Asia-Pacific · Canberra

🇦🇺 Australia

Practical relocation guide for Australia — visas, housing, banking, healthcare, education and integration in one place.

Capital
Canberra
Currency
AUD
Language
English
Cost index
80/100
Pathways

Visa & residency options

Subclass 189 / 190

Skilled Independent / State Nominated, PR on grant.

Subclass 482 (TSS)

Employer-sponsored temporary skill shortage, 2–4 years.

Subclass 188 / 888

Business Innovation and Investment, pathway to PR via 888.

Residency: PR via 189/190/186; citizenship after 4 years (1 as PR).

Money

Tax & cost of living

Taxation

Progressive 0–45% + 2% Medicare levy; superannuation 11.5% employer contribution mandatory.

Monthly essentials
  • Rent (1BR city): A$2,200–$3,500
  • Meal out: A$25
  • Transport pass: A$170/mo Sydney Opal
Money 2

Banking & business setup

Banking

CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB — open account online pre-arrival up to 12 months ahead. Wise and Revolut Australia for low-fee transfers.

Business setup

Pty Ltd registration A$576 via ASIC, single shareholder/director (at least one Australian resident). Setup 1–2 days. Company tax 25–30%.

Lifestyle

Living in country

Housing

Sydney and Melbourne among most expensive globally; Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide better value. Rental market extremely tight 2024–25.

Healthcare

Universal Medicare; private supplements (Bupa, Medibank, HCF) for faster elective care + dental.

Education

World-class K-12 (free public) and universities (Group of Eight: Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW). International student fees A$30k–$50k.

Employment

Mining (BHP, Rio Tinto), finance (Big Four banks), healthcare, agritech, education.

Ready to move to Australia?