How Much Does It Cost to Move to Australia in 2025? A Comprehensive Guide

Wondering what it really costs to move to Australia? Get the full picture with our up-to-date breakdown of all costs involved with relocating Down Under in 2025.

A move from the UK to Australia is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of costs, and these can quickly add up. From visa fees and flights to shipping, accommodation and insurance, there are many moving parts to plan for.

You’ll need to budget carefully to avoid surprises and ultimately make sure you enjoy a smooth transition to your new life Down Under.

So, how much does it cost to move to Australia in 2025?

Well, it really does depend on the type of move you’re making. But, as a general rule of thumb:

• Working holidaymakers or backpackers can travel light and usually stay in hostels or shared rentals, which helps keep costs low.

• Students or small-scale movers often only need to ship a few boxes and can book affordable accommodation. They typically require only basic set-up support upon arrival, keeping costs manageable.

• Families or permanent relocators face higher expenses for items such as container shipping, family visas, school fees and long-term housing.

Overall, expect to budget between about £5,000 and £20,000 (AUD $7,000 to $30,000+), depending on your circumstances and goals, whether that’s a short-term adventure or a lifetime relocation. Key costs typically include visa applications, which can run into several thousand pounds or dollars, flights that range from a few hundred to over £2,000, and shipping belongings, which can cost £1,800 to £9,500 or more for a household container. You’ll also need enough initial living funds, around AUD $7,000 to $10,000 for a single person and up to AUD $30,000 for a family, to cover rent, deposits and everyday expenses while you settle in.

Key Takeaways

• The cost to move to Australia in 2025 typically ranges between £5,000 and £20,000+ (AUD $7,000–$30,000+), depending on your visa type, shipping needs, and family size.

• Visa application fees are one of the first major costs, often running into several thousand AUD/GBP, especially for skilled migration or family visas.

• Flights can cost from a few hundred to over £2,000, depending on timing, airline, and final destination.

• Shipping belongings is a key expense: shared containers start around £1,800, while a full household move may exceed £6,000–£9,500. Choosing a trusted international removals company can help reduce delays, avoid hidden fees, and ensure your belongings are safely delivered.

• Skilled visa applicants may also face skills assessments, English tests, medical checks, and police clearances, which add hundreds to thousands of AUD.

• Initial living expenses are significant: a single person may need AUD $7,000–$10,000, while a family may require up to AUD $30,000 to cover rent, deposits, and everyday costs.

• Your overall costs will vary based on visa type, number of people relocating, how much you ship, and your lifestyle choices.

• Careful planning, from researching visa options to securing international removals quotes, ensures you set a realistic budget for your move.

1.    Visa Application Fees (as of September 2025)

How hard is it to get an Australian visa? Securing the correct visa is the first significant step, and one of the more significant expenses, when moving to Australia. Visa costs can vary greatly depending on your purpose for moving, whether it’s a short visit, a Working Holiday Visa, study, skilled migration, or joining family. Some visas are quick and affordable, while others require significant investment and documentation, especially for permanent residency. Below you’ll find a breakdown of the most common visa applications and their fees as of September 2025, to help you plan your budget with confidence.

 

These fees are subject to change, so be sure to use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing estimator for current visa costs and charges.

2. Skills Assessment & Document Authentication (2025 Update)

If you are a skilled migrant or sponsored worker applying for permanent visas—Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (190), or Temporary Skill Shortage (482)—you must complete this assessment and authentication process. These requirements are tied directly to your visa applications and should be factored into your overall visa costs if your end goal is permanent residency.

Working holidaymakers, students, and short-term visitors are exempt from these requirements.

Skills Assessment

• Professional occupations (e.g. via VETASSESS):

  • AUD $1,070–$1,177 (~£525–£580).

  • Priority processing: +AUD $806–$886 (~£395–£435).

• Engineering occupations (via Engineers Australia):

  • AUD $910–$1,175 (~£445–£575).

  • With employment and PhD review: up to AUD $1,754.50 (~£860).

Document Verification & Supporting Checks

• Police checks: AUD $42–$65 (~£20–£32).

• Medical exams: AUD $300–$500 (~£150–£255) depending on provider.

• Qualification verification (if separate): AUD $304–$334 (~£150–£165).

These assessments are mandatory to work in Australia. They verify that your qualifications comply with Australian standards and earn points towards skilled migration.

The fees vary by occupation, the assessing authority, and whether you’re applying from inside or outside Australia.

Fast-track options are also available, but please note that they come with additional costs.

3.  Flights from the UK to Australia (November 2025)

Expect to pay between £306 and £383 per person for your flight to Australia. This will vary depending on your final destination. Flying to Perth, for example, will be cheaper than flying to Sydney or Melbourne. You can also often get cheaper seats by booking well in advance.

The following prices are based on current data from Skyscanner, Flight Centre, and FlightsFinder:

One-way flights:

• • Cheapest fares: Start from £306–£383 (e.g. London to Perth or Melbourne in September–November).

  • Typical range: £350–£800, depending on airline, route, and season.

Round-trip flights:

• • Economy return fares: £430–£990 on indirect routes (e.g. China Southern, AirAsia).

  • Premium and direct flights: £800–£1,400+, especially during peak months like December and August.

Cheapest time to fly:

• • Lowest fare months: October and November.

  • Cheapest departure days: Mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday).

Non-stop flights:

• • Available via: Qantas and British Airways.

  • Cost difference: Typically £150–£300 more than indirect options, but saves 4–6 hours of travel time.

4.  Shipping Your Belongings

PSS specialises in international removals from the UK to Australia. We offer flexible pricing and moving options for everything from a few boxes to full household relocations.

Sea freight or air freight – which should you choose?

Sea Freight

This is the most obvious and economical choice for long-distance moves if you’re taking furniture, appliances, and bulkier items with you. Transit times, however, vary depending on destination and shipping schedules, so we generally don’t recommend it for items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.

The following will give you some idea of the costs involved in sea freight shipping:

Full Household Move

• 3-bed home (full container): From £5,780+.

• Delivery times: 6–16 weeks, depending on destination and shipping method.

• Includes professional export packing, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery.

Small Move / Student Shipping

• Box shipping: From £455 for a few boxes.

• Shared container (groupage): Around £1,600.

• Ideal for students, solo travellers, or temporary relocators.

Air Freight

We generally recommend air freight for urgent or high-value items like work equipment, documents, and items you’ll need straight away. It is faster, but it’s also priced by weight and volume, so it’s less cost-effective for full household moves.

At a glance:

Sea Freight vs. Air Freight
Feature	Sea Freight	Air Freight
Best for	Large household moves, non-urgent shipments	Urgent, high-value, or essential items
Transit time	6–16 weeks	7–14 days
Cost	Lower per kilo	Higher per kilo
Pricing basis	Volume (cubic feet/metres)	Weight and volume
Environmental impact	Lower emissions per shipment	Higher emissions

 

Explore PSS’s removals to Australia. Enjoy customised quotes and service options; we quote based on weight and destination.

5.  Insurance for Your Move

Even with the best preparation and professional handling, unforeseen issues can sometimes arise during international shipping. That’s why we always recommend taking out comprehensive international moving insurance.

PSS offers this as both a standard inclusion and an optional add-on. It protects your belongings against damage, delays, or loss, and applies whether you’re shipping by air or sea. If you’ve used professional packers, you’ll often qualify for full cover. The cost is usually 1–3% of the declared value of your items.

Shipping Insurance

Maritime, or shipping insurance, can be arranged separately, or we can include it as part of your overall moving insurance policy.

Shipping insurance is calculated based on the type and value of your items. It covers sea freight and protects against risks unique to ocean transit, such as container loss, water damage, and vessel-related incidents.

Always choose an experienced international removals company, like PSS, with export-trained packing teams and customised insurance options. It will guarantee you peace of mind from start to finish.

6.  Temporary Accommodation

Unless you already have pre-arranged housing or family in Australia, you’ll probably need temporary accommodation for your first few weeks. You can then take your time looking around for a long-term rental or something to buy. Rental prices vary depending on the city and state. Regional and rural rentals are lower than in the cities.

Popular short-term temporary rental options include serviced apartments, Airbnb, and short-stay rentals. For the budget-conscious or students, there are also hostels, student accommodation, or even shared housing.

Major State Capitals (2025 Median Weekly Rent)

The following rental prices are sourced from Australian Property Update and CoreLogic.

City	Median House Rent (Weekly)	Median Unit Rent (Weekly)
Sydney	$775	$720
Melbourne	$580	$550
Brisbane	$625	$590
Adelaide	$600	$495
Perth	$660	$570
Canberra	$680	$550
Darwin	$680	$550
Hobart	$550	$460

Regional Australia

State/Territory	Median House Rent (Weekly)	Median Unit Rent (Weekly)
Regional NSW	$580	$500
Regional Victoria	$500	$460
Regional Queensland	$550	$490
Regional South Australia	$430	$300
Regional Western Australia	$650	$520
Regional Tasmania	$485	$420
Regional Northern Territory	$600	$460

 

7.  Customs & Quarantine Fees

Australia has one of the strictest biosecurity systems in the world, and for good reason. Her isolation, combined with being an island, has helped protect her agriculture, environment, and economy from devastating pests and diseases.

Unlike many nations, Australia remains free from threats such as mad cow disease, foot-and-mouth disease, and fruit fly infestations that have crippled farming sectors in other countries. And a single contaminated item could introduce a pest or disease that devastates crops, livestock, or native ecosystems.

Therefore, all incoming shipments, including personal belongings, are subject to rigorous customs and quarantine inspections. If these regulations aren’t followed, the consequences are usually serious: delays, fines, destruction of goods, or even prosecution.

Common Fees

• Duty-free allowance: Household items owned for 12+ months are generally exempt from import duties.

• Quarantine inspection fees: Vary by shipment, but expect to pay around AUD $500 for standard inspections.

• Cleaning or treatment fees: Apply to high-risk items such as outdoor gear, garden tools, shoes, or furniture made from untreated wood.

• Additional charges: May apply if items are contaminated, improperly packed, or require fumigation or heat treatment.

8. Currency Exchange & Transfer Fees

Transferring funds from the UK to Australia might seem simple enough but it does require some legwork and planning. Banks are an obvious choice but their exchange rates aren’t always the best. And they may come with transfer delays and hidden fees, which can erode the value of your transfer.

For example:

• Banks typically charge 2–5% in margin on the exchange rate, plus SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) fees and intermediary bank charges.

• Funds may pass through multiple correspondent banks, adding 2–5 business days to delivery. When you make an international bank transfer (e.g. from the UK to Australia), your money doesn’t travel directly from your UK bank account to your Australian one. Instead, your UK bank sends a SWIFT message to one or more intermediary banks, which then pass it along until it reaches your Australian bank account.

• It can be hard to accurately forecast final amounts due to fluctuating rates and layered fees.

Currency Specialists: A Smarter Alternative

The good news is that there are better alternatives. At PSS, we recommend using currency specialists like FC Global, as they typically offer better deals and rates closer to the current market rate. These services also often waive standard fees and offer faster delivery (often within 24–48 hours).

You should also consider using forward contracts and rate alerts to lock in favourable rates for ongoing transfers, and get notifications when your target rate is available.

9.  Setting Up in Australia

 

Arriving in Australia is exciting, but those first few weeks are often about getting the essentials in place so daily life runs smoothly. Beyond finding your new home and unpacking, you’ll need to open accounts, organise utilities, and make sure you’re connected. These initial steps might feel like small details, but they’re an important part of settling in and feeling at home in your new country.

• Bank accounts: initial set-up is usually free, but you will require ID.

• Rental bond: most accommodation providers require a minimum of 4 weeks’ rent upfront.

• Internet & utilities setup: can be anywhere between $40 and $300 upfront.

• Mobile SIM set-up: between $10–$50 upfront.

10. Cost of Living

Contrary to what you may have heard about the cost of living in Australia, many things i.e. inner-city transport, dining out, renting, are slightly cheaper than the UK. Groceries however do tend to be more expensive. And, as Australia is also a very large place, regional and interstate travel takes longer and costs more than what you’re used to in the UK. Australian wages and salaries, on the other hand, are generally higher on average.

Monthly Living Costs by State (Excluding Rent) – 2025

The following information will help you get an idea of comparative costs. It includes:

• Groceries.

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet, mobile).

• Transport (public transit, fuel).

• Dining out and entertainment.

• Health and personal care.

On average, living costs in Australia range between AUD $1,800 and $2,500 per month (approximately £935–£1,300). By comparison, the United Kingdom tends to be slightly higher, averaging £1,100–£1,360 per month (or around AUD $2,100–$2,600).

Main Cities Comparison

 

Average Monthly Rent – 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) 2025

Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city to rent in, but is still more affordable than London. Regional UK cities like Manchester and Birmingham are comparable in rent to Brisbane and Perth. Hobart and Adelaide have the most affordable capital city rents in Australia

City	Rent Range
Sydney	$2,800–$3,400 (£1,455–£1,770)
Melbourne	$2,100–$2,600 (£1,090–£1,355)
Brisbane	$2,000–$2,500 (£1,040–£1,300)
Perth	$1,900–$2,400 (£990–£1,250)
Adelaide	$1,800–$2,200 (£935–£1,145)
Canberra	$2,000–$2,400 (£1,040–£1,250)
Darwin	$1,900–$2,300 (£990–£1,195)
Hobart	$1,700–$2,100 (£885–£1,090)
London	£1,975–£2,445 ($3,800–$4,700)
Manchester	£1,200–£1,400 ($2,300–$2,700)
Birmingham	£1,145–£1,355 ($2,200–$2,600)
Edinburgh	£1,200–£1,400 ($2,300–$2,700)
Glasgow	£1,090–£1,300 ($2,100–$2,500)

11. Private Health Insurance

Australia has an excellent public health system through Medicare, which provides affordable access to doctors, hospitals, and essential treatments. However, not everything is covered, especially when it comes to specialist services, elective procedures, or private hospital care. That’s where private health insurance comes in.

For new arrivals, it’s important to understand how the Medicare Levy and Medicare Levy Surcharge work, and how private health insurance can reduce or even avoid these additional costs. In some cases, health cover is not just a choice but a requirement—many visa types, such as student or temporary skilled visas, require proof of compliant health insurance before you can enter the country.

The table below outlines the key costs and conditions to be aware of so you can plan ahead and ensure you remain covered while living in Australia.

Item	Details	Cost / Rate	Thresholds / Conditions
Medicare Levy	Mandatory contribution for Australian tax residents	Full exemption	Singles: up to $26,000 Families: up to $43,000
		Sliding scale (based on income)	Singles: $26,001–$32,500 Families: $43,001–$54,000
		2% of taxable income	Singles: $32,501+ Families: $54,001+
Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)	Additional tax for high-income earners without private hospital cover	1%–1.5% of taxable income	Singles: $101,001+ Families: $202,001+
Private Health Insurance (PHI)	Monthly premium for family hospital cover	$150–$400/month	Varies by provider, age, and coverage level
PHI Rebate	Government rebate on PHI premiums	Up to 24.3%	Income-tested; applies to eligible policies
Proof of Cover Requirement	Required for some visa types (e.g. 482, 485, 600)	Must show hospital cover	Certificate or policy schedule required on arrival
Visa Compliance	Health insurance must meet visa conditions	Varies by visa type	Non-compliance may delay entry or breach visa terms

12. Employment Search & Job Market Integration

Finding work is one of the most important steps when settling into Australia, as it not only provides financial security but also helps with long-term integration. The Australian job market is diverse and skills-driven, with strong demand in healthcare, education, technology, and the trades. From trades to technology, there are many in-demand jobs in Australia that can lead to skilled migration opportunities. For some migrants, securing work is also a vital part of meeting visa requirements and even progressing towards permanent residency.

Key Growth Sectors

Sector	Roles in Demand	Notes
Healthcare	Nurses, aged care workers, allied health, mental health professionals	Strong demand nationwide; regional incentives available
Education	Early childhood educators, secondary teachers, special needs specialists	High demand in rural and outer metro areas
Technology	Software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity, UX designers	Fast-growing; remote and hybrid roles common
Trades	Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics	Critical shortages; strong earning potential and visa pathways

 

Healthcare roles such as aged care workers and nurses are in particularly high demand — see our guide to nursing in Australia for more details.

Job Search Platforms

Common job search platforms with Australian-specific job boards include:

• Seek – Australia’s largest job board; filters by visa status, salary, and location.

• Indeed – Aggregates listings from multiple sources; useful for casual and contract roles.

• LinkedIn – Valuable for networking, professional branding, and accessing hidden opportunities.

• JobActive – Government-backed portal with support for job seekers and training options.

Local CV & Reference Expectations

When it comes to submitting your resume to Australian workplaces, consider the following:

• Formatting: keep resumes at 2–3 pages max.

• Use clear summary, bullet-pointed achievements, and Australian spelling (Australia officially mostly uses UK spelling conventions e.g. “organise” not “organize”).

• References: Australian employers often request 2–3 referees with contact details. Whilst UK references are accepted, local referees (even from volunteer roles) carry more weight.

• Cover letters: These are still widely used, and customised letters improve interview chances.

Job Readiness & Upskilling

You may also find Australian employers expect or require you to undertake some job readiness or upskill training to prepare for local workplace conditions. Courses can range from AUD $500–$2,500 depending on duration and provider. Topics include workplace communication, industry-specific compliance, and digital literacy

Popular providers include:

Provider	Focus	Typical Cost (AUD)
TAFE (state-based)	Industry-recognised vocational training	$500–$2,500
SkillsCheckpoint	Career transition support for over-40s	Subsidised; varies
JobTrainer	Free or low-cost courses in priority sectors	Often free
Private RTOs	Short courses in trades, admin, tech	$300–$2,000

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that allows you to gain nationally recognised qualifications by demonstrating skills and knowledge acquired through:

• Overseas work experience.

• Informal training.

• Volunteer roles.

• On-the-job learning.

Migrants with international qualifications and experience can use RPL to convert their credentials into Australian qualifications without having to repeat their training. It can be particularly useful for this in trades and healthcare.

Other Costs

If you want to move to Australia with children, plan to retire, or take pets or a vehicle with you, read on, as costs don’t always apply to everyone’s moving situation.

13. Education Costs

We’ve covered early education childcare costs in our childcare cost guide, so this section deals with education costs from primary school upwards.

Australia has a comprehensive public and private school system (learn more in our post here). What this means is that every child in Australia is guaranteed a place in the school system.

There are 3 types of schools – public, systemic, and private/independent schools.

School Type	Description	Typical Annual Fees (AUD)
Public Schools	Government-funded, non-religious schools open to all children in local catchment zones.	$0–$500 (voluntary contributions, uniforms, excursions)
Catholic Systemic Schools	Church-affiliated schools managed by diocesan education offices. Receive government funding and charge modest fees.	$2,000–$10,000 depending on level and diocese
Private/Independent Schools	Privately governed schools, including elite institutions and non-Catholic religious schools. Often selective and fee-intensive.	$15,000–$45,000+

 

The Australian school year starts in January / early February.

University and TAFE

Education Type	Typical Annual Cost (AUD)	Notes
University – Domestic	$4,000–$15,000	Subsidised via HECS-HELP for citizens and permanent residents; varies by discipline
University – International	$20,000–$45,000+	Full-fee paying; higher for medicine, law, engineering, and postgraduate degrees
TAFE (Technical & Further Education)	$3,000–$10,000	Vocational training; lower fees for domestic students; international fees vary
Private RTOs (Registered Training Organisations)	$2,000–$15,000	Short courses, diplomas, and certificates; fees vary widely by provider and sector
Postgraduate Degrees	$22,000–$50,000+	Includes coursework and research programs; scholarships available for domestic and international students

 

Visa holders (including temporary residents) also have access to schooling. Note, however, that fees may apply, and the enrolment processes vary depending on the type of visa and state policies.

14. Retiring in Australia

Australia is a great place to retire to – sun, surf, and some of the best beaches in the world! If this is your retirement plan, you’ll find plenty of other UK expats to keep you company. But – there are some financial considerations to bear in mind.

• Australia doesn’t have a bilateral agreement with the UK for inflation-linked increases. Therefore, if you choose to retire in Australia, your UK State Pension is frozen at the rate it was when you first received it. That means it won’t keep pace with inflation.

• Transferring UK pensions to Australia is a complicated process and often involves setting up a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). Unfortunately, these types of schemes aren’t common in Australia so your options are limited, and subject to strict HMRC and Australian Tax Office (ATO) rules. Mismanagement can trigger tax penalties.

• Australia doesn’t offer many retirement visa streams. Those that are available – the Parent visa or Contributory Parent visa – come with strict and substantial financial commitments, and long wait times. Applicants must also prove they have private health cover and enough income and assets to support themselves to qualify for a visa.

Given the complexities of cross-border pension arrangements, you’ll likely need specialised financial advice but this is both highly regulated, and expensive. Expect to pay £1,000–£3,000+ for this type of advice. And look for advisors with dual UK-Australian accreditation and experience in expat financial planning.

15. Importing Vehicles

 

Like the UK, Australians drive on the left and vehicles licensed for everyday use on Australian roads must be right-hand drive.

Is it worth taking your car with you to Australia?

Yes, it can be if the car has sentimental value, is high-value, not available in Australia, or rare. But – the process is tightly regulated so you’ll need to plan carefully. Learn more about the process here.

Cars in Australia are typically more expensive than the UK because most makes and models are imported. Some models are also not available there.

So – here’s an overview of what you need to know about importing vehicles into Australia from the UK:

Key Information

To import a vehicle into Australia, you must obtain a Vehicle Import Approval through the ROVER portal, managed by the Department of Infrastructure. This applies to both private and dealer imports, and you can either create your own account or use a specialist importer to manage the process.

Typical Import Costs (£2,000–£6,000+)

Costs depend on the vehicle’s size, value, and final destination, but generally cover:

• Shipping (container or roll-on/roll-off).

• Import duties and GST.

• Luxury Car Tax (if applicable).

• Compliance modifications.

• Registration and insurance.

Compliance Requirements

Your vehicle must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) for safety and environmental standards. These are usually less strict than UK/EU requirements, so if your car is:

• Less than 10 years old.

• Built to UK/EU specifications.

• Not heavily modified.

…it will usually comply without major adjustments. That said, some modifications are common, including:

• Headlight realignment.

• Speedometer conversion to km/h.

• Emissions testing.

• Installation of rear child restraint anchor points (mandatory in Australia).

Non-compliant vehicles will almost certainly be refused registration.

Luxury Car Tax (LCT)

If your car is one of the following, you’ll have to pay LCT, which is 33% of its GST-inclusive value over the relevant threshold. Nevertheless, luxury cars are expensive in Australia so even with LCT, it may still be cheaper to import yours than replace it locally.

Vehicle Type	AUD Threshold	Approx. GBP Equivalent
Fuel-efficient vehicles	$91,387	~£47,500
Other vehicles	$80,567	~£41,900

 

16. Pet & Livestock Relocation

Importing pets and livestock (like horses) into Australia is expensive and very tightly regulated. We touched on their strict quarantine regulations earlier in relation to household items, and they are even tougher for pets and livestock.

Animal Category	Import Status / Process	Key Requirements	Estimated Total Costs
Cats & Dogs	Permitted (strict biosecurity). Applications are lodged via the Department of Agriculture’s Import Permit Portal. Start by checking eligibility and conditions on BICON. Veterinary certification must be endorsed by APHA UK.	Microchip, rabies vaccination, titre test (≥180 days pre-import), DAFF import permit, APHA vet certificate, 10-day quarantine in Melbourne	AUD $5,000–$8,000, including import permit (~$480), quarantine ($2,000–$4,000), airfare (£1,000–£3,000), vet prep, crate and documentation
Pet Birds	Permitted for one species only (rare and complex). Eligibility and conditions are outlined in BICON.	Multiple permits, pre-export isolation, avian disease testing, 45-day quarantine, strict environmental compliance	AUD $10,000+ and highly variable; not recommended for private owners
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Small Mammals	Prohibited from the UK	Only rabbits from New Zealand are allowed; others pose a high biosecurity risk	N/A
Horses	Permitted (complex and expensive). Start with BICON to confirm eligibility. Apply for an Import Permit via the Department of Agriculture. Quarantine bookings and blood testing must be coordinated through approved equine agents.	DAFF permit, UK pre-export quarantine (14–28 days), blood tests, vaccination, 14-day quarantine in Melbourne	AUD $20,000–$30,000+, including import permit ($603), Australian quarantine ($6,200+), UK prep (£2,000–£5,000), testing, transport and handling
Other Livestock	Prohibited from the UK	UK is not low-risk for diseases like FMD or scrapie; only embryos or genetic material are allowed under strict controls	N/A

 

17. Storage Costs (UK & Australia)

If you need to store belongings either before you leave the UK, or after arriving in Australia, it could cost you between:

• £25–£50/week in the UK.

• $150–$400/month in Australia.

In Brief: How Much Money Do You Need?

So – to sum up: just how much money are you going to need for your move to Australia?

Category	Estimated Cost (AUD)	Estimated Cost (GBP)	Notes & Cost Breakdown
Visas	$20–$10,000+	~£10–£5,100+	Varies widely by visa type
Skills & Document Checks	$300–$2,000+	~£150–£1,000+	Mandatory for skilled visas. Includes fees for skills assessment (e.g., VETASSESS), police checks, medical exams, and qualification verification.
Flights (One-Way)	$590–$1,600	~£306–£800	Varies by airline, route, and time of year.
Shipping Belongings	$900–$12,000+	~£455–£5,780+	Includes sea and air freight, insurance
Pet Relocation	$5,000–$30,000+	~£2,600–£15,000+	Cats & Dogs: $5,000–$8,000. Horses: $20,000–$30,000+. Costs include flights, vet prep, permits, and mandatory Australian quarantine fees.
Importing a Vehicle	$3,900–$12,000+	~£2,000–£6,000+	Costs vary by vehicle, but include shipping, import duties, GST, potential Luxury Car Tax (LCT), and compliance modifications.
Temporary Accommodation	$450–$1,000+ per week	~£230–£500+ per week	Varies by city. Sydney and Canberra are the most expensive. Regional areas are cheaper.
Initial Set-up Costs	$400–$1,200	~£200–£600	Includes rental bond (4 weeks’ rent), and initial fees for utilities, internet, and mobile phone plans.
Private Health Insurance	$150–$400 per month	~£75–£200 per month
Education Costs (Annual)	$0–$45,000+	~£0–£23,000+	Varies by school type
Other Costs	Varies	Varies	Includes costs for: • Currency transfer fees • UK storage • Financial advice for retirement • Customs and quarantine fees for belongings

Planning a 1–3 Year Stay?

If you’re only planning a short 1 to 3-year stay, flexibility should be your key consideration:

• Ship essentials via box shipping.

• Rent furnished accommodation (avoids having to buy furniture).

• Store items in the UK for return.

• Use travel or short-term expat insurance.

• Opt for flexible visas like WHV, Student, or Temporary Skill Shortage.

This type of move can cost as little as £6,000–£10,000 with some smart planning.

Summary – The Cost to Move to Australia in 2025

Relocating to Australia is an exciting step, but it’s important to budget properly. In 2025, most UK moves cost between £5,000 and £20,000+, depending on your situation and the type of relocation you’re planning, including pathways to permanent residency. Careful preparation will help you avoid surprises and make the transition as smooth as possible. For a broader look at the relocation process beyond costs, you can read our detailed moving to Australia guide.

While the total cost may feel overwhelming at first, remember that good planning, comparing options, and working with an experienced international removals company can help keep expenses under control. From choosing the right shipping method to securing insurance and planning your first few weeks in Australia, expert support makes all the difference.

For tailored advice and a precise quote based on your circumstances, speak to our team. Call 0800 988 3711 or get a free quick quote today with PSS Removals.