This blog post is based on a transcript of a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. If you prefer, you can watch the full video for more details.
One of the most common questions I get asked—not just today, not just this week, this month, or even this year—is:
“How much money do I actually need?”
That’s a big question—almost as long as a thesis—but let me give you the clearest answer I can, especially based on what we’ve seen after almost two decades of helping others move.
How much money is needed to immigrate to Australia?
The amount you’ll need to save for your move to Australia depends on several factors—most importantly, the cost of living in your chosen city, your housing situation, and your lifestyle preferences.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s wise to have enough savings to cover at least three to six months of living expenses. This gives you a buffer while you get settled, find work, and adjust to your new environment. For example, if you’re moving to Melbourne on your own, you should budget for around $2,500 per month, not including medical expenses, car-related costs, or insurance.
To get a clearer picture of what living expenses look like in different Australian cities, be sure to download our free Cost of Living guide—it’s a helpful starting point for realistic planning.
On top of everyday costs, don’t forget to factor in the upfront expenses of moving (see next section).
If you’re planning to ship household goods in a 20-foot container, expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000, depending on your origin, volume, and shipping method.
Biggest Expenses When Moving to Australia
Visa Fees
Your visa is likely to be the biggest upfront cost. Fees vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, so it’s a good idea to check the official government website or speak to a migration agent for the most accurate information.
Removals
The second major cost is shipping your belongings to Australia. This can vary depending on how much you’re bringing, the type of shipping (air or sea freight), and whether you’re moving door-to-door or port-to-port.
For more information, you can read our tips on saving money on furniture removals.
Temporary Accommodation
Lastly, factor in any temporary accommodation you might need when you first arrive.
Whether it’s a short-term rental, serviced apartment, or Airbnb, this is something many families overlook but it can add up quickly.
Hidden Costs
Planning for your arrival is just as important as the move itself. Be sure to do your research and try to uncover any hidden or less obvious expenses. Consider expenses such as utility connection fees, purchasing furniture or appliances, school uniforms, and vehicle registration if you plan to buy a car.
One expense that often catches people off guard during their move to Australia is food in the first week. You’ll likely be running around inspecting rental properties, grabbing meals on the go, and picking up takeaway on the way home because, let’s face it—you’ll be exhausted.
A quick lunch for a family of four—say a few toasted sandwiches and drinks—can easily cost around $100, especially if you’re sitting down somewhere just to use the bathroom and take a breather. Do that five days in a row while you’re still jet-lagged and foggy from the flight, and suddenly you’ve spent $500 without even realising it.
Another overlooked cost is public transport cards. If you plan on using buses, trams, or trains, you’ll need a local travel card.
These vary by state. For example, Sydney’s Opal card is free, while Melbourne’s Myki card costs $6.40 per person (less for kids). But it’s not just the card; you’ll also need to top it up.
A good rule of thumb is to budget around $30 per person for initial top-up costs. For a family of four, that’s an extra $120 gone before you’ve even moved into your new home.
House Rental
Rent is one of the biggest ongoing expenses you’ll face when relocating to Australia—and it often comes with significant upfront costs. Most rentals require a bond (security deposit) plus several weeks’ rent in advance.
If you’re still job hunting, you must have enough savings ready when applying for a property (see the next section). Landlords and agents may request proof that you can afford the rent, even if you are currently unemployed.
To get a clearer picture of rental prices in different cities, download our free Cost of Living guide, which includes a city-by-city rental cost comparison to help you plan more accurately.
Money in the Bank
When you land here, you typically don’t have a credit history in the country. Even if you have a job (which I hope you do), agents are looking for one key thing:
Your rent shouldn’t exceed 30% of your income.
That’s their benchmark. And for many migrants—particularly couples—only one partner might be working initially. So you’re applying for rental homes in a very competitive market, often against locals who:
- Have dual incomes
- Have established credit histories
- Offer more financial security to agents
From the agent’s point of view, if one person in a couple loses their job, the second income provides a safety net. Most new migrants don’t have that luxury, which adds a layer of complexity to your rental application.
What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Application
To help your case, it’s incredibly valuable to show proof of savings. How much savings you need depends on the rent you’re looking to pay, but the main question the agent is trying to answer is:
“Will this person be able to pay rent on an ongoing basis?”
Many people say, “That’s fine, I can pay three or four months upfront.” And yes—that’s helpful, especially in today’s competitive market. But estate agents also want to understand your long-term plan.
Right now, to even be considered, you need to offer at least a 12-month lease. So if you arrive with no job, no savings, and no credit history, and you’re applying alongside locals or established residents, it can be very difficult.
Here’s what agents are typically looking for:
- Is there a single or dual income?
- Do they have enough money in their bank account?
- Does the rent exceed 30% of the applicant’s income?
If your application keeps getting rejected, it might not be about you personally. It could simply be those numbers. Not enough savings. Not enough income relative to rent.
Also, remember the currency conversion. If you’re coming from a country where the currency is weaker than the Australian dollar, the amount of money that seems significant in your home country may not go as far in Australia.
How Personnel Relocations Can Help
Planning a move to Australia means juggling a lot of unknowns, especially when it comes to money. You might be wondering: Have I included everything? What am I missing? Are my numbers even realistic?
That’s why we offer personal consultations to help you make sense of it all.
We’ll walk through your budget in three parts:
Pre-arrival budget – what you’ll need before you land, including visas, flights, and early accommodation.
Moving budget – from shipping your belongings to temporary costs during the transition.
Settling-in budget – ongoing expenses like rent, utilities, transport, and school needs.
There are always hidden costs, and it’s easy to miss things when you’re planning from another country. A quick chat with us can help you check your numbers, adjust where needed, and feel more confident about the road ahead.
