How Much Does It Cost To Move to Australia From the US?
Fact Checked by: It can cost anywhere from $10,000–$20,000 or more to move to Australia from the US, with the average being around $12,000.
Factors that affect the cost of moving to Australia:
- Move size: International shipping is priced based on volume and weight, so the more stuff you have, the more it will cost.
- Moving services: Your relocation costs will depend on the international moving company you choose and any add-on services — like packing — you select.
- Travel: Your travel expenses to Australia will depend on the airline you choose and time of year you’re moving.
- Visa fees: An Australian visa can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the type you’re applying for.
- Living expenses: You’ll want to move from the US to Australia with enough money to cover the basic cost of living, including rent and groceries, particularly if you relocate with having a job lined up first.
To help you prepare for your move, we’ve broken down the cost of living in Australia compared to the US and included our picks for the best international movers and car shippers to get you started on your new life Down Under.
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Cost to move to Australia from the US
Your international moving costs from the US to Australia will be based, in large part, on your shipping method. Sea freight is the most cost-effective option, while air freight is much faster but significantly more expensive.
Sea freight costs from the US to Australia
Sea freight is the most common way to move internationally, since it’s much cheaper than air freight. You’ll also be able to ship more items, since most ocean shipments are done using 20-foot containers, which hold about 1,200 cubic feet — enough for the contents of a two-bedroom home.
You’ll need to be patient, though. Sea freight deliveries can take 30–55 days to reach Australia’s major hubs.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for sea freight with a 20-foot container from NYC and Los Angeles to an Australian metropolis:
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Sydney | $4,500–$7,400 | 40–55 days |
| New York | Melbourne | $4,500–$7,000 | 40–55 days |
| New York | Brisbane | $4,500–$6,500 | 40–55 days |
| New York | Perth | $5,600–$7,500 | 40–55 days |
| Los Angeles | Sydney | $4,500–$7,100 | 40–55 days |
| Los Angeles | Melbourne | $4,500–$6,100 | 40–55 days |
| Los Angeles | Brisbane | $4,500–$6,000 | 40–55 days |
| Los Angeles | Perth | $5,600–$7,500 | 40–55 days |
*Source: Freightos
Air freight costs from the US to Australia
If you need your belongings right away, air freight will get them to Australia significantly faster than sea freight. But expect to pay a premium. Opting to move your items by plane will cost 10–15 times more than by ocean freight — and often for less stuff, since your maximum capacity is determined by the size and weight of the aircraft.
Take a look at these sample costs for air shipments weighing approximately 220 pounds:
| From | To | Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Sydney | $1,000–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| New York | Melbourne | $1,000–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| New York | Brisbane | $1,000–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| New York | Perth | $1,000–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| Los Angeles | Sydney | $1,050–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| Los Angeles | Melbourne | $1,050–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| Los Angeles | Brisbane | $1,050–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
| Los Angeles | Perth | $1,050–$1,400 | 3–6 days |
*Source: Freightos
How much does it cost to live in Australia?
Australia’s cost of living is generally lower than in the US — about 17% — but salaries are also less. The average monthly rental rates in Australia for a three-bedroom apartment range from $1,591–$2,150, while a comparable residence in the US costs about $2,390–$2,906 per month.
Monthly net salaries in the US are, on average, almost 28% higher than in Australia, however. This means you’ll need less money to maintain the same standard of living (including rent) — around $5,923 in Melbourne vs. $7,500 in Chicago, according to Numbeo.
Housing costs in Australia
Housing is one of the biggest price differences between the two countries. Rent is significantly cheaper in Australia but home values are much higher.
Here’s a quick snapshot, using Chicago and Melbourne rental and home purchase costs in the heart of each city as examples:
| Apartment | Chicago | Melbourne | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $2,293 | $1,518 | –33.8% |
| 3BR rental | $4,443 | $2,818 | –36.6% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $312 | $641 | +105.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Melbourne and Chicago (February 2025)
If you’re still planning your move to Australia, here are some top destinations for American expats:
- Brisbane: Queensland’s sunny capital city features plenty of cultural and natural attractions for its residents to enjoy. It also has strong banking, information technology, and insurance industries offering plentiful employment opportunities.
- Perth: Located on Australia’s west coast, Perth is one of the country’s safest cities. It offers a slightly lower overall cost of living as well, with monthly three-bedroom rent averaging $2,319, according to Numbeo.
- Adelaide: Like many of Australia’s coastal cities, Adelaide has mild winters and warm summers. Living here offers residents plenty of access to entertainment options and cultural attractions, and its well-planned layout makes for minimal traffic and congestion.
- Melbourne: Melbourne offers a bit of everything — from outdoor attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Dandenong Ranges National Park and numerous cultural destinations offer plenty of options for residents. Excellent public transportation and low crime rates round out an attractive option for new residents.
Pro tip
As of early 2025, Australia was experiencing a rental shortage, so competition for housing could be stiff. Start your home search early.
Similar to the US, renters will need to fill out applications showing proof of income. We recommend you have a job in place before you search for a long-term rental.
Utilities costs in Australia
Overall, basic bills in Australia are cheaper than in the US, most notably cellphone plans. Here’s an overview:
| Utility | Chicago | Melbourne | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $182.80 | $150.25 | –17.5% |
| Internet | $62.86 | $50.62 | –19.5% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $57.97 | $21.11 | –63.6% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Melbourne and Chicago (February 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915-square-foot apartment (February 2025)
Food costs in Australia
For the most part, you’ll pay less to eat out and more for groceries in Australia, particularly if you relocate to a major city like Melbourne. Some items — like meat and produce — may be notably cheaper in supermarkets Down Under, according to Numbeo.
But, since pretty much everything else will cost you more, it’s best to prepare now for beefing up your food budget once you’re in Australia.
| *Food | Chicago | Melbourne | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $12 | $9.56 | –20.3% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $100 | $6.52 | –23.5% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.79 | $5.14 | +35.7% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4.21 | $4.48 | +6.4% |
*Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Melbourne and Chicago (February 2025)
Transportation costs in Australia
Public transportation costs are much higher in Australia than the US. However, in cities like Melbourne, paying more means getting access to a top-notch modern transit system.
| Transportation Mode | Chicago | Melbourne | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2.50 | $3.51 | +40.3% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $75 | $117.97 | +57.3% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $4.05 | $4.51 | +11.5% |
| **Cost to buy a new car | $26,630 | $22,187 | –16.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Melbourne and Chicago (February 2025)
**Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (February 2025)
Education costs in Australia
While international schools aren’t a necessity in Australia, they are a more affordable luxury than they would be in the US. American private schools, in fact, cost more than double that of Australian tuition, on average.
| Location | Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | International primary school (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $2,106 | $42,300 |
| Melbourne | $1,683 | $19,771 |
| % Difference | –20.1% | –53.3% |
*Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Melbourne and Chicago (February 2025)
Australia’s visa & immigration requirements
Applying for a long-term visa in Australia means you’ll have to meet certain requirements, including complying with strict health regulations and undergoing screenings to prove you’re free of harmful communicable diseases.
Australia has a staggering 120+ visa types but the most popular fall under the umbrellas of temporary and permanent.
Temporary visa
Permanent visa
Moving to Australia from the US
When you’re planning your new life in Australia, it’s important to do things like check up on customs regulations and downsize ahead of moving day. Those are just a couple of to-do items, though. There’s also:
- Tickets: Purchasing plane tickets — $800–$1,200 per person, on average
- Paperwork: Getting all your necessary paperwork done and documents together
- Visa: Applying for a visa
- Housing: Securing housing
There’s a lot to do and keep up with, and it can be a bit overwhelming. International movers can eliminate much of the headache, since they’re experienced in all aspects of moving abroad.
Top international moving companies
International moving companies can handle packing and transport of your household items and arrange for customs clearance paperwork and logistics management.
While international moves cost upward of $10,000 in many cases, you’ll be glad you hired a professional to assist you. Here are our top picks for international movers, based on their reputations, cost and pricing structure and global relocation services:
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Shipping your vehicle to Australia
If you want your car to come with you to Australia, you’ll need to arrange for overseas auto transport, and it will cost $2,000–$5,000 or more.
Top global movers like International Van Lines and JK Moving can handle your vehicle shipping needs as part of your overall moving package. You’ll pay extra for the service, but having just one point of contact during a relocation is always an advantage. Or you can keep car shipping separate and hire a company that solely specializes in vehicle transport.
We recommend getting quotes from these car shipping companies:
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Tips for moving to Australia from the US
Any overseas move will be easier with some advance planning. Even though you’re sure to experience some stress during your move between Australia and the US, following a detailed international moving checklist will help you stay focused and on schedule.
Add these tips to your checklist:
- Check customs regulations. Like most countries, Australia has its own set of customs regulations. Hire a moving company that can handle customs clearance and will follow Australia’s banned items list to ensure your move is in compliance with existing laws.
- Ensure your visa status. Obtaining employment and getting a temporary visa are vital steps to take before finalizing your move. Begin this process months before your planned relocation date.
- Downsize. Packing for an overseas move can take weeks if you do it yourself, and can cost thousands if you hire a professional mover to do it for you. One strategy for a budget-friendly move abroad is to get rid of goods you seldom use and don’t really need. This will reduce the size of your moving shipment and, therefore, your overall costs.
FAQ
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