How Much Does It Cost to Move to Australia in 2023? A Comprehensive Guide to Relocation Expenses
Australia is a popular destination for people worldwide looking for a new home, a new lifestyle, or simply a new adventure. Whether you are moving to Australia for work, study, or personal reasons, it is crucial to clearly understand the costs involved in relocating to this beautiful country.
This comprehensive guide will explore the different expenses you will need to consider when moving to Australia, including visa, travel, housing, and more. Understanding these costs allows you to make informed decisions and plan your budget accordingly.
Important Considerations when Relocating to Australia
- Where you're coming from (from Canada , the US or other country)
- Travel Expenses
- How you're bringing your belongings, either through a complete shipment or just with a single suitcase
- If you'll be bringing any furry friends like cats or dogs along with you
- Who will bear the cost of your visa, you or your employer in Sydney
- And whether you have secured a job upon arrival Even if you have a job waiting for you in Sydney, there will still be costs to be covered before your first salary arrives.
Travel Expenses
Once you have secured your visa, the next step is to arrange your travel to Australia. This will include the cost of flights, as well as any other travel expenses such as airport transfers and travel insurance.
The cost of flights to Australia will depend on your departure location, the time of year, and the airline you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,652 for a one-way ticket to Australia.
Shipping Costs from Canada to Australia
One of the first things you need to consider is shipping costs. This will depend on how many of the household items you want to bring with you, and the size of your shipment. Shipping a 20-foot container from Canada to Australia can cost anywhere from $14,000 to $16,000. Shipping a 40-foot container from Canada to Australia can cost anywhere from $26,500 - $29,500. If you're only bringing a few suitcases with you, then the cost will be lower.
Australia Visa Application Fees
If you are planning to move to Australia, it is important to be aware of the various visa fees that you might need to pay. Here is a list of the fees for the most common visas:
- TSS – Short Term Stream (Subclass 482) - AUD 1,330 for the main applicant, $1,265 for additional applicants 18 years and above, and AUD 320 for additional applicants under 18.
- TSS – Medium Term Stream (Subclass 482) - AUD 2,770 for the main applicant charge, $2,770 for additional applicants 18 years and above, and AUD 695 for additional applicants under 18.
- Permanent Residence (Subclass 189) - AUD 4,240 for the main applicant, AUD 2,120 for additional applicants 18 years and above, and AUD 1,060 for additional applicants under 18.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) - AUD 4,240 for the main applicant charge, AUD 2,120 for additional applicants 18 years and above, and AUD 1,060 for additional applicants under 18.
- Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) - AUD 510 for the main applicant charge.
- Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) - AUD 510 for the main applicant charge.
- Partner (Subclass 309/100) - from AUD 8,085 charge.
- Student visa (Subclass 500) - from AUD 650, unless exempt.
If the visa you're applying for is not included in the list, please visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for a comprehensive list of visa fees.
Using a Migration Agent
If you decide to use a migration agent for your visa application, be aware that the fees for their services will be in addition to the visa fees listed above. The cost of migration agents varies greatly and can range from 1 to 1.5 times the base visa application fee. For Partner Visas, the fees for migration agents usually start at half the base visa application fee and can go up to equal to the base visa application fee. It is always advisable to shop around for the best deal.
General Skilled Migration fees can range from AUD 2,500 to AUD 5,000 while Partner Migration fees can range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,600. Student Migration fees can range from AUD 2,00 to AUD 3,000. In case you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). In that case, you can complete the process yourself online without the need for a migration agent. For TSS visas, you can negotiate with your sponsoring employer to cover both the visa application fees and the cost of a migration agent.
Visa-Related Expenses
There are a number of other visa-related expenses that you will need to consider when moving to Australia. One of these is the medical requirement, which could involve a complete medical examination, chest x-ray, or both. The cost of these tests will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, your origin, and the length of your stay in Australia. You can find more information about the health examination requirements for your visa by clicking here.
It is important to note that most clinics will not accept your current health insurance for the medical examination, and you will need to pay for these tests at your appointment. The cost of a medical exam will cost between AUD 80 and AUD 300.
Few Key Points to Keep in Mind About the Australian visa Health Requirements:
- For a comprehensive overview of the Australian visa health requirements, please visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website by clicking here.
- To find a nearby clinic where you can complete your health requirements, here. You can easily search for a clinic in your area and get in touch with them to inquire about the cost of your exam and availability of appointments. Keep in mind that appointment slots may be limited, so it's best to schedule early.
- The validity of your health exam results is typically 12 months, so be sure to schedule your exam in a timely manner. All individuals listed on the visa application must meet the health requirements.
- Whether you are the primary or secondary applicant, you will need to meet the health requirements. As an example, I (as a secondary applicant on my husband's work visa) also had to complete a health exam.
We hope this information is helpful, and we wish you all the best with your visa application.
Health Insurance
Another important consideration when moving to Australia is the cost of health insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for all visa holders in Australia, and you will need to take out a policy before you arrive in the country.
The cost of health insurance will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, health, and the type of policy you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per year for a basic health insurance policy.
Monthly Cost of Australian Health Insurance in Australia
Australia is known for its excellent healthcare system, but having a private health insurance policy is highly recommended for residents and visa holders. The cost of private health insurance in Australia varies based on several factors, including the policyholder's age, type of coverage, and the number of dependents.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with several countries, such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia, and Norway, make it easier for citizens of these countries to access healthcare in Australia. However, students from Norway, Finland, Malta, and the Republic of Ireland are not covered by RHCA.
For individuals applying for a work-sponsored visa, proof of health insurance in Australia is required, even if their country is included in the RHCAs. Most Australians also have private health insurance and Medicare to supplement their healthcare coverage.
The monthly cost of private health insurance in Australia for adult without dependents ranges from AUD 184 to AUD 483. It is important to note that the cost can increase quickly with added extras.
There are basic and budget health insurance plans available for those on a budget. Still, they may only cover in-hospital care rather than out-of-hospital services, such as general practitioners or pharmacy. Knowing any waiting periods and restrictions associated with these budget plans is important.
Comparing health insurance plans in Australia is more accessible by using comparison sites like Canstar, which allows users to compare policies, view a list of plans sorted by monthly premium or Canstar rating, and access a Working Visa Research Results PDF. The PDF compares coverage, lists premiums, and is sorted by Canstar rating, making it an excellent resource for those applying for a TSS visa (482 visa) or any other Australian working visa that requires health insurance.
In conclusion, the monthly cost of private health insurance in Australia can vary widely based on several factors. However, with the help of comparison sites like Canstar, individuals can find the best coverage to meet their needs. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website to learn more about adequate health insurance for visa holders.
Housing Costs
One of the highest costs when moving to Australia is housing. House rental prices vary depending on the location and type of property you want. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from AUD 1,600 to AUD 84,000 monthly rent in Australia.
If you plan on buying a property in Australia, you will also need to consider the costs of purchasing a home, such as property taxes and more. The cost of buying a home in Australia can vary greatly depending on the location, type of property, and market conditions, with prices ranging from AUD 220,000 to AUD 5 million or more.
Transportation Costs
Australia is a large country, and having a reliable mode of transportation is essential for most people. Whether you buy a car or use public transit, you must factor in the costs of getting around in Australia.
The cost of buying a car in Australia depends on the type of car you choose, with new cars ranging from AUD 24,500 to AUD 229,000 or more. You will also need to factor in the costs of maintaining and insuring your vehicle.
If you prefer public transportation, you can pay anywhere from AUD 2.2 to AUD 12.8 per trip, depending on your location and mode of transportation.
Miscellaneous Expenses
You will need to consider several other expenses when moving to Australia, such as setting up utility accounts, buying household items, and more. These expenses can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and preferences, so it is important to budget accordingly.
In conclusion, moving to Australia can be expensive, but with careful planning, you can make your move a reality. The key is understanding all the expenses of relocating to Australia and budgeting accordingly. Suppose you are interested in moving to Australia and would like more information on the costs involved. In that case, we highly recommend you speak to a relocation specialist or a migration agent.
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you better understand the costs of relocating to Australia. If you're looking for a reliable international moving service. to help you move to Australia, look no further than Hercules Moving Company. Our experienced team of professionals is committed to making your move as seamless and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free quote and start your new adventure in Australia!
