Your ultimate guide to moving to Australia from the UK
Every year, thousands of Brits dream of swapping the grey skies of the UK for the sun-soaked beaches, outdoor lifestyle and laid-back culture of Australia. In fact, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 1.2 million people living in Australia today were born in the UK, making it one of the most popular destinations for British expats.
If you're considering moving to Australia from the UK, you're not alone. But how do you actually do it? Whether you're wondering how to move to Australia for work, study, or a fresh start, this guide will take you through everything you need to know.
1. Visa options for Brits moving to Australia
One of the biggest questions people ask when planning their move to Australia is, "How can I move to Australia?" Thankfully, there are several visa options available, depending on your circumstances:
- Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) - If you have skills in demand in Australia, you may qualify for a skilled visa, which could lead to permanent residency.
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482/186) - If you secure a job with an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, this could be your ticket to a new life down under.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) - Ideal for young Brits aged 18 - 35 who want to explore Australia while working to fund their travels.
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) - If you have an Australian partner, you may be eligible for a visa based on your relationship.
- Student Visa (Subclass 500) - Studying to Australia can be a great way to experience life there and potentially transition to another visa type later.
Understanding which visa suits your situation is a crucial first step in your move to Australia from the UK.
2. Cost of moving from the UK to Australia
Moving to Australia isn't cheap, but with good planning, it's manageable. Here's a rough breakdown of some of the key costs:
- Visa application fees - These can range from £200 for a working holiday visa to over £3,000 for a skilled migration visa.
- Flights - A one-way ticket from London to Sydney costs anywhere from £500 to £1,500, depending on the season.
- Shipping belongings - If you're planning to take furniture or large items, costs can start at around £2,000 - £5,000 for a full container.
- Temporary
accommodation - It's recommended to have at least £3,000 - £5,000 to cover initial living expenses while you find a place to settle.
Planning your budget is essential, as Australia has a higher cost of living than the UK, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
3. Can British citizens get a visa without a prior job offer?
Yes! The Skilled Independent Visa (189) lets you apply based on your skills and no prior job offer is required. But if you want to have a job there eventually, you will need to check if your skillset is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
4. Do you need to have minimum savings?
While there is no minimum amount of savings needed for an immigration visa in Australia, it is important to have at least £5,000 to £10,000 in order to cover flights, rent and initial costs when you reach there and till the time you find some work.
5. Can your partner move with you to Australia on a skilled visa?
Yes! If you provide official documents proving your relationship, UK citizens can include their partner or spouse in their visa application.
6. Top 10 cities in Australia for British expats
Australia offers a wide variety of living options, from bustling city apartments to relaxed coastal homes. Popular destinations for Brits moving to Australia include:
1. Sydney
Perfect for individuals who are looking for a fast-paced urban environment, enjoy stunning beaches and seek diverse career opportunities.
- Best for: High salaries, career opportunities, iconic city life
- Pros: Thriving job market, stunning beaches, vibrant culture
- Cons: Expensive housing, busy lifestyle
2. Melbourne
Known for its arts, culture and cafe scene. A fantastic choice for creatives, students and professionals in industries like finance and technology.
- Best for: Arts, culture, coffee lovers and liveability
- Pros: Great food scene, strong job market, diverse culture
- Cons: Unpredictable weather, higher cost of living
3. Brisbane
A sunny and affordable alternative to Sydney. Ideal for families who want a relaxed lifestyle with access to excellent schools and outdoor activities.
- Best for: Warmer climate, relaxed lifestyle, affordability
- Pros: Lower living costs, sunny weather, growing job market
- Cons: Fewer public transport options, humid summers
4. Perth
A more relaxed and spacious city with beautiful beaches. A great choice for those who love nature, mining industry professionals and families wanting a quieter life.
- Best for: High salaries, quieter lifestyle, beautiful beaches
- Pros: Less crowded, great for families, strong mining & healthcare job market
- Cons: Isolated from other major cities, fewer entertainment options
5. Adelaide
One of Australia's most affordable capital cities with a high quality of life. Perfect for retirees and young professionals looking for affordability and culture.
- Best for: Affordable living, slower pace, wine country
- Pros: Cheap rent, great food & wine, less traffic
- Cons: Fewer job opportunities compared to Sydney/Melbourne
6. Gold Coast
If you love surfing, beach life and a lively tourism-driven economy, this is a top spot for entrepreneurs, hospitality workers and families looking for a laid-back lifestyle.
- Best for: Beach lifestyle, tourism and self-employed expats
- Pros: Affordable than Sydney, great weather, lots of outdoor activities
- Cons: Limited corporate job opportunities
7. Sunshine Coast
An up-and-coming location for families and professionals seeking affordability, fantastic schools and great beaches without the business of Brisbane.
- Best for: Beach lifestyle, tourism and self-employed expats
- Pros: Relatively affordable than major cities like Sydney or Melbourne
- Cons: Limited corporate or high-paying job opportunities outside tourism, hospitality and health
Before you move, research rental prices and job opportunities in your preferred city to ensure it suits your lifestyle and budget.
7. Cost of living: Is Australia more expensive than the UK?
The cost of living in Australia varies by city and lifestyle. While wages are often higher, some expenses can be significantly more than in the UK. Below is a comparison of key cost factors:
Category | Australia (GBP £) | UK (GBP £) |
Housing costs | Rent in Sydney/Melbourne: £1,500–£3,000 per month (1-bed apartment). Smaller cities: £800–£1,500. | London: £1,500–£2,500 per month. Other cities: £700–£1,200. |
Everyday expenses | Groceries for one person: £250–£350 per month. Eating out: £10–£20 per meal. | Groceries: £200–£300 per month. Eating out: £8–£15 per meal. |
Utilities & bills | Electricity & water: £80–£150 per month. Internet: £40–£60 per month. | Electricity & water: £50–£100 per month. Internet: £25–£50 per month. |
Healthcare | Medicare covers many costs, but private insurance is £50–£150 per month. | NHS is free, but private insurance costs £40–£100 per month. |
Taxes & savings | Income tax: 19%–45% (depending on earnings). Superannuation (workspace pension) is 10.5% of salary. | Income tax: 20%–45%. Workplace pension contributions are usually 5%–10%. |
8. Available jobs for Brits in Australia
If you're moving to Australia from the UK for work, the job market is strong in many sectors, particularly:
- Healthcare
- IT and technology
- Construction and trades
- Engineering
- Education
9. How to secure a job in Australia?
Seeking a job in Australia is similar to job searching in the UK. It depends on your skills and current industry demands.
However, Australia is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled labour and if you fall into the category of workers Australia is looking for, you will find a well paying job more easily. Here's how to navigate the job market based on different types of work.
For skilled professionals, especially those in IT and healthcare, platforms such as Seek, LinkedIn and Indeed are the top job boards to find the jobs.
If you are looking for a Working Holiday Visa or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, Gumtree, Jora and local Facebook groups are popular for the latest job updates.
Tip: Tailor your CV to Australian standards, which typically include more detail on skills and experience than UK CVs.
10. Lifestyle and culture: How's Australia different from the UK?
Life in Australia is noticeably more relaxed, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities due to the warm climate.
Most industries have shorter working hours compared to the UK and social life revolves less around pubs and more around barbecues, beaches and coffee culture.
Unlike England where you would mostly rely on the underground, cars are more commonly used in Australia due to the vast distances.
For sports lovers, there may be a bit of disappointment as the Aussies love AFL, rugby and cricket more than football.
If you're curious between Australia and New Zealand, explore our guide to moving to Auckland for UK expats to see how it compares in terms of lifestyle, cost of living and job opportunities.
11. Healthcare and banking facilities in Australia
- Healthcare: Australia has a world-class healthcare system. As a British citizen, you can access Medicare through the reciprocal healthcare agreement, but private health insurance is also recommended.
- Banking: Setting up an Australian bank account before you arrive can make things much easier. Major banks like Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ all offer migrant-friendly account options.
12. Shipping your belongings
When moving from the UK to Australia, you'll need to decide what to take with you. Many Brits choose to ship furniture, vehicles or sentimental items, but this requires planning due to customs regulations.
This is where a trusted international moving company like Pickfords can help. With decades of experience
in helping Brits move to Australia, Pickfords offers tailored shipping solutions, expert advice and seamless transportation of your belongings.
Final thoughts: Is moving to Australia worth it?
For many Brits, making the move to Australia is life-changing. With a fantastic climate, a strong economy and an unbeatable lifestyle, it's no wonder thousands of people take the leap each year. While the process can be daunting, with proper planning,
it can be a smooth and rewarding journey.
If you're serious about moving to Australia, start researching your visa options, budget for your move and consider reaching out to Pickfords to handle the logistics.