Currency
AUD
$
Healthcare
Public (Medicare)
$0/mo
Work Visa
3-12 months depending on visa type
processing time
Deposit
4 mo
of rent
Visa & Work Permits
Which city in Australia?
| City | Median Salary | 1BR Rent Range | English | Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $8,500 | $2,300 - $3,800 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Melbourne | $8,000 | $1,800 - $2,800 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Brisbane | $7,200 | $1,800 - $2,400 | 5/5 | 8 |
| Perth | $8,200 | $1,800 - $2,600 | 5/5 | 8 |
| Adelaide | $6,800 | $1,550 - $2,100 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Canberra | $8,800 | $2,000 - $2,600 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Hobart | $6,200 | $1,550 - $2,050 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Darwin | $7,000 | $2,300 - $4,100 | 5/5 | 5 |
What the taxman takes: UK vs Australia
Same gross salary in both places: $8,500 (AUD) per month.
UK
3330.0%
effective tax rate
Net: £5,666/mo
Australia
2300.0%
effective tax rate
Net: $6,548/mo
Rough numbers for a single filer with standard deductions. Your actual rate shifts with income, city, and your own situation.
What daily life costs in Australia
The up-front bill, moving to Australia
Rental Deposit
4 month(s) of rent
Registration & Admin
$0
Usually 4 weeks bond + 2 weeks rent upfront. No agent fees for tenants. Competitive markets in Sydney/Melbourne.
Also considering leaving UK for somewhere else?
See what your salary looks like in Australia
Type in your gross pay. We'll show what lands after tax, which neighborhoods you can actually afford, and how much is left over each month.
Questions people actually ask
How does Australia compare to UK on cost of living?
It depends on the city. In Sydney, a one-bed runs $2,300 to $3,800 and groceries land around $660 a month. In Melbourne, a one-bed runs $1,800 to $2,800 and groceries land around $630 a month. In Brisbane, a one-bed runs $1,800 to $2,400 and groceries land around $570 a month.
Do I need a visa to work in Australia from UK?
Skilled Worker visa (subclass 482). Points-tested visas (189, 190). Employer sponsorship required for most. If you hold an EU passport: Same as non-EU. Work visa required. Working Holiday visa for under 31s.. Expect processing to take 3-12 months depending on visa type. Double-check the current rules with the Australia immigration authority before you book anything.
How does healthcare work in Australia once you arrive?
Australia runs a Public (Medicare) system. Medicare covers public hospital. Private insurance for extras (~$100-200/month). Medicare levy 2% of income. Public coverage is roughly $0 a month. Private sits around $150.
How much tax will I pay in Australia?
On $8,500 gross a month, you're looking at roughly 2300.0% effective. That leaves about $6,548 in your account. The real number moves with your income, your city, and your situation.
What up-front money do I need to move from UK to Australia?
Budget 4 month(s) of rent for the deposit. Registration and paperwork usually come in around $0. Usually 4 weeks bond + 2 weeks rent upfront. No agent fees for tenants. Competitive markets in Sydney/Melbourne.