Are you thinking about moving to Australia?
Compare My Move has put together a guide to the pros and cons of moving to Australia, including the similarities and differences between life in the UK and Australia, the cost of moving and living in Australia, and salary differences.
If you’re considering swapping the gray clouds for some Aussie sunshine, you’re not alone. Compare My Move says it is the most popular country for Brits to migrate to, with around 1.2 million Brits moving annually.
The company, which allows users to compare quotes from a network of verified moving companies, says Australia has a more relaxed work-life balance, higher salaries and good investment opportunities. Healthcare and education are also top-notch and there are many job opportunities for expats.
HOW TO DO THE MOVEMENT
Since Australia is located on the other side of the world from the United Kingdom (9,443 miles away), the company says it can wait international moving costs be significantly higher than moving to other countries.
Compare My Move has put together a guide with the pros and cons of moving to Australia
Compare my move Research shows that shipping to Australia from the UK will cost an average of £5,258, based on a 40ft container, which is equivalent to a three-bedroom house with belongings. If you require the use of additional services such as packaging, this will cost you around £250.
The total cost of international moves will vary depending on factors such as the type of shipping used, the weight and quantity of items, and the distance traveled.
While this price may seem expensive, there are many advantages once you are there.
LIFE DOWN
Compare My Move says working in Australia is “much better” than the UK. Salaries are higher, workplaces are more relaxed and there is good job availability.
The average salary in Australia is A$90,800 (£48,000), according to Time Doctor. This salary is not far off double the UK average of around £28,000, with salaries in the state of Western Australia. 50 percent higher.
Workplaces and jobs in Australia aren’t much different to those in the UK, says Compare My Move. And if you currently have a specific profession, you can probably continue to fill a similar role when you move.
| Examples of cost of living | Australia | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport pass (monthly) | €89.30 | £67.60 |
| Utility bills (monthly – one person) | €92.90 | £124 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | €40.80 | €35.80 |
| Taxi (five miles) | €14.80 | €14.20 |
| A movie ticket | €11.30 | €10.70 |
| Beer in a pub | €5.49 | €4.53 |
| Chicken breast (one kg) | €6.95 | €6.41 |
| Cappuccino | €2.71 | €3.17 |
| Data taken from Livingcost.org |
The average salary in Australia is $90,800 (£47,998.70), according to Time Doctor. This salary is almost double the UK average of £25,971.
The moving company adds that Australia has a skills shortage in certain professions, such as childcare, construction, programming, carers and doctors. As a result, he says, British citizens are likely to find employment quickly and easily, especially if they can fill these roles.
PROPERTY PRICES
Property prices are also cheaper in Australia, Compare My Move reveals. The average price per square meter of a property in an Australian city is $11,107.41 (£5,891.87). In the UK, the price is around £8,275.97 per square meter.
The company adds, however, that properties outside Australian city centers cost $8,283.10 (£4,393.73) per square metre. In the UK, these properties cost £3,291.35 per square meter.
On average, buying a house in an Australian city is £2,384.10 cheaper than buying a house in a UK city. If you’re set on living in a city in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive areas to live in, while Adelaide, Cairns and Perth are more affordable.
However, while property prices in Australia are cheaper overall, rental prices are higher. Compare My Move reveals that renting a one-bedroom house in Australia costs $2,284.71 (£1,207.67) per month compared to £906.99 in the UK. A three-bedroom house will cost around $3,738.52 (£1,976.13) in Australia, compared to an average of £1,607.79 a month in the UK.
The total cost of living in Australia is also 13 per cent more expensive compared to the UK, according to the moving company. While some living expenses are cheaper, like utility bills, most things are more expensive.
Although the cost of living is higher in Australia, Compare My Move notes that higher salaries help offset rising costs.