What life in Australia actually costs

Most UK arrivals rent for at least the first year. Expect four to six weeks' rent in advance plus a bond (usually four weeks), and be ready to compete — well-priced rentals in popular suburbs can get a dozen applications in a weekend.

Buying works on rental yield rather than UK-style price-to-income ratios; house prices in the outer suburbs of Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are meaningfully more accessible than Sydney or Melbourne.

Supermarket prices are noticeably higher than the UK for packaged goods and dairy, but fruit, veg and meat can be cheaper depending on season. Eating out is expensive by UK standards — a casual dinner for two easily runs to A$100 with drinks.

Long day care commonly costs A$120-A$180 a day before the Child Care Subsidy, which most working families are eligible for and which can cut the real cost substantially. Public schools are free but charge modest "voluntary" contributions; private schools range from a few thousand to well over A$30,000 a year.

Sydney and Melbourne are the only cities where car-free living is genuinely realistic. Everywhere else, budget for at least one car per household — registration, insurance, fuel and servicing typically add up to roughly A$500-A$700 a month.

Medicare covers public hospital treatment and subsidises GP and specialist visits, and the UK has a reciprocal agreement covering necessary treatment for visitors and new residents. Many households still take out private health insurance for shorter waits on elective procedures and to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge above certain incomes.