Is Australia good for expats?

Australia is a top destination for those seeking to live abroad, offering a high quality of life, strong economy, and diverse cities.

But, is Australia good for expats? Even as the country is known for its safety, healthcare, and work-life balance, expats must still navigate high living costs, strict visa requirements, and taxation policies.

If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).

This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.

Some of the facts might change from the time of writing, and nothing written here is financial, legal, tax or any other kind of individual advice, nor a solicitation to invest.

This guide explores whether Australia is a good fit for foreigners looking to live, work, or invest in the country.

Is Australia good for expats?

Is it easy to move to Australia?

Australia offers various visa options for expats, including skilled work visas (e.g. subclass 482, 189, 190), business and investor visas, student visas, and permanent residency pathways.

Skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, engineering or finance have strong opportunities for sponsorship, while investors can apply for Business Innovation and Investment Visas.

However, immigration policies are strict, and permanent residency (PR) is not guaranteed. PR applications depend on points-based assessments, employer sponsorship, or state nomination.

Processing times can be lengthy, and expats must meet health, character, and financial requirements.

Expat Jobs Australia

Australia has a strong economy with high wages and low unemployment (around 4%), making it an attractive destination for skilled expats.

Job prospects however vary by industry and visa status. Key industries with high demand for expats include healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, construction, and education.

Government lists such as the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) highlight in-demand roles for visa sponsorship.

Expats on skilled work visas (e.g. subclass 482, 186, 189, 190) often have an easier time securing employment.

Temporary visa holders, such as Working Holiday or Student Visa holders, notably face restrictions on work hours and employer sponsorship.

Salaries in Australia are competitive, with an average full-time salary of AUD 95,000 per year, but wage levels depend on industry and location. Sydney and Melbourne offer the highest salaries, while Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide provide lower costs of living.

Expats should also consider workplace culture and employment laws. Australian workplaces emphasize work-life balance, fair wages, and strong employee rights.

Most employees receive at least four weeks of paid annual leave, and casual workers receive higher hourly wages due to lack of benefits.

However, recognition of foreign qualifications can be a challenge, particularly in regulated fields like medicine, law, and engineering, requiring additional certification or licensing.

Cost of Living in Australia

Australia has a very high cost of living, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where housing, transport, and everyday expenses are among the most expensive globally.

According to Numbeo, for a family of four, estimated monthly costs are around AUD 5,700 without rent. For a single person, estimated monthly costs are AUD 1,600 without rent. You need add a couple more thousands on top of it, if you need to rent.

Expats should carefully budget for rent, groceries, healthcare, and utilities, as costs can vary significantly depending on location.

Housing Costs

• Sydney and Melbourne: Most expensive cities, with median rents could easily cost over AUD 650 per week for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide: More affordable, with estimated rents between AUD 450–550 per week.
• Regional areas: Much cheaper but offer fewer job opportunities.

Expats must also consider rental market competitiveness, as demand for housing in major cities is high, requiring proof of employment, references, and rental history.

Buying property as a non-resident requires Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval and high stamp duty fees.

Everyday Expenses

• Groceries: Expect to spend AUD 500–800 per month for a single person.
• Transport: Public transport passes cost AUD 160–200 per month in major cities, but Sydney and Melbourne have higher fares.
• Utilities: Electricity, gas, and internet add AUD 200–300 per month to living costs.

Healthcare Costs

Expats without permanent residency or reciprocal Medicare agreements must purchase private health insurance, which can cost about AUD 100–300 per month, depending on coverage. Medicare-eligible expats pay 2% of taxable income for healthcare coverage.

Comparison with Other Expat Destinations

Australia’s living costs are higher than in Southeast Asia or South America but comparable to cities like London, New York, or Singapore. Higher wages and strong public services help offset expenses, but only for skilled expats and high earners.

Expats moving to Australia must factor in high housing and healthcare costs, particularly in major cities, while considering more affordable options in regional areas or secondary cities.

Quality of Life in Australia for Expats

Australia consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices, offering a strong work-life balance, excellent healthcare, and a safe and clean environment.

The country’s diverse culture, outdoor lifestyle, and modern infrastructure make it an attractive destination for expats looking for a high standard of living.

Australia has a relaxed work culture, with most full-time employees working around 38 hours per week.

Expats often benefit from four weeks of paid annual leave, paid parental leave, and strong labor protections.

Unlike many Western countries, Australians prioritize leisure, outdoor activities, and family time, making it an ideal place for those seeking a healthier work-life balance.

Outdoor and Recreational Activities

Australia’s mild climate and diverse landscapes offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from surfing at Bondi Beach to hiking in the Blue Mountains or exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Major cities have expansive parks, cycling trails, and coastal walkways, encouraging an active and outdoor-focused lifestyle.

Public Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity

Australia’s public transport system varies by city, with Sydney and Melbourne offering extensive train, tram, and bus networks, while Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide rely more on buses.

Internet speeds are fast and reliable, though some rural areas may have limited connectivity.

Safety and Crime Rates

Australia is one of the safest countries for expats, with low crime rates, political stability, and strict gun laws.

While petty crime exists in major cities, violent crime is rare. Australia’s strict consumer protections and labor laws also ensure a high level of security for workers and residents.

Expat Healthcare in Australia

Australia has a world-class healthcare system, but expats must understand how Medicare and private insurance work based on their visa status.

The country provides universal healthcare for citizens and permanent residents, but temporary residents and non-residents must secure private health insurance to meet visa requirements.

Do expats qualify for Medicare?

• Australian citizens and permanent residents have full access to Medicare, covering public hospital treatment and subsidized medical services.
• Expats on work visas and students generally do not qualify for Medicare unless from a country with a Reciprocal Health Agreement (RHCA), or holding a valid temporary visa covered by one of the Ministerial Orders.
• Countries with RHCA (e.g., UK, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden) allow expats to access basic Medicare services, but long-term private health coverage is recommended.

Expat Health Insurance

Expats without Medicare must purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), depending on their visa.

Monthly premiums range from AUD 100–300, covering GP visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.

Healthcare Costs Without Insurance

Expats without Medicare or private health insurance face high out-of-pocket medical costs, estimated at:

• GP consultations: AUD 80–150 per visit.
• Emergency hospital visits: AUD 500+ for basic treatment.
• Specialist appointments: AUD 200–400 per consultation.

Australia Health Care Quality

Australia’s public and private healthcare facilities are among the best globally, with short waiting times for urgent care and highly trained medical professionals.

Major cities have state-of-the-art hospitals, while rural areas may have fewer specialists.

Australia Education

Australia offers high-quality education, with a mix of public, private, and international schools. Expats moving with children must consider tuition costs, visa eligibility for public schooling, and curriculum differences when choosing the right educational option.

Public vs. Private Schools for Expats

• Public Schools: Free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, but temporary visa holders may need to pay international tuition fees, which vary by state (could be AUD 5,000–15,000 per year).
• Private Schools: Offer higher academic standards, smaller class sizes, and better facilities but could cost AUD 15,000–40,000 per year.
• International Schools: Follow IB (International Baccalaureate), American, or British curriculums, ideal for expats who plan to relocate again. Tuition fees could start at AUD 20,000–50,000 per year.

Higher Education for Expat Students

Australia is home to top-ranked universities, such as The University of Melbourne, ANU, and The University of Sydney.

• International students pay higher fees (AUD 20,000–50,000 per year) compared to domestic students.
• Some student visas (Subclass 500) allow part-time work, helping students offset costs.

Expats planning long-term residency should consider PR pathways through student visas, as graduates in certain fields may qualify for work visas.

For more guidance, it is recommended to speak with an expat financial advisor who can assist with specific needs and questions.

Pained by financial indecision?

Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.