Expenses in Australia can catch new migrants completely off guard. This guide provides useful tips to consider before moving to Australia.
Many career professionals jump on the bandwagon of moving to Australia without putting pen to paper and consider living expenses in the new land.
Those considering moving to Australia should keep in mind the salary levels and their relation to monthly household expenses. This is even more crucial for those moving with young kids, as medical expenses can take away a big chunk of take home salary.
With taxes going up in Australia, the disposable income of many Australians is adversely impacted.
The main factors to consider before moving to Australia – average salary, household expenses, transportation expenses, education, and most importantly, medical expenses.
Average salaries in Australia (in AUD)
- Operations manager $80,000
- Accountant $55,000
- Graphic designer $48,000
- General manager $97,000
- Office manager $55,000
- Retail store manager $46,000
(source: Payscale.com)
Average house rent in Australia
The rental prices vary dramatically across Australia, as the following figures show. These figures are as of January 2012, and with changing economic scenario, it may work out cheaper to have a mortgage than to rent in 2014, in some parts of Australia like Canberra. (Source: Workin In Australia)
- Darwin $550
- Sydney $500
- Canberra $500
- Perth $400
- Brisbane $380
- Melbourne $360
- Adelaide $340
- Hobart $320
Average house prices in Australia
Again, these are June 2012 figures, but provide a good indication on house prices throughout the country. In some cities in Australia, you may find owning a home cheaper than renting one.
- Sydney $555,000
- Canberra $495,000
- Melbourne $490,000
- Darwin$472,000
- Perth $460,000
- Brisbane $415,000
- Adelaide $370,000
- Hobart $350,000
Medical expenses in Australia
This one expense is often under-estimated by new migrants. After all, who would imagine falling sick? However, cost of healthcare is very high in Australia, and if you are not a citizen, permanent resident, or hold a certain visa, you will not be eligible for Medicare, and will have to pay medical bills.
- Visit to GP – $70 of which roughly half is paid by Medicare
- Visit to a specialist – $155, of which Medicare will pay $69
- Visit to dentist for one filling – $175 of which Health fund reimburses $98
Health fund is private insurance, independent of Medicare.
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