Revealed: how to move from Britain to Australia – and how to DOUBLE your salary when you get there. Are you tempted?
Are you thinking of moving downstairs?
Compare My Move has put together a guide to the pros and cons of moving to Australia, covering the similarities and differences between British and Australian life, the costs of moving and living in Australia – and the salary differences.
If you're considering trading gray clouds for some Australian 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 every year.
The company – which allows users to compare quotes from a network of verified moving companies – claims Australia has a more relaxed work-life balance, higher wages and good investment opportunities. Healthcare and education are also top-notch and there are plenty of job opportunities for expats.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOVE
Considering Australia is across the world from Britain – 9,443 miles away – the company says this is what you can expect international moving costs be significantly higher than if you move to other countries.
Compare My Move has put together a guide to the pros and cons of moving to Australia
Compare My Move Research shows that shipping to Australia from the UK costs an average of £5,258 based on a 40ft container, which is equivalent to the value of a three-bedroom house's worth of assets. If you want to use additional services, such as packing, this will cost approximately € 250.
The total cost of international moves varies based on factors such as the shipping type used, the weight and number of items, and the distance traveled.
While this price may seem expensive, there are plenty of benefits once you get there.
LIFE DOWN BELOW
Compare My Move says working in Australia is 'much better' than in Britain. Salaries are higher, workplaces are more relaxed and there is a lot of work available.
According to Time Doctor, the average wage in Australia is $90,800 (£47,998.70). This wage is almost double the UK average of £25,971, providing more disposable income.
Workplaces and jobs in Australia are not much different from those in Britain, says Compare My Move. And if you currently have a specific profession, you can likely continue in a similar role if you move.
| Examples of cost of living | Australia | Britain |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport card (monthly) | £89.30 | £67.60 |
| Utility bills (monthly – one person) | £92.90 | £124 |
| Sports subscription (monthly) | £40.80 | £35.80 |
| Taxi (five miles) | £14.80 | £14.20 |
| One movie ticket | £11.30 | £10.70 |
| Beer in a pub | £5.49 | £4.53 |
| Chicken fillet (one kg) | £6.95 | £6.41 |
| Cappuccino | £2.71 | £3.17 |
| Data from Livingcost.org |
According to Time Doctor, the average wage in Australia is $90,800 (£47,998.70). This wage is almost double the UK average of £25,971
The moving company adds that Australia has a skills shortage in certain professions, including childcare, construction, programming, carers and doctors. As a result, the report claims, British citizens are likely to find work quickly and easily, especially if they can fill these roles.
REAL ESTATE PRICES
Property prices are also cheaper in Australia, Compare My Move reveals. The average price per square meter for a home in an Australian city is $11,107.41 (£5,891.87). In Britain the price is approximately £8,275.97 per square meter.
However, the company adds that properties outside Australian city centers cost $8,283.10 (£4,393.73) per square meter. In Britain 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 British city. If you want to live in a city in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive areas to live in, while Adelaide, Cairns and Perth are more affordable.
Although property prices in Australia are generally cheaper, rental prices are higher downstairs. Compare My Move reveals that a one-bedroom house in Australia costs $2,284.71 (£1,207.67) per month to rent, compared to £906.99 in the UK. A three-bedroom house in Australia costs around $3,738.52 (£1,976.13), compared to an average of £1,607.79 per month in Britain.
According to the moving company, the overall cost of living in Australia is also 13 percent more expensive than in Britain. While some living expenses are cheaper, such as energy bills, most things are more expensive.
Although the cost of living in Australia is higher, Compare My Move notes that the higher wages help offset the higher costs.