Moving to Australia
Your complete guide to moving to Australia. Explore visa-friendly jobs, salary insights, cost of living, housing, work culture, education, healthcare, and relocation services to plan a smooth and successful move.
Why Australia? Exploring Lifestyle, Taxes, and Pathways to Citizenship
Immigration policies, including the skilled migrationprogram and post-pandemic visa changes, continueto shape Australia’s workforce dynamics and talentflows.
Lifestyle
World-Class Living with Work–Life Balance
Australia offers world-class living with vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. Expats enjoy excellent healthcare, safety, outdoor living, and a multicultural environment that supports both career growth and family life.
Taxation
Competitive Salaries with Transparent and Stable Tax System
Australia has a clear and well-regulated tax system with progressive income tax, strong salary levels, and tax treaties with over 40 countries to help reduce double taxation for international professionals.
Immigration / Citizenship
Clear Skilled Migration Pathways to Permanent Residency
Australia provides structured visa pathways such as MLTSSL, employer sponsorship, and points-based skilled visas, allowing many professionals to move from work visas to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Australia
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Jobs
Australia has strong demand in healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. Foreign professionals are welcome but must meet work visa requirements.
Visa
Immigration policies, including the skilled migrationprogram and post-pandemic visa changes, continueto shape Australia’s workforce dynamics and talentflows.
Work Visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS / 482): Employer-sponsored work visa
- Skilled Independent (189): Points-based skilled migration
- Skilled Nominated (190): State-nominated skilled migration
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494): Regional employer sponsorship
- Global Talent Visa (GTI): High-skilled global talent
Student Visas
- Student Visa (Subclass 500): For studying in Australia
- Post-study work visas: Graduate temporary visas (Subclass 485)
Permanent Residency & Family Visas
- PR (Permanent Residency): Skilled, family, or employer-sponsored
- Family / Dependant Visas: Partner, children, or parent visas
Browse All Australia Work Visas
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Cost of Living
Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth attract the highestinternal migration, reflecting strong job markets andquality of life. Despite a 60.9 cost of living index,Australia remains a key destination due to its stableeconomy, strong labour protections, and skilledmigration pathways.
Australia is relatively expensive; rent and utilities are major costs. Approximate monthly expenses:
- Single: AUD 2,500–4,000
- Family: AUD 5,000–8,500
By Category
- Housing: Rent in Sydney / Melbourne approx. AUD 1,800–3,500/month
- Food & groceries: AUD 400–800/month
- Transport: Public transport monthly pass AUD 150–200
- Healthcare: GP consultation AUD 50–100
- Utilities & Internet: AUD 200–300/month
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Salaries in Australia
Australia offers some of the most competitive salaries in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by a strong economy, high living standards, and ongoing demand for skilled professionals. For international talent, Australia is especially attractive in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and construction, many of which are also linked to visa-friendly occupation lists like the MLTSSL and state nomination programs.
Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane provide the widest range of high-paying professional roles, while Perth continues to offer premium salaries in mining, energy, and infrastructure. Salaries vary by experience level, location, and industry, but Australia’s regulated minimum wage and employment standards ensure transparent and stable income conditions for both local and overseas workers.
High-Paying Roles (Typical Annual Salaries)
- Software Engineer – AUD $85,000–$130,000
- IT Project Manager – AUD $110,000–$160,000
- Data Scientist – AUD $95,000–$145,000
- UX/UI Designer – AUD $75,000–$120,000
- Finance Manager – AUD $90,000–$150,000
- Registered Nurse – AUD $75,000–$115,000
Cities with the Highest Salaries
- Sydney – Finance, Tech, Professional Services
- Melbourne – Technology, Design, Education, Healthcare
- Perth – Mining, Engineering, Energy
- Brisbane – Infrastructure, Healthcare, IT
Pay Frequency
Most employees are paid fortnightly (every two weeks), with some roles paying weekly or monthly depending on the employer and industry.
For skilled migrants and international graduates, salary levels are not only important for lifestyle planning, but also for meeting visa requirements such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (482) and Skilled Migration points test. At BRIGENAI, we filter relocation jobs by both market salary benchmarks and visa eligibility, helping you target roles that support long-term career growth and permanent residency pathways in Australia.
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Career Advisors for Work Abroad
Relocating to a new country often comes with unexpected barriers, from mismatched skills to hidden market rules. Without proper insights and support, even experienced professionals struggle to succeed.
Browse Professionals Who Have Walked Your Path And Get Insights Before You Go
Local Work Culture
Australia’s work culture values collaboration, open communication, and a healthy work-life balance. Understanding local norms, workplace etiquette, and communication styles can help you integrate smoothly and succeed professionally.
Business Culture
- Direct but friendly communication
- Punctuality and teamwork are important
- Annual leave and sick leave are legally mandated
Job Market Insights
- Salaries vary by state and sector
- Interviews often include HR, technical, and manager rounds
- Skilled jobs are competitive, especially in tech and healthcare
Workplace Laws
- Fair Work Act: Labor law protections
- Superannuation: Retirement contributions
- Overtime & leave rules: Regulated by law
Healthcare & Insurance
Australia offers a world-class healthcare system, including public services through Medicare and a wide range of private insurance options. Understanding how healthcare and insurance work is essential for living and working in Australia with confidence and security.
Healthcare Overview
- Public healthcare via Medicare; some services require private insurance
- Private insurance recommended for expats
- GP registration required for routine care; referrals needed for specialists
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BRIGENAI helps global talent relocate their careers with migration-ready jobs, visa guidance, and local expert support.