What it really costs to move to Australia

Most people budget for the visa and the flights, then get caught out by everything else. Here’s what moving to Australia actually costs, with current government charges where they exist, so you can build a budget that holds up.

1. The visa

For most permanent and long-stay visas, the visa application charge runs to thousands of dollars, and you pay more for each family member. Here are some common ones, from the Home Affairs pricing table:

Visa	Main applicant	Each extra adult	Each child under 18
Skilled Independent (189)	$6,135	$3,070	$1,540
Skilled Nominated (190)	$6,140	$3,070	$1,535
Skills in Demand (482)	$4,015	$4,015	$1,005
Partner (820/801 or 309/100)	$11,710	$5,860	$2,935

So a couple with two children applying for a Skilled Independent visa would pay $6,135 + $3,070 + $1,540 + $1,540 = $12,285 in visa charges alone.

A few things to know, according to Home Affairs:

• The price you pay depends on the date Home Affairs receives your application, and prices change from time to time.
• The charge is payable in two instalments. The first is paid when you apply. Some applicants also have a second instalment to pay before the visa is granted.
• Home Affairs doesn’t usually refund the charge, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.

Use the official Visa Pricing Estimator for your exact visa and family. Not sure which visa fits? Start with Australian visas explained.

2. The costs around the visa

These vary by country and occupation, so get your own quotes:

• Skills assessment. Many skilled visas need one, and the assessing authority for your occupation sets the fee.
• English test. If you need one, fees depend on the test and the country you sit it in.
• Health examinations. Home Affairs says you pay the clinic directly, and there may be extra costs if more tests are needed.
• Police certificates, translations and certified copies. Small on their own, but they add up across a family.
• A migration agent, if you use one. See migration agents: when you need one.

3. Getting here

Flights for the whole family, plus whatever you bring. Before you ship furniture, get quotes and compare them with the cost of buying again here. Bringing a cat or dog is possible, but it needs a biosecurity import permit and a stay in post-entry quarantine, so check the Department of Agriculture’s requirements early.

4. Landing and setting up

This is where budgets usually break. Before you have a lease, you’ll need short-term accommodation, often for a few weeks. Then the rental itself has upfront costs. In New South Wales, for example, a landlord can ask for a bond of up to four weeks’ rent and up to two weeks’ rent in advance.

With Sydney’s median unit asking rent at $780 a week (Domain, September 2026), that’s up to $3,120 in bond plus $1,560 in rent, so $4,680 before you’ve bought a bed. Then add furniture, a phone plan, transport, and maybe a car. More in how renting works and your first month.

5. Health cover

Some temporary visas, including student visas, require you to keep adequate health insurance for your whole stay. Even if you’re eligible for Medicare, you may want private cover or ambulance cover. See Medicare and private health insurance.

Your budget checklist

Comparing cities? See Australian cities compared for current rents.