Australian Migration Costs 2025: Complete Budget Guide for Moving to Australia
Comprehensive breakdown of Australian migration costs in 2025. From visa fees to settlement expenses, plan your budget with our detailed cost guide.
Migration ASAP Team
Migration Expert
Living in Australia Guide
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Everything you need to know about living in australia
💰 Planning Your Australian Migration Budget
Moving to Australia involves significant financial planning. Understanding all costs involved helps you prepare adequately and avoid unexpected expenses that could delay or derail your migration plans.
💡 Complete Cost Breakdown Overview
📋 Pre-Application Costs
Skills assessment, English tests, document preparation
💳 Visa Application Fees
Official government charges for different visa types
🏥 Health & Character
Medical examinations and police clearances
🏠 Settlement Expenses
Travel, accommodation, and initial living costs
📋 Pre-Application Costs
Before you even apply for a visa, several expenses are necessary to prepare your application properly.
🗣️ English Language Tests
Demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests:
IELTS Academic
AUD $375
PTE Academic
AUD $350
TOEFL iBT
AUD $405
Cambridge Tests
AUD $395
💡 Additional Considerations:
- You may need to retake tests to achieve required scores
- Test preparation courses: AUD $200 - $2,000
- Test results are valid for 3 years
📄 Document Preparation Costs
📋 Essential Documents
| Educational transcripts & certificates | AUD $50 - $200 per institution |
| Employment verification letters | AUD $0 - $100 per employer |
| Police clearances | AUD $50 - $200 per country |
| Professional references | AUD $0 - $300 |
🌐 Translation Services
- NAATI certified translations: AUD $69 - $150 per page
- Average translation costs: AUD $300 - $1,500 per application
- Notarization fees: AUD $10 - $50 per document
💳 Visa Application Fees (2024-25)
⚠️ Important: Official visa application fees set by the Department of Home Affairs. Fees change regularly.
🎯 Skilled Migration Visas
👨👩👧👦 Family Migration Visas
🎓 Student & Temporary Visas
🏥 Health Examination Costs
Most visa applicants must complete health examinations at approved medical centers:
🏙️ Living Costs by City
Monthly living expenses vary significantly by location. Here's what to expect in major Australian cities:
🏙️ Sydney
| Rent (1BR apartment) | AUD $2,200 - $3,500 |
| Rent (3BR house) | AUD $3,500 - $6,000 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | AUD $217 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | AUD $800 - $1,200 |
🏛️ Melbourne
| Rent (1BR apartment) | AUD $1,800 - $2,800 |
| Rent (3BR house) | AUD $2,800 - $4,500 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | AUD $180 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | AUD $750 - $1,100 |
🌿 Adelaide
| Rent (1BR apartment) | AUD $1,200 - $1,800 |
| Rent (3BR house) | AUD $1,800 - $2,800 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | AUD $120 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | AUD $600 - $900 |
📊 Sample Migration Budgets
Here are realistic budget examples for different migration scenarios:
💡 Money-Saving Tips
💰 Pre-Application Savings
- Bundle services: Some migration agents offer package deals
- Self-preparation: Prepare documents yourself where possible
- English improvement: Invest in courses before testing to avoid retakes
- Early applications: Some states offer fee reductions for early applications
🏠 Settlement Savings
- Regional areas: Consider smaller cities for lower living costs
- Shared accommodation: Start with shared housing to reduce initial costs
- Public transport: Use public transport instead of buying a car immediately
- Second-hand items: Buy used furniture and appliances initially
🏠 Settlement Costs in Australia
Budget for expenses after visa approval but before and during your move:
✈️ Travel and Transportation
| Airfare to Australia | AUD |