Ready To Move Abroad?
Get 5 Quotes In Just 3 Easy Steps
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually

Moving to Australia from UK

Guide on Costs, Lifestyle and Moving Checklist

Featured image

We put together this expert guide on relocating to Australia from the UK with a moving and lifestyle costs breakdown, how to move, some advice and even free removal quotes. Read on and make your move to the Land Down Under easier!

Cost of Moving to Australia

The average cost of moving to Australia can run between £6,900 – £9,500 for a 3-bedroom house by sea freight. You can expect your belongings to arrive in 6 to 12 weeks.

To further give you an idea, we’ve put together the following estimates based on moving to Australia from London by sea:

Household SizeCost
1-bed flat£3,000 – £4,200
2-bed house£4,000 – £6,500
3-bed house£6,900 – £9,500
4-bed house£8,800 – £11,000
5-bed house£10,700 – £14,400

Disclaimer: the rates shown above are just estimates. The costs of your move to Australia will vary depending on your actual point of departure and the service rates of the company.

Estimate Your Volume

As one of the main factors influencing your costs, you should consider calculating it in advance to get a better estimation and request accurate moving quotes.

Calculate Volume Now

💰 You can read more about what factors can affect your costs on our international removals costs page.

Free Removal Quotes to Australia

Find up to 5 removal companies who can help you with your move. You can save time, and money and get the best deal by comparing. Fill in the form below to start!

Compare Removals to Australia
Find the right moving company to help move your belongings!

International Removals UK to Australia

To make your move to Australia hassle-free and efficient, take a look at the 3 best removal companies in the UK to move to Australia:

Discover the top removal companies in Australia and compare their services.

Requirements to Migrate to Australia

Regardless of your purposes, as a UK citizen, you must apply for a visa to enter the country. The list of visas available is extended, however, you can find the most popular ones here:

VisaDescription
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)Temporary (> 4 years) You need to be sponsored and have experience in an industry with a skills shortage.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)Permanent. No need for a sponsor but must be invited and submit an expression of interest (EOI).
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)Permanent. You need to be sponsored and be highly skilled in a certain industry.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)Temporary (> 12 months. You must be from 18 to 30 years old. No need to be skilled or sponsored.

For more information, you can check Australia’s government Permanent Migration from the UK page or the visa finder to find the most suitable visa for your needs.

Moving to Australia from the UK: Checklist

Before you can get back to thinking about coral reefs and the ocean, it’s time to start delving into the logistics and necessities. This step-by-step guide is a great start.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Australia

  • Personal Documents: Prepare your passport, visa, financial statements, birth certificate and others such as marriage certificate, medical documents, university degree, and health insurance policy if necessary.

Moving to Australia? Don’t forget you need a visa. Check out our guide!

  • Hire a Removal Company: If you plan to move your belongings, you’ll want to find a reliable mover. As a good place to start, we have curated a list of the best international movers in Australia.
  • Pack: Be sure to declutter, create an inventory and read packing tips to save time and money. Some removal companies offer this service, which will certainly be worth the money.
  • Tax: You must inform HMRC after you’ve moved abroad. We recommend seeking professional advice on tax payments in Australia and applying for a tax file number, which can only be applied for after you arrive.
  • Moving Car to Australia: You can import it, but make sure to:
    • Have proof of ownership of your car for at least a year
    • Obtain an import permit
    • Have proof of residence in Australia
  • Moving With Pets: Australia is very protective of its wildlife. Therefore, most pets – other than cats and dogs – are banned. Before importing your pet, we recommend you visit the government’s website on Bringing cats and dogs to Australia.

Living in Australia

A blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity and warm climate distinguish the country. Let’s dive deep into what you need to know about its lifestyle.

Some Australian Culture Facts

  • Meeting locals is easy, as they are open and welcoming. They’ll be willing to show you around and give you tips.
  • Aussies are known for their dry sense of humour.
  • As the country is so big, you can find many climates, from the subtropical south to the tropical north separated by barren deserts. The summer lasts from December to February.
  • The Australian Aboriginal Australians are one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

House Prices in Australia

The average house price for a two-bedroom house in Sydney you can pay between $470,000 – $600,000. In Melbourne, for the same or similar place, you would pay between $100,000 – $200,000.

The weekly average rent price for a two-bedroom house is $600, slightly dropping on the outskirts and smaller cities.

⚠️ Before buying a property you’ll need permission from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). You can read more about Foreign Investment on the Australian government’s page.

Best Place to Live in Australia

It depends on your budget, lifestyle or job market. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer diverse experiences but can be pricey and crowded.

Brisbane, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide can be a budget-friendly alternative with natural, welcoming surroundings and vibrant lifestyles while maintaining more affordable housing.

Cost of Living in Australia vs UK

To give you a rough indicator, the table below compares some common cost of living metrics between the UK and Australia:

MetricUKAustralia
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre£758£946
Basic monthly utilities for an 85m2 apartment£156£123
1L of milk£0.91£0.91
Cappuccino£2.75£2.47
0.5L of draught beer£3.63£4.41
1L of gasoline£1.27£0.81

Advice for Living in Australia

  1. Stock up on your medications, they can be expensive. Don’t forget to declare them at the airport, it’ll save you some hassle.
  2. Ask beforehand about furnished accommodation, as places may come unfurnished.
  3. Find a place with air conditioning, especially if you’re not used to a warm climate.
  4. Australian coffee is top-notch. You may be converted to be a coffee lover.
  5. Keep an eye out for signs. They’ll alert you to any potential hazards.
Drained of their routine, Claire and her husband decided to go travelling but ended up not making it home.

Working in Australia

If you are a British citizen seeking employment opportunities in Australia, these online portals can be an excellent starting point for your job search:

💼 Finding salaried employment can be challenging on a temporary visa, as some employers may be hesitant to hire due to the limited right to work.

Education in Australia

Australia is globally recognized for having a high-quality and innovative education system.

You can find public, private and catholic schools. Generally speaking, public schools accept enrolments based on the permanent residential address, so it’s important to carefully consider the area they wish to reside. Some public schools can also require temporary residents to pay tuition fees.

Australia Schooling System

LevelDescription
Primary School (2 – 6 years)From kindergarten (optional) to preparatory. Literacy, numeracy and social skills development.
Secondary School (7 – 18 years)Compulsory – Specialization subject-wise, from English, mathematics, and science to humanities.
Tertiary Education (+18 years)Optional – higher education and VET (Vocational Education and Training) options.

Prices for private schools can cost up to 20,000 AUD per year for high schools, which is about 11,560 pounds. Universities range from 10000 AU to 35,000 AUD per year.

Get Ready to Move to Australia

Are you still in need of further assistance for your move to Australia? We have your back. Check out the FAQs below and the articles we have linked for you – they will be super helpful, we promise!

Frequently asked questions

What do you need to move to Australia?

Can I migrate to Australia from the UK?

Can you retire to Australia?

Can you work in Australia without a visa?

How much would it cost to immigrate to Australia?

How much is rent in Australia?

Is it expensive to live in Australia?