Living in Australia | Complete Guide to Settling into the Country

Did you decide to move to one of the best countries to emigrate? I mean, Australia ? So, do not detach from the computer! We prepare a guide for you with all the information you need to live in Australia.

Here, we tell you what the requirements are to live in Australia. In addition, we tell you which are the best cities in the country, how much is the cost of living, what types of accommodation there are and more. Lower the cursor and find out!

5 reasons to live in Australia

Living in Australia as a foreigner is excellent, because the Aussie territory is among the countries with the best quality of life! The economy is strong, so Australians are well paid, live in well-serviced cities, and have access to great opportunities. Well, there are more reasons:

1. Quality of life. The Australian health system, in addition to being one of the best in the world, is public and transport in the main cities is quite efficient.
2. Security. The life in Australia is very safe, as the carrying of weapons is prohibited, violent crimes are almost nil and the crime rate in major cities is low.
3. Education. 10 Australian universities are among the top 200 in the world according to the QS University ranking for their high educational level and academic offerings.
4. Work. The unemployment rate in Australia is just 4.9%, so getting jobs in Australia is easy. Above all, in the mining, agricultural, technological and energy industries.
5. Leisure. The life in Australia is very funny! There is much to see in Aussie country and opportunities to dive, surf and barbecue any day. Oh, and the nightlife is very active.

How is life in Australia

Living in Australia as a foreigner is very relaxed. In fact, the motto of Australians is no worries, because they enjoy nature, outdoor sports and barbecue with family and mate. Of course, do not think that they neglect their duties because of that, because they work between 40 and 44 hours a week.

What are Australians like? They are very friendly, hospitable and tolerant , as Australia is a country where people from all over the world live. On top of that, they love to dress comfortably and casually. Flip-flops and shorts are her ideal outfit for almost all occasions.

Celebrations in Australia

Another characteristic of Australians is that, in addition to loving sports, they love to meet up with friends! They do not miss the opportunity to have a barbecue in a park or on the beaches of Australia, and, every year, they take time to enjoy these typical celebrations of the country:

• Australia Day. Every January 26, parades, fireworks shows and concerts are organized in major cities to commemorate the arrival of Europeans 2 centuries ago and life in Australia.
• Anzac Day. This tribute is made on April 25 and is for Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in World War I and lost their lives in other battles.
• Sydney Festival. The first 3 weeks of January, Sydneyns come together to enjoy all kinds of artistic events: circuses, concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions…
• Moomba Festival. To celebrate the diversity of the city and life in Australia, on the second Monday in March, parades, concerts and aquatic competitions are organized in Melbourne.
• Adelaide Art Festival. From February 28 to March 15, the city is the setting for plays, opera concerts, art exhibitions, and book readings.

Climate in Australia

If you want to be in a sunny country most of the year, come live in Australia ! The climate in Australia is quite warm, although there are times when the temperature and humidity make it too hot. So that you understand it better, know what the seasons are like in the Aussie country:

• Summer (December to February). The temperature ranges between 17 and 30 ° C, and there are occasional rains in some cities. At this time, you have more opportunities to get jobs in Australia.
• Autumn (March to May). The thermometer reads 8 to 17 ° C, so the days are cooler and rainier from time to time. In addition, the cities are not as crowded and the accommodations fall in price.
• Winter (June to August). The temperature ranges from 6 to 22 ° C. In the south, it is very cold, but the climate is warm and there is little humidity in much of the country.
• Spring (September to November). At this time, the thermometer reads 11 to 24 ° C. As summer is near, the demand for employees increases, so it is the ideal time to travel to Australia and work.

Best cities to live in Australia

There are several cities to live in Australia as a foreigner. However, we know that some Aussie cities stand out for their quality of life and job opportunities. We chose 5 that meet these characteristics and that, above all, are very beautiful and interesting. Get to know them!

1. Brisbane

Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia, but everything is quite close and public transport connects the center with the suburbs very well. The only bad thing about the city is that summers are hot! However, the winters are very cool and there are other good reasons to live here:

• The life in Australia is very accessible and are well – paid jobs, which attracts many students and workers.
• Compared to other cities in Australia, accommodation is one of the cheapest in the country.
• The unemployment rate is low and some sectors with demand are construction, finance, mining and technology.

2. Gold Coast

Do you want to say goodbye to the cold? So come to the Gold Coast! The city has about 245 sunny days a year, so life in Australia is enjoyed to the fullest. More advantages of moving to this city is that, in the tourism sector, there are numerous jobs and others that we will tell you below:

• The cost of living is not that high, so if you work, you want to live comfortably.
• Transport consists of trams and buses that connect the city very well and operate almost 24 hours a day.
• Jobs in hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs abound especially in summer. Although it is more difficult to find employment in winter.

3. Melbourne

Melbourne is an excellent destination to live in Australia as a foreigner, as the city offers a great quality of life and very high wages: per month, you earn up to $ 2000 AUD! Other reasons to reside here are security, low pollution and these characteristics:

• The cost of living in Melbourne is quite high, but it’s worth it! Transportation and public services work very well.
• The work in Melbourne in the area of services are easy to get. In addition, there is a demand for architects, engineers and marketing specialists.
• The weather is sunny most of the year, but the rains are very frequent and fall when you least expect it.

4. Perth

Perth is one of the best cities in the world! Be careful, we do not say it, but the Economist Intelligence Unit, which gives this title to the city for its excellent quality of life and low crime rates. In addition, there are a couple more reasons that we tell you in this list:

• The cost of living is somewhat high, but the unemployment rate is low and the city is so quiet that life in Australia is unbeatable.
• Transportation is very efficient and connects the city well. As if that were not enough, there are lines that offer free service!
• The tourism industry is very active, so employment is easy to find. Another area where there is a lot of demand is mining.

5. Sydney

In this list of cities to live in Australia as a foreigner, Sydney could not be missed! Although it is not the capital, it is one of the most important cities, so there are all kinds of job opportunities. The cost of living is high, but the benefits outweigh it. See for yourself:

• The transport consists of buses, trains and ferries, and it is very efficient. Also, if you search well, accessible accommodations are found.
• Unskilled jobs in Sydney are highly paid and easily available.
• The climate is sunny most of the year and ideal for escaping to the beaches to surf or take a dip.

Cost of living in Australia

You already know where to live in Australia as a foreigner, so let’s talk numbers! The cost of living in Australia is approximately AUD $ 3,170 per month. Keep in mind that this figure varies by city, but we will explain it in more detail in the following sections.

Expenses before your trip

Before you do the math, find out that, to obtain an Australian visa, the government requires you to have a certain amount of money to live in Australia as a foreigner. For example, if you travel with a Work and Holiday visa, you need $ 5,000 AUD to pay for your initial stay.

To study, they ask you $ 21,041 AUD if you stay 12 months. When your stay is shorter, divide the figure by 365 and multiply the result by the number of days your trip lasts to find the amount required. Oh, and add to that the cost of your course, which varies depending on the duration and the school where you take it.

• Visa. The cost varies depending on the type of permit.
• Medical insurance. $ 438 AUD per year, but the figure is higher or lower depending on the insurer you hire.
• Flights. 1800 to 2000 $ AUD depending on the country you are traveling from and the time when you buy your ticket.
• Initial payment of your course. Tuition varies from school to school and by type of study, but here are some approximate total costs:
  • English courses: 300 $ AUD
  • VET courses of 3 months duration: 1500 $ AUD
  • Bachelors: 15,000 to 33,000 $ AUD
  • Masters: 18,000 to 37,000 $ AUD
  • Doctorates: 4,000 to 22,000 $ AUD

Expenses at destination

Once you come to live in Australia as a foreigner, the main expenses are rent, food, transportation and payment of services. Next, we give you an approximate figure for each one so that you know how much you need to pay for your stay.

• Accommodation. 220 to 350 $ AUD per week to rent a single room and 160 to 200 $ AUD per week to rent a shared room.
• Services. $ 180 AUD per month.
• Power. 70 to 100 $ AUD weekly.
• Transportation. $ 150 AUD per month.

Types of accommodation to live in Australia

Before talking about the types of accommodation to live in Australia as a foreigner, we recommend that you do not look for housing from your country! You run the risk of being scammed or that the place is not like in the photos. In addition, in Australia, you compare the areas and the different options that there are.

So, what to do? Stay in a hostel for the first few days. The cost of a room goes from 20 to 41 $ AUD per night and, if you consult Booking or A-HOTEL, you will find good places. When you settle in, look for one of these types of housing in the classifieds or on the websites that we suggest.

Shared flats

Cost: 150 to 380 $ AUD per week if the room is individual or shared.

Do you want to enjoy life in Australia without spending a lot? So, get a roommate ! Renting a room is much cheaper than renting an apartment, since the expenses are shared and, in addition, you meet new people. Sure, it has its downside, so know some advantages and disadvantages:

• You make a new friend to have fun with if you are a good roommate.
• You improve your Australian English when you find a non-Spanish speaking roommate .
• You don’t have to buy furniture, because almost every apartment in Australia includes it.
• You may not adapt easily if you are not used to living with strangers.
• You have to pay 2 to 4 weeks of rent as a deposit upon arrival.
• You have to obey the rules that your roommate establishes, but negotiate!

Pst, pst, look for roommates on Flatmates and Gumtree. Oh, and check your social media too.

Student residences

Cost: 250 to 450 $ AUD per week.

Student residences are usually on or very close to campus. Like the shared flats, they offer furnished single and shared rooms, with all services and that include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here are some other advantages and some cons:

• You save time and money, since you are very close to your school.
• You meet other students with whom to spend your free time and share experiences about life in Australia.
• There are well-appointed rooms and common areas.
• You have to pay somewhat high rent if it includes meals or if your clothes are washed.
• There is not much privacy, since you have to share the bathroom and the room sometimes.
• It is necessary that you follow the rules of the residence, which, in some cases, are somewhat strict.

Family’s houses

Cost: 150 to 300 $ AUD per week.

Living with a family is the best way to get to know Australian culture. Generally, the rooms are individual and furnished. In addition, they give you breakfast and dinner during the week and 3 meals on weekends. Other pros and cons of this type of accommodation?

• You improve your English a lot, because you interact with native speakers at all times.
• You save on food, because the family takes care of your food.
• You live with people who explain what life is like in Australia and help you understand the customs.
• You may be a little far from the center, because homestays are in the suburbs.
• You have to follow the family rules if you don’t want to get in trouble.
• There are times when you feel limited socially, because you interact with them mostly.

Hey, visit 2Stay Accommodation or Homestaynetwork ! They are 2 good shared hosting providers.

Live in Australia to study

If you want to live in Australia as a foreigner to study in the Aussie country, do it now! Schools in Australia provide quality education in modern, well-equipped facilities. Above, the degrees are internationally recognized and add value to your resume.

Another reason to learn about life in Australia as a student? It is possible to study and work in the aussie country! If you travel for more than 3 months, the government authorizes you to work 20 hours a week during classes and full time on vacation. It seems little, but it is enough to earn money.

The salary of a student ranges between 448 and 570 AUD $ a week. The figure depends on the city you live in and the job you get. They are usually positions as a waiter, barista, bartender, dog walker, Au Pair, or other unskilled jobs.

Courses to study and work in Australia

The wide academic offer is another benefit of living in Australia and studying. The most popular options are English courses. Schools offer these programs taught by native speakers that allow you to master the language and obtain an international certificate:

• Intensive and general English courses: the programs last a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 2 years, and help you to reinforce the basic aspects of the language: writing, reading, listening and speaking.
• English Certification Exam Preparation Programs: If you are about to take the TOEFL or IELTS, these courses provide sample tests and reinforce your knowledge.

Are you already fluent in English? So, take VET courses! The programs prepare you for demanding careers, as they are like a college degree, but shorter. The goal is for you to join the labor market to meet the demand for qualified employees in the country.

Another advantage of VET courses to live in Australia and study is that they give you access to universities in some cases. There are institutions that allow you to do equivalences of the subjects of the first year of the degree that interest you so that you save some time and money.

Live in Australia to work

If your goal is not to study, but rather you want to work in Australia, it is possible! The government knows that living conditions in the country attract many qualified professionals, so they offer different types of work visas for them to emigrate temporarily or permanently.

Of course, we warn you that there are many requirements to obtain a visa to live in Australia and work. In most cases, they require a job offer and work experience. In addition, they ask you for a degree in one of the professions in demand in Australia. For example:

• Data analysts and engineers.
• Digital marketing analysts.
• Chefs.
• Nurses.
• Social media specialists.
• IT experts.
• Engineers in energy efficiency.
• Doctors
• Teachers.
• Respiratory therapists.

Wages in Australia

Yes, the process to work in Australia is a bit cumbersome, but it’s worth it for the salaries! The minimum salary is AUD $ 20.33 per hour. If you get a qualified job, it pays AUD $ 30-70, which adds up to AUD $ 4,500 to $ 11,000 per month. With that number, life in Australia is smooth!

What to do in Australia for fun

Perhaps, we already mentioned that life in Australia is a lot of fun, but it has to be repeated! As living in Australia is not all studying or working, we have prepared a selection for you with some activities to do in the Aussie country . There is something for everyone, so find the one for you!

• Come live in Cairns for a few days and dive in the Great Barrier Reef.
• Visit the surf beaches in Sydney or the other cities, and ride the highest waves!
• Tour the Cairns Museum or the State Museum of the Tropics of Queensland to learn about Australian history.
• Take a tour of central Australia and sleep under the stars in the desert! If not, take a camel ride and get to know the flora of the place.
• Visit some parks! The most famous Australian landmarks are Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Mount Field National Park.
• Gather your friends and have a barbecue on the beach for kangaroo or crocodile meat. #YumYum

Requirements to live in Australia

Well, we already told you all about life in Australia, so are you ready to emigrate to the country of kangaroos? In that case, you need a visa, but we will explain that later. First, let’s talk about the requirements for getting your visa approved. Pay a lot of attention!

1. Identity documents

One of the requirements to live in Australia is to prove your identity. To do this, the Immigration authorities ask you for photos of the pages of your passport where you can see your face, your personal data and the expiration date. Also, if possible, attach a copy of your national identification card.

2. International health insurance

To study and work, an international medical insurance valid until you leave the country is another of the requirements to live in Australia. Some services are free, but if you require specialized care or have surgery, you have to cover those expenses that are quite high.

3. Letter of acceptance and intentions

As a student, you have to enroll in a course before applying for a visa to study in Australia. When completing the process, they ask you for a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), which is the acceptance document issued by the schools. Also, you need to write a letter explaining your intentions to travel.

4. Other documents according to your type of trip

The requirements to live in Australia that you saw above are general. When your intention is to study or work, there are specific requirements imposed by the government. Next, we point them out for you to comply with and have your visa approved without any problem:

• Depending on the course you take, a certificate of your level of English.
• Criminal records and medical evidence if the authorities require them.
• Evidence of your work experience.
• High level of English to work in Australia.
• Nomination of an employer to obtain a work visa.
• University degree in one of the professions in demand in Australia.

To work, you need these documents too. They do not ask for them when you apply for your visa, but you process them when you are in Australia.

• The Tax File Number (TFN) or the Australian Business Number (ABN) if you work on your own.
• Special permits depending on the type of job you get: the White Card to work in construction, the Blue Card to work with children or the RSA to look for a job in bars.
• Curriculum adapted to the Australian standard.

Visas to live in Australia

Since you know the requirements, it is time to talk about visas to live in Australia as a foreigner. Whether you want to study or work, you need a specific visa. To guide you a bit, we have prepared a list of the most common travel permits to enter the Aussie country :

• Visitor visa: it is a permit to vacation and study in Australia for 3 months.
• Student visa: allows you to study and work in Australia from 3 months to 5 years. The validity depends on the duration of your course.
• Work And Holiday visa: it is a visa to vacation and work in Australia without a limit of hours for 12 months.
• Working Holiday visa: as in the previous case, it allows you to vacation and work in Australia for 12 months, but it is only available for countries in North America and Europe except Spain.
• Temporary Work visa: it is a visa for qualified professionals valid 3 to 6 months.
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa: within this category, there is a valid permit for 2 to 4 years and another for 4 years that are available to qualified professionals.