Australia entices South African expatriates seeking a new home with its stunning coastlines, lively urban centers, and relaxed way of life. However, the considerable expenses often make them hesitant. Delving into the typical costs involving housing, transportation, healthcare, and additional necessities aids in creating a feasible plan. This comprehensive guide dissects the anticipated living expenditures, enabling South Africans to effectively budget for their move to Australia.
Compare Housing Costs in Cities vs Regional Areas
Australia offers diverse options from inner-city high-rises to rural farmhouses. Housing steals the biggest slice of monthly expenditure. In major metros like Sydney and Melbourne, average rents start around $400 AUD per week for a 1-bed apartment, equating to about R4,600. Buying is expensive too, with median house prices ranging $600,000 – $900,000 AUD, or R6.9M – R10M+. Smaller regional cities and rural areas offer cheaper housing under $300 AUD weekly rent, around $200,000 AUD sales prices. Choose locations wisely based on living costs.
Understand Transportation Requirements
Australia’s massive size means most residents rely on vehicles for transport. Used car prices start around $5,000 AUD. Petrol costs about $1.25 – $1.75 AUD per liter, or R14 – R20. Registration, insurance and maintenance are extra expenses. Public transport like buses, trains, ferries and trams operates in major cities and between regional hubs. Fares range $5 – $15 AUD depending on distance. Biking is also popular, but consider climate and commute distances. Analyze your transportation needs when budgeting to pick suitable options.
Compare Food and Household Costs
Groceries for basics like bread, eggs, meat, veggies, fruit and staples run around $100 – $150 AUD weekly, or R1,150 – R1,700. Eating out at restaurants costs $15 – $40+ per person. Alcohol like wine or beer purchased in stores is affordable, but more expensive at bars and restaurants. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, garbage pickup and internet access add around $200 AUD per month depending on usage, or R2,300. Overall household and food costs are moderate relative to salaries.
Evaluate Healthcare Options
Australia’s public Medicare system helps residents access medical services at lower costs, though supplemental private insurance is common for expanded coverage. Medicare eligibility begins when receiving permanent or long-stay immigration visas. Monthly public insurance fees run around $10 AUD per person. Private insurance ranges from $100 – $500+ per month based on age, pre-existing conditions and plan extent. Doctors visits, hospitalization, appliances and prescriptions come with varied fees for residents. Understand healthcare costs when moving.
Account for Entertainment, Shopping and Leisure
Lifestyle and leisure costs depend heavily on interests and hobbies. Big city inhabitants pay more for memberships, events, dining and cultural activities versus rural residents. Entertainment like movies and concerts averages $15 – $100+ per person. Sports equipment, gym memberships, lessons and club fees add up too. Travel within Australia can be reasonable using discounted domestic flights and passes. Establish lifestyle priorities and associated costs.
Factor in Miscellaneous Recurring Expenses
Additional recurring bills include cell phone fees starting around $30 AUD monthly, supplemental private schooling if applicable, childcare costs, laundry and dry cleaning, pet supplies and ownership costs. Home, life and car insurance rates vary based on location, age and personal details but expect around $100 – $300 AUD monthly. Accounting for miscellaneous but obligatory expenses reduces financial surprises. Be thorough when estimating all fixed living costs.
Consider Part-Time Work Restrictions
Foreign students enrolled in Australian universities can work up to 40 hours during term and unlimited hours when programs are not in session. Graduates who applied for permanent residency can also work without limits. But most other visa classes limit overseas residents to part-time work only while transitioning to permanent status, which takes 1-2 years. Some visas prohibit employment entirely. Understand any work restrictions to avoid illegal practices.
Determine Tax Requirements
Australia operates on a sliding tax scale from 0% up to 45% based on income level. Residents must file annual returns to access health services, reclaim withholding amounts and reconcile overall tax liabilities. Most employers automatically deduct taxes on behalf of workers. Self-employed individuals and businesses handle their own tax payments and reporting. Accountants charge around $200 AUD to handle filing for those who require assistance. Keep taxes in mind when budgeting take home income.
Plan for Visa and Immigration Costs
Visas form a major barrier to relocating, with mandatory fees and paperwork processing. Permanent residency visas cost around $4,000 – $7,000 AUD per applicant depending on the path. Skilled work permits range $500 – $1,000 AUD. Provisional and temporary visas cost $300 – $500 AUD. Using an immigration attorney adds legal preparation and representation fees but helps ensure approval. Account for visa expenses in your moving budget.
Understand Rental Bonds and Deposits
When renting property, expect to pay a security deposit or bond equal to 4-6 weeks of rent upon signing any lease agreement. This must be lodged with the state housing authority and is refundable at tenancy conclusion if the property is left undamaged according to inspection. Budgeting this extra rental expense upfront prevents financial hardship later. The bond partially protects landlords from loss in case tenants cause property damage.
Moving abroad requires careful financial preparation and budgeting. By understanding all the costs involved with living permanently or long-term in Australia, South Africans can strategize their immigration plans accordingly. Seek ways to reduce expenses like living regionally, limiting cars and consolidating housing to keep costs contained. Share your own Australia money-saving tips and tricks with fellow prospective expats below!