Planning a Big Move to Australia? A Cost of Living Guide for Canadians

Are you considering a move from Canada to Australia? You’re likely excited about the sunny climate, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant, multicultural cities. But alongside the adventure comes the need to navigate practical matters like taxes, education, and, importantly, living expenses. This guide is here to help you understand what life in Australia might cost. For more tips, check out our comprehensive relocation guide to ensure a smooth transition.

Housing

Finding a place to live will be one of your top priorities. Rental costs in Australia vary widely based on property size, condition, and—most critically—location. Canadians might find these prices comparable to living in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver, though Australia’s unique city structure creates some surprises.

For example, while Sydney and Melbourne are often in the spotlight, Canberra has the most expensive rental market in the country. Median weekly rent for an apartment in Canberra is $530 AUD, compared to $490 AUD in Sydney and $375 AUD in Melbourne. This is partly due to the Australian Capital Territory’s higher wages and limited housing supply.

Tip for Canadian renters: Use Australian property platforms like Domain or Realestate.com.au to find deals. Flexible options, such as smaller studio apartments, can cost as little as $300 AUD per week in Sydney.

Transportation

Australia’s public transport system is efficient and modern. For example, in Sydney, daily fare caps keep costs manageable: $16.30 AUD on weekdays and $8.15 AUD on weekends. In Canberra, the maximum weekday fare is lower, at $9.60 AUD.

Similar to Canada’s transit systems, discounts are available for students, seniors, and other eligible groups. Make the most of these savings by registering for concession cards or travelling during off-peak hours.

Lifestyle Costs

Grocery shopping in Australia is comparable to Canadian costs. The average one-person household spends around $98 AUD weekly. Stores like Woolworths and Coles offer competitive pricing, while specialty or artisanal shops may charge more.

Gym memberships, a popular expense for fitness enthusiasts, average $95 AUD per month. Canadians familiar with chains like GoodLife Fitness will recognize a similar setup with Australian brands like Anytime Fitness and Jetts.

Medical Expenses

Canadians planning a permanent move to Australia may qualify for Medicare, Australia’s universal healthcare system, similar to Canada’s provincial health plans. However, Medicare doesn’t cover everything, such as dental or ambulance services in most regions. Many residents opt for private health insurance for broader coverage.

Expect to pay about $166 AUD monthly for basic private insurance. Non-residents may need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) if studying.

Utility Bills

Utilities in Australia involve fixed and variable charges. Small households typically pay around $325 AUD per quarter for electricity and $191 AUD for gas. Home internet costs average $71 AUD per month, similar to Canadian pricing. Canadians can use platforms like Canstar Blue to compare deals and save.

Entertainment and Socializing

Eating out in Australia offers options to suit any budget. Mid-range restaurants charge around $50 AUD per person for a three-course meal, while casual eateries can cost under $10 AUD. Beer prices at pubs range from $8 to $12 AUD, similar to craft beer costs in Canadian cities.

Cinema lovers will find ticket prices starting at $16 AUD for adults. Look for loyalty programs at chains like Hoyts for discounts.

Sending Money Home

If you’re sending money back to Canada, consider money transfer services like Remitly or Wise. They often provide lower fees and competitive rates compared to traditional banks.

Median Salaries

Australia’s minimum wage is $20.33 AUD per hour, higher than the federal minimum wage in Canada. The median annual salary is $62,400 AUD, giving Canadians a sense of earning potential.

By tailoring your budget and lifestyle to Australian norms, you can enjoy all the incredible opportunities this unique country has to offer while staying financially secure.

About Cassidy Rush

Cassidy Rush is a writer with a background in finance and education. She covers international finance news and stories for Remitly.