Essential Living Information
From housing and healthcare to transportation and daily expenses, here's your comprehensive guide to living in Australia.
Housing & Accommodation
Australia offers diverse housing options from apartments in city centers to suburban houses with backyards.
Popular Options:
• Share houses ($150-350/week)
• Studio apartments ($250-450/week)
• 1-bedroom units ($300-600/week)
• 2-bedroom houses ($400-800/week)
Healthcare System
Australia has a world-class universal healthcare system called Medicare, providing free or subsidized medical care.
What you need:
• Medicare card (if eligible)
• Private health insurance (recommended)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (students)
Transportation
Efficient public transport systems in major cities, plus extensive road networks for car travel.
Options include:
• Trains, buses, and trams
• Ride-sharing (Uber, Ola)
• Cycling infrastructure
• Car ownership and rentals
Cost of Living
Australia has a relatively high cost of living, but wages typically match. Costs vary significantly between cities.
Budget breakdown:
• Groceries: $80-150/week
• Utilities: $100-200/month
• Internet: $60-100/month
• Mobile phone: $30-80/month
Education System
Excellent education system with free public schooling and world-renowned universities.
Education levels:
• Primary school (Years K-6)
• Secondary school (Years 7-12)
• TAFE and vocational training
• Universities and higher education
Banking & Finance
Modern banking system with excellent digital services and widespread ATM networks.
Major banks:
• Commonwealth Bank
• ANZ, Westpac, NAB
• Online banks (ING, Up Bank)
• Credit unions and building societies
Quick Living Tips
Practical advice to help you settle in smoothly
Set up a mobile phone plan and internet connection as priorities. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the major providers.
Get a Tax File Number (TFN), apply for Medicare, and consider a local driver's license for ID purposes.
Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (Dec-Feb) can be very hot, so prepare accordingly.
Australia is very safe, but be sun-smart (wear sunscreen), learn about local wildlife, and know emergency numbers (000).
Cash is still accepted, but card payments (including contactless) are preferred. Many places are becoming cashless.
Drinking age is 18. Alcohol can only be purchased from licensed venues and bottle shops, not in supermarkets.
Digital Life Essentials
Get connected to Australia's key online services so you can manage healthcare, tax and emergency information from day one.
Set up myGov
Use myGov as your secure gateway to the ATO, Medicare, Centrelink and other agencies.
How to get started: Register at my.gov.au with an email address and mobile number.
Have ready: Identity documents to complete verification and link services.
Security tip: Enable two-factor authentication immediately after signing up.
Essential Government Apps
Express Plus Medicare: Lodge claims and access a digital Medicare card.
ATO app: Track tax returns, super and your TFN.
myGov app: Manage government services on mobile with secure sign-in.
Emergency Plus: Share your GPS location with triple zero (000) during emergencies.
Digital Identity Checks
Use the Document Verification Service and the 100-point check to prove your identity online.
Why it matters: Streamlines applications for banking, rentals and government services.
Tip: Store secure digital copies of passports, visas and licences for fast uploads.
Consumer & Tenancy Protections
Understand the safeguards that protect you when renting a home, buying goods or signing up to services in Australia.
Rental Rights Overview
Bonds are usually 2-4 weeks' rent and must be lodged with the state or territory tenancy authority.
Notice periods: Expect 2-4 weeks' written notice to end agreements, depending on where you live.
Inspections: Landlords must provide written notice before entering the property.
Maintenance: Urgent repairs are the landlord's responsibility—submit requests in writing and keep records.
Protection: Tenancy laws prevent unfair rent increases and unlawful evictions.
Consumer Guarantees
Australian Consumer Law provides automatic guarantees for goods and services.
Cooling-off periods: Some contracts allow you to cancel without penalty shortly after signing.
Scam awareness: Report suspicious offers to Scamwatch and avoid paying for government services.
Financial services: ASIC regulates banks and insurers to ensure fair behaviour.
Need help? Free tribunals and ombudsmen resolve consumer disputes at no cost.
Living Cost Calculator
Estimate your monthly living expenses in different Australian cities