week for a Sydney apartment is the market reality regardless of how it converts to your home currency.

Rental competition in major cities is fierce. Sydney and Melbourne vacancy rates regularly sit below 2%. Properties receive multiple applications within 24 to 48 hours of listing. Have your documentation ready: employment letter, payslips or proof of income, passport, references, and bank statements. Being slow with documentation costs rentals.

Frequently asked questions

• Is $20,000 AUD enough to move to Australia? ▶

  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.

• Do I need a job before I move to Australia? ▶

  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.

• Can I open an Australian bank account before I arrive? ▶

  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.

• How long does it take to get Medicare? ▶

  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.

• Should I ship my belongings or buy new? ▶

  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.

Disclaimer: 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.