Australia

Monthly cost of living

Visa processing time (days)

Rent index (2020 = 100)

Tax on average salary (€60,000)

Savings by experience level

Income Tax Brackets (Single Filer)

+ 2.0% social contributions on gross income

Source: ATO.gov.au · 2025-26

Tax Notes

• Medicare levy: 2% of taxable income (included in social rate).
• Medicare levy surcharge: additional 1-1.5% if no private health insurance and income above threshold.
• No joint filing — individual taxation.
• Family Tax Benefit Part A: up to $5,400/year per child.
• Superannuation: employer contributes 11.5% (not deducted from salary).
• Stage 3 tax cuts effective from 1 July 2024.

Child allowance: A$5,400 per child/year

• Mining, tech, healthcare, and construction are strong sectors.
• Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane are major employment hubs.
• Regional areas offer visa advantages and lower competition.

Medicare public system + private option

English (IELTS 6+ for most visas)

• Bond (deposit) typically 4 weeks rent, held by state authority.
• Rental applications are competitive in Sydney and Melbourne.
• Inspect property before signing — condition reports are mandatory.

• FIRB approval required for foreign buyers — limited to new builds.
• Stamp duty varies by state and can be significant.
• First home buyer grants available for PR holders.

• Fake education agent scams — verify through official EATC registry.
• Accommodation fraud targeting international students.
• Tax file number (TFN) phishing scams.

• Verify institution CRICOS registration.
• Use registered migration agents (MARA registered).
• Check education agent credentials on official registry.

Utilities to set up

• 1Electricity and gas connection
• 2Internet (NBN) setup
• 3Water service (usually included in rent for apartments)
• 4Contents insurance

First 30 days

• 1Apply for Tax File Number (TFN)
• 2Open Australian bank account
• 3Enrol in Medicare (if eligible)
• 4Get driver's license or state ID
• 5Set up mobile phone plan