If you are thinking about moving to Australia, one of the first questions is: how much money do I need in my account before I arrive? The answer depends on the city, the type of accommodation, and your lifestyle — but let's make this simple and concrete.
Why do city and room type matter so much?
The biggest difference between cities is rent, which makes up 40–50% of the monthly budget. But within each city, the type of accommodation also makes an enormous difference — a shared room can cost half as much as a private room. Choosing well can mean A$400–1,000 more in your pocket every month.
Types of accommodation available
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room | You share the bedroom with another person — each pays half | Those who want to save as much as possible on arrival |
| Private room (shared house) | Your own room in a house with other people. Shared kitchen and bathroom. | The most common option for immigrants — a balance between cost and privacy |
| Studio | Your own self-contained compact apartment — bedroom, living area, and kitchen combined | Those who prefer full privacy and have an established income |
| 1-bedroom apartment | Full apartment, alone or with a partner | Those already settled or arriving as a couple |
Furnished or unfurnished?
Shared houses almost always come furnished: a bed, wardrobe, table, and common areas with a sofa, fridge, and utensils. You arrive with your luggage and you are ready to go.
Studios or apartments rented through agencies may be delivered completely empty (unfurnished). Always check before signing. If it is unfurnished, factor in the cost of fitting it out (A$2,000–5,000+) or look for second-hand items on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
Renting through an agency can be difficult at first
Australian real estate agencies ask for a local rental history, references, and proof of income. For someone who has just arrived, this is a real challenge.
Alternatives: offer to pay 2–3 months upfront, look for lease transfers in Facebook community groups, rent directly from the owner (without an agency), or start in a shared house via Flatmates to build local references.
Weekly rent by city and accommodation type
In Australia, rent is quoted per week. Use ×4.33 to convert to monthly.
| Accommodation type | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Gold Coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room | A$190–280/week | A$160–240/week | A$140–210/week | A$120–190/week | A$140–220/week |
| Private room (shared house) | A$280–420/week | A$230–360/week | A$200–310/week | A$170–270/week | A$190–300/week |
| Studio | A$420–600/week | A$360–520/week | A$310–450/week | A$260–380/week | A$290–420/week |
| 1-bedroom apartment | A$560–800/week | A$460–680/week | A$400–600/week | A$330–500/week | A$380–560/week |
Sources: Flatmates.com.au · Domain.com.au · realestate.com.au — March 2026
Where to find available rooms
- Flatmates.com.au — Australia's largest platform for shared accommodation
- Immigrant community groups on Facebook ("Immigrants in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane") — many people post rooms and lease transfers
- Gumtree.com.au — classifieds with cheaper and short-term options
- Renting directly from the owner (without an agency) — common and completely legal, with more flexible conditions
Full monthly cost of living — beyond rent
Figures for someone living in a private room in a shared house — the most common setup for immigrants:
| Category | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Gold Coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (private room) | A$1,210–1,820 | A$1,000–1,560 | A$870–1,340 | A$740–1,170 | A$820–1,300 |
| Food (cooking at home) | A$320–500 | A$320–500 | A$320–500 | A$320–500 | A$320–500 |
| Public transport | A$180–220 | A$100–150 | A$120–160 | A$80–120 | A$100–150 |
| Mobile phone | A$30–50 | A$30–50 | A$30–50 | A$30–50 | A$30–50 |
| Leisure / going out | A$120–250 | A$120–250 | A$120–250 | A$120–250 | A$120–250 |
| Contingencies / other | A$100–200 | A$100–200 | A$100–200 | A$100–200 | A$100–200 |
| Estimated total/month | A$2,000–3,000 | A$1,700–2,700 | A$1,550–2,400 | A$1,400–2,200 | A$1,520–2,450 |
Sources: Flatmates.com.au · ABS · MoneySmart ASIC
How much to save before you go — recommended reserve
| City | Minimum reserve | Comfortable reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | A$8,000–10,000 | A$15,000–20,000 |
| Melbourne | A$6,500–8,500 | A$12,000–16,000 |
| Brisbane | A$5,500–7,500 | A$10,000–14,000 |
| Adelaide | A$5,000–7,000 | A$9,000–13,000 |
| Gold Coast | A$5,500–7,500 | A$10,000–14,000 |
Arrival costs — what many people forget
Bond (rental deposit)
The bond is a security deposit paid when you start renting and returned when you leave (if there is no damage). The legal standard is 4 weeks' rent. But there is an important distinction:
Informal shared house (directly with a housemate or owner)
The bond is not officially registered — it is an informal arrangement. In practice, many charge only 2 weeks. Because it is informal, it relies on trust between the parties. Always ask for a written receipt with the amount, date, and return conditions.
Renting through an agency (real estate)
The bond is officially registered with the state government body (Fair Trading in NSW, RTBA in VIC, RTA in QLD). This protects you legally. The standard is 4 weeks and registration is mandatory within 10 business days of receipt.
Arrival costs checklist
| Cost | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bond | 2–4 weeks' rent | 2 weeks common in informal shared houses; 4 weeks in formal contracts |
| 1st month in advance | Equivalent to monthly rent | May be required — have it available as a reserve |
| SIM card + phone plan | A$30–80 | Optus, Vodafone, Telstra — buy at the airport or shortly after |
| Transport card | A$10–20 + credit | Opal (NSW), Myki (VIC), or Go Card (QLD) |
| Basic household items | A$200–500 | Bedding, utensils — Facebook Marketplace has great options |
| Airport transport | A$15–60 | Train is cheaper than a taxi in most cities |
Exchange rates vary
Use an online converter like Wise to check the current AUD rate in your currency before transferring. Wise and similar services offer much better rates than traditional banks.
Profile of each city
| Sydney | Largest job market and highest salaries, but also the highest cost of living. Ideal for finance, technology, medicine, and law. |
| Melbourne | Widely considered the most liveable city. Good job opportunities, lower cost than Sydney, strong cultural scene. Great for technology, education, arts, and hospitality. |
| Brisbane | Rapid growth ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games. Excellent climate, lower cost, growing opportunities in construction, technology, and healthcare. |
| Adelaide | The most affordable of the five cities. Significantly lower cost of living, smaller market but with opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, and defence. Great for building savings quickly. |
| Gold Coast | Between Brisbane and Sydney in cost. Strong in tourism, hospitality, and construction. Popular with immigrants for its excellent climate and large international community. |
Practical tip before choosing a city
Search for rooms currently available on Flatmates.com.au and check the real prices for the area you are considering. The figures in these tables are estimates — the property market changes constantly.
Comments
Have something to add or a question? Leave a comment below — your experience can help other immigrants in Australia.
Comments are public. You can delete yours from the same browser and device you used to post.
Loading comments…