Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Australia Property Pack
Australia remains one of the world's most attractive destinations for expats in 2026, offering high incomes, excellent healthcare, and a lifestyle centered around beaches, parks, and outdoor living.
However, rising housing costs in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, combined with renewed inflation pressure, mean that planning your budget carefully before relocating is more important than ever.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and conditions for expats moving to Australia.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Australia.
Is Australia a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Australia is mixed, with strong fundamentals in healthcare, safety, and outdoor living being offset by renewed cost-of-living pressures that are making everyday expenses harder to manage.
Over the past two to three years, wage growth in Australia has improved noticeably, with the Wage Price Index showing consistent gains that have helped workers in sectors like healthcare and trades see real pay increases.
On the other hand, housing affordability in Australia's capital cities remains a persistent challenge, with median rents in Sydney reaching around AUD 750 per week for a unit and competition for rentals staying intense due to record net overseas migration of 446,000 people in 2023-24.
Are hospitals good in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Australian hospitals are generally of high quality by Western European and North American standards, with a strong public hospital network and extensive private options available in every major city.
Expats in Australia most commonly recommend major teaching hospitals like Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, The Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in Brisbane for their scale, resources, and experience with international patients.
A standard GP consultation in Australia costs around AUD 80 to 120 (approximately USD 50 to 75 or EUR 45 to 70) if privately billed, though bulk-billed visits can be free for Medicare-eligible patients.
For expats on temporary visas in Australia, private health insurance is strongly recommended because most temporary visa holders are not eligible for Medicare, and Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is often a visa requirement.
Are there any good international schools in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Australia has a solid selection of international schools, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, offering International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and other global curricula.
Among the most reputable international schools for expat families in Australia are International Grammar School in Sydney, German International School Melbourne, and International School of Western Australia in Perth, all of which are well-established and popular with international families.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Australia typically range from AUD 20,000 to 45,000 per child (approximately USD 12,500 to 28,000 or EUR 11,500 to 26,000), with some premium schools in Sydney and Melbourne charging even more.
Waitlists for popular international schools in Australia can be long, especially for entry years like Kindergarten and Year 7, and while public schools in Australia are often excellent, they operate on strict catchment zones tied to your residential address.
Is Australia a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Australia is generally a safe country for residents and expats, with low violent crime rates compared to most global benchmarks and well-functioning emergency services.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Australia include petty theft in tourist areas and nightlife districts, occasional car break-ins in certain suburbs, and road safety awareness given the long distances and unique driving conditions.
In Australia, neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats include areas like Surry Hills, Chatswood, and Lane Cove in Sydney, Carlton, Richmond, and South Yarra in Melbourne, New Farm and Teneriffe in Brisbane, and Subiaco and Mount Lawley in Perth.
Women can generally live alone safely in Australia, though standard precautions are recommended such as choosing well-lit, high-foot-traffic neighborhoods, being aware of your surroundings late at night, and using reliable transport options after dark.
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How much does everyday life cost in Australia in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person in Australia needs approximately AUD 6,000 to 7,500 per month (around USD 3,750 to 4,700 or EUR 3,450 to 4,300) to live comfortably, though this varies significantly by city with Sydney being the most expensive.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Australia, covering a shared apartment, basic groceries, public transport, and limited entertainment, expect to spend around AUD 4,000 to 5,000 per month (approximately USD 2,500 to 3,100 or EUR 2,300 to 2,900).
For a more comfortable lifestyle in Australia with your own one-bedroom apartment in a central location, regular dining out, and travel, budget between AUD 7,000 and 9,000 per month (around USD 4,400 to 5,600 or EUR 4,000 to 5,200) in cities like Sydney or Brisbane.
In Australia, housing takes the largest share of a monthly budget by far, typically consuming 35 to 45 percent of income in major cities like Sydney where median unit rents reached AUD 750 per week (about AUD 3,250 per month) by late 2025.
What is the average income tax rate in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Australia with a salary around AUD 105,000 per year pays an effective income tax rate of approximately 23 to 27 percent, including the 2 percent Medicare levy.
Australia's income tax brackets for residents in 2026 range from 0 percent on income up to AUD 18,200, then progressively increase to 19 percent, 30 percent, 37 percent, and a top marginal rate of 45 percent on income above AUD 190,000, plus the Medicare levy applies on top.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Australia in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats living in Australia include the United Kingdom, India, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines, with large communities from Southeast Asia and Southern Europe also well represented.
Approximately 30 percent of Australia's population was born overseas, making it one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with over 7.5 million foreign-born residents contributing to its cities and economy.
Expats from the UK and New Zealand are often drawn to Australia by cultural familiarity, language, and lifestyle, while Indian and Chinese migrants typically come for education, skilled work opportunities, and family reunification pathways.
The expat population in Australia is a diverse mix of working professionals in sectors like healthcare, technology, and mining, international students who often transition to work visas, and a smaller segment of retirees and digital nomads.
Where do most expats live in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Australia tend to concentrate in inner-city and well-connected suburbs such as Surry Hills and Newtown in Sydney, Carlton and Fitzroy in Melbourne, New Farm and West End in Brisbane, and Subiaco and Leederville in Perth.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they combine walkability, excellent public transport access, proximity to jobs in the central business district, and a vibrant cafe and dining culture that makes settling in feel easier.
Emerging areas gaining popularity with expats in Australia include suburbs like Marrickville and Redfern in Sydney, Brunswick and Footscray in Melbourne, and South Brisbane and Woolloongabba in Brisbane, which offer slightly lower rents while still being well-connected.
Are expats moving in or leaving Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Australia continues to experience strong net inflows of expats and migrants, with net overseas migration reaching 446,000 in 2023-24, though this has moderated slightly from the record highs of the previous year.
The main factor driving expats to move to Australia right now is the combination of high-paying job opportunities in sectors with labor shortages, such as healthcare, construction, and technology, along with the attractive outdoor lifestyle.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Australia recently is the high cost of housing, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, where rental competition and purchase prices have made it difficult for newcomers to establish themselves comfortably.
Compared to similar destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia's expat inflow remains one of the strongest, outpacing New Zealand and competing with Singapore and Hong Kong, though Canada and the UK also draw from the same talent pool.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Australia in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Australia are the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) for employer-sponsored workers, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for points-tested migrants, and Student visas (subclass 500) which remain a major entry pathway.
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) requires a job offer from an approved Australian employer, a relevant skills assessment, English language proficiency, and health and character checks, making it the most common route for professionals with a job lined up.
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, though the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462) allows remote work for eligible nationalities aged 18 to 35, and some expats use other visa categories while working remotely for overseas employers.
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is typically granted for up to four years depending on the occupation stream, can be renewed, and provides a pathway to permanent residency after working with the same employer for a specified period.
How long does it take to get residency in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, processing times for Australian residency visas vary widely, with temporary work visas often taking a few months and permanent skilled visas taking anywhere from several months to over two years depending on the pathway and individual circumstances.
Common factors that can delay residency applications in Australia include incomplete documentation, additional health or character checks, delays in employer nomination processing, and high application volumes for popular visa subclasses, while having a complete application with verified skills assessments can speed things up.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Australia, expats typically need to have lived and worked in the country for two to four years on a qualifying temporary visa, and citizenship requires four years of lawful residence including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Australia in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Australia are healthcare and social assistance, construction and trades, and professional and technical services including IT, all of which continue to face structural labor shortages.
In Australia, it is realistic for expats to get hired without speaking a language other than English because English is the working language across all industries, though some client-facing roles in hospitality or retail may benefit from additional languages in multicultural areas.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Australia include nursing and allied health positions, software development and IT specialist roles, engineering positions in mining and infrastructure, and skilled trades like electricians and plumbers where demand consistently exceeds local supply.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in Australia span from AUD 90,000 to 180,000 per year (approximately USD 56,000 to 112,000 or EUR 52,000 to 104,000), with significant variation depending on industry, experience, and location.
For entry-level to mid-level expat positions in Australia, salaries typically range from AUD 70,000 to 110,000 per year (around USD 44,000 to 69,000 or EUR 40,000 to 63,000), with professionals in nursing, IT support, and accounting falling into this band.
For senior or specialized expat roles in Australia, salaries range from AUD 140,000 to 220,000 or more per year (approximately USD 88,000 to 138,000 or EUR 81,000 to 126,000), particularly in sectors like technology leadership, mining engineering, and specialized medicine.
Employers in Australia do sponsor work visas, but sponsorship is most common for roles in verified shortage occupations where local candidates are genuinely difficult to find, and larger companies with established compliance processes are more likely to offer sponsorship.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Australia right now?
What do expats love most about living in Australia right now?
Expats in Australia most commonly say they love the outdoor lifestyle with easy access to beaches and parks, the high-quality healthcare system, and the genuine work-life balance that lets them enjoy evenings and weekends without guilt.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Australia is the ability to spend weekends at world-class beaches, hiking trails, or coastal walks that are often just minutes from home, making every weekend feel like a mini-vacation.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Australia is the high earning potential combined with well-functioning infrastructure, including reliable public transport in major cities, clean tap water everywhere, and efficient government services.
Socially, expats often highlight Australia's welcoming multicultural atmosphere, where approximately 30 percent of residents were born overseas, making it easy to find communities from your home country while also integrating into the broader Australian culture.
What do expats dislike most about life in Australia right now?
The top complaints from expats in Australia center on the high cost of housing in major cities, the long distances from family in Europe or North America making visits expensive and time-consuming, and the frustrating rental application process.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Australia is the competitive rental market, where securing an apartment often requires attending open inspections, submitting extensive documentation, and competing against dozens of other applicants for the same property.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Australia is visa processing and renewal timelines, which can be unpredictable and stressful, especially for those trying to plan long-term around employer nominations or permanent residency pathways.
Despite these frustrations, most expats in Australia find these challenges manageable rather than deal-breakers, and the quality of life, career opportunities, and lifestyle benefits generally outweigh the housing competition and administrative hurdles.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Australia right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Australia include the intense rental competition requiring formal applications and inspections, the casual "she'll be right" attitude that can feel like indifference in professional settings, and the wildlife that occasionally appears in urban areas.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Australia is the "tall poppy syndrome" where overt self-promotion or boasting is culturally frowned upon, meaning expats who are used to highlighting their achievements may need to adopt a more understated communication style.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest for expats to adjust to in Australia is the combination of early dinner times, with many restaurants closing by 9pm outside major city centers, and the outdoor-focused weekend culture that replaces the indoor entertainment typical in cooler climates.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Australia in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Australia is restricted rather than fully allowed, with most non-resident foreigners required to obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchasing real estate.
The specific restrictions for foreigners buying property in Australia include a general prohibition on purchasing established (existing) homes, a requirement to apply for FIRB approval which involves fees starting around AUD 14,100, and conditions that typically steer foreign buyers toward new dwellings or vacant land for development.
In Australia, foreigners can generally purchase new apartments, off-the-plan properties, and vacant residential land intended for development, but cannot purchase established houses or apartments without special exemptions, such as for temporary residents who may buy one established home to live in while in the country.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Australia.
What is the average price per m² in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, average residential property prices per square meter in Australia range from approximately AUD 6,000 to 18,000 (around USD 3,750 to 11,250 or EUR 3,450 to 10,350) depending on the city and property type, with Sydney commanding the highest prices.
Property prices in Australia have risen steadily over the past two to three years, though market analysts expect 2026 to see softer growth compared to 2025 as higher interest rates and affordability constraints start to bite, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Australia here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Australia in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Australia are available but limited, with fewer lenders offering products to non-residents and stricter conditions applying compared to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Banks in Australia known to offer mortgages to foreigners include Commonwealth Bank, NAB, and some specialist lenders, though policies change frequently and foreign borrowers should expect to provide extensive documentation and potentially work with a mortgage broker experienced in expat lending.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Australia include higher deposit requirements of 30 to 40 percent (compared to 10 to 20 percent for residents), interest rates around 6 to 8 percent in early 2026, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 30 years subject to individual circumstances.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Australia, you typically need proof of income (pay slips or tax returns), identification documents (passport and visa), FIRB approval for the property purchase, and evidence of savings and existing assets, with requirements varying significantly by lender.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
Buying real estate in Australia can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Australia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - Overseas Migration | ABS is Australia's official statistics agency and the gold standard for migration data. | We used it to quantify how fast Australia is growing through migration and which visa categories drive arrivals. We connected this to housing pressure and rental competition in major cities. |
| ABS - Consumer Price Index | This is Australia's official inflation measure used by policymakers nationwide. | We used it to judge whether the cost of living is accelerating or easing in early 2026. We paired it with wages and rent data to estimate what a comfortable salary feels like. |
| Domain Rental Report | Domain is a major Australian real estate marketplace with transparent market reporting. | We used it to anchor rent levels by capital city in late 2025, the closest hard data to early 2026. We translated weekly rents into monthly budget estimates. |
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) | The ATO is the official tax authority defining the brackets you actually pay. | We used it to compute credible take-home pay examples for singles and families. We then converted those into comfortable budget benchmarks by city. |
| Department of Home Affairs | Home Affairs manages all Australian immigration and sets official visa requirements. | We used it to explain visa options, eligibility requirements, and processing expectations. We cross-checked with SkillSelect data for invitation round timelines. |
| Jobs and Skills Australia | This is the Australian government authority for skills and labor shortage analysis. | We used it to identify where hiring demand is structurally strong in healthcare, trades, and tech. We connected it to visa sponsorship likelihood and job market reality. |
| Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) | FIRB guidance is the official interpretation of foreign purchase rules for property. | We used it to explain what foreigners can buy and the approvals usually required. We connected it to practical pathways like buying new builds versus established homes. |
| Cotality (CoreLogic) | Cotality is the dominant housing analytics provider used by banks and government. | We used it to describe recent price momentum and why 2026 may soften relative to 2025. We used that to frame buy-versus-rent tradeoffs for newcomers. |
| My School (ACARA) | ACARA runs Australia's national school reporting framework with standardized data. | We used it to show how to verify school performance and context yourself. We paired it with named international school options for practical guidance. |
| Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) | The RBA is Australia's central bank setting the policy rate that drives mortgage costs. | We used it to explain why housing costs and borrowing conditions feel the way they do. We also used it to frame buy-now-or-later risk for newcomers. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.