Moving to Australia from the United States: A Complete Guide
Have you ever wanted to move to a place that is both exotic and familiar, where you can experience a new culture without feeling like a complete outsider? Australia might be the perfect place for you. Not only is the ‘Land Down Under’ beautiful, diverse, and culturally rich, it’s also a top destination for expats. In fact, 30% of the country’s population was born elsewhere. That includes over 100,000 Americans currently living in Australia.
So, are you thinking about making the move down under? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about moving to Australia from the United States.
5 Things to Know About Living in Australia
High Cost of Living
Generally speaking, Australia has a high cost of living, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Housing in particular is more expensive in Australia than it is in the U.S., though cities like New York City and Los Angeles are comparable. Ultimately it depends on where you live and your lifestyle. According to Numbeo, the cost of living for a family of four is $3,914/month while a single person is $1,105/month not including rent.
Laid-Back Culture
If you’re the outgoing, friendly type, you’ll feel right at home in Australia. Aussies carry a “no worries” attitude, meaning they’re generally easy going and friendly, and they typically don’t take things too personally (and expect you to do the same). Being a good friend and neighbor is a big part of life down under. Other key aspects of life in Australia include a love for the outdoors, nature, sports, and, of course, having a pint with your “mates.”
Good Quality of Life
Even with the high cost of living, the quality of life in Australia is considered excellent, often ranking as one of the highest in the world. Safety, family-friendliness, and good employment opportunities are just a few of the reasons for the famed high QOL. Other reasons for the high quality of life down under include beautiful scenery, good health (life expectancy of around 83), and a strong sense of community.
Strong Employment
The job market is considered strong in Australia. Unemployment rates were just 4% as recently as 2024, while participation and employment rates increased. If you are looking for work in Australia, some of the jobs that are the most in demand are civil engineers, construction managers, chefs, software programmers, RNs, and childcare workers.
Healthcare Options
Australia features public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system features substantial coverage – many health services are covered, and patients often pay very little. Private healthcare is also available. It features a larger choice of providers, shorter wait times, and more covered services. Many expatriates are encouraged to sign up for private healthcare, as it can be difficult for non-citizens to quality for public healthcare.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
How to Relocate to Australia
Moving abroad requires time and patience. There are several steps involved, such as filling out formal applications and waiting for approvals. Here’s a quick rundown of how the process works.
Step 1: Find a Job in Australia
The easiest and fastest way to punch your ticket to Australia is to get a job there. That signals to the Australian government that you have good reason to live there, thus expediting your relocation. A good place to start is the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List. Here you’ll find a wide variety of occupations in need and how to apply.
Step 2: Apply for a Visa
With or without a job, you’ll need a visa to enter the country. There many types of visas, from work to studying to family visas. Getting approved for any type of visa typically requires the following:
- A valid passport
- Paying fees
- No criminal record
- Meeting minimum health standards
Keep in mind that each visa has different requirements. View the entire list and see which one is right for your needs. Going back to step one, if you do have a job lined up, you can request that your employer nominate you for one of over 20 work-related visas.
Step 3: Get Moving
Assuming you’ve applied for a visa and been approved for relocation, you can begin planning your actual move. Start by getting quotes from overseas moving companies. U-Haul International Moves powered by U-Box® can provide you with a free quote and help you plan your journey. Learn more about planning, packing, and executing an international move using a portable moving and storage container.
Step 4: Settle In
Even after relocating, there are still steps you need to take to complete your move. For instance, it’s recommended you sign up for private health insurance. Although Australia has a robust public healthcare system, Medicare, it’s difficult for foreigners to be approved for Medicare coverage. However, anyone can sign up for private healthcare.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency
If you plan on living in Australia for a long time, or permanently, you will want to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship. Typically, permanent residency comes before applying for citizenship. However, either option will allow you to live freely within the country. Of course, there are steps involved, so be prepared!
Best Places to Live in Australia as an American
Do you have an idea of where you want to live in Australia? It's a huge country with most people living on the coast, but there are plenty of options to consider. If you're relocating for work, school, or family, chances are you'll end up in one of Australia's major cities. Here are some of the top choices for expats.
Sydney – The largest city in Australia, Sydney is an ideal place for young adults and singles to settle down. With a strong job market, thriving nightlife, top universities, and all the perks of a big city, Sydney has something for everyone. With cultural landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as famous beaches, there’s no shortage of places to visit and explore. Keep in mind that, much like big cities in the U.S., living in Sydney can be on the pricey side.
Melbourne – Just like Sydney, Melbourne is a bustling city that has a lot to offer young professionals. It's a vibrant city with a thriving art scene. You can expect to stroll or bike around, pop into a cozy coffee shop or quirky cafe, relax at Brighton Beach, and experience the unpredictable weather. Melbourne is known for being more affordable than Sydney, but it's still considered a pricey place to live.
Perth – Over on the west coast, Perth is known for its strong economy, driven by the presence of mining, gas, and oil industries. It’s also a laid-back, family-friendly place to live, featuring beautiful beaches, large green spaces, and mild climate. Also known as the “City of Light,” Perth is generally a safe, clean, and charming place to live. One of the downsides, though, is that it’s isolated from the rest of the country, and it’s considered one of the more expensive cities as well (though still cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne).
Brisbane – Located on the northeastern edge of Australia, Brisbane offers a unique mix of relaxed vibes and urban amenities. With a smaller population compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane exudes a cozy, small-town feel while still boasting a vibrant nightlife with top-notch restaurants and entertainment options. The city is renowned for its stunning beaches, as well as its proximity to the lush rainforest and iconic Great Barrier Reef. Brisbane is more budget-friendly than the southern capitals, however it does have warmer weather and a slightly less competitive job market.
Adelaide – Adelaide, also known as the Garden City, boasts many lush green spaces, from the central green belt to the suburbs. It's the perfect place for families looking to make the move to Australia, offering all the conveniences of a big city while maintaining a lower cost of living, a solid job market, and a plethora of festivals and cultural events to enjoy. Plus, you'll be just a stone's throw away from the famous Barossa Valley, one of Australia's top wine regions. Cheers to that!
Moving to Australia with Help from U-Box International Moves
As you can see, moving to Australia has its perks, but it’s not quite as simple as packing your bags and booking a flight. When you’re ready to make the journey down under, U-Box portable storage containers are here to help you relocate with ease.
With U-Box containers, you can ship your belongings anywhere in the world, including Australia. All you need to do is figure out how many U-Box containers you need, request a custom quote from the international department, and follow their packing instructions. After you load your containers, we’ll handle the rest!
Moving to Australia Made Easier
When you sign up with U-Box International Moves, you’re assigned a moving manager to help facilitate the process. They’ll be there to help with your paperwork, give you a walk-through of what’s expected from you during your move, and answer any questions you may have. Basically, you’ll have an international moving expert in your corner!
If you are interested in moving from Australia to the U.S. or Canada, contact us today at info@ubox.com!