Australia
Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick Facts
Key stats and figures for Australia
Capital
Canberra
Languages
English
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Cost of Living
2% above US
Avg. Salary
$ 73k/yr
Timezone
UTC+8 to +11
Population
26 million
Expats
8.6 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | A$3,441 | A$4,452 |
| Melbourne | A$2,400 | A$3,280 |
| Brisbane | A$2,100 | A$2,900 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in AUD/month.
Tax Rates
Key tax information for Australia
Personal Income Tax
0%-45% + 2% Medicare levy
Corporate Tax
30% (25% for base rate entities)
Capital Gains Tax
50% CGT discount for assets held 12+ months
VAT / Sales Tax
10% GST
Good to Know
Foreign residents do not receive tax-free threshold
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in Australia
Official Languages
English Proficiency
HighLanguage Requirements
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL for most skilled visas
Good to Know
Points-based system rewards higher English scores
Popular Visa Pathways to Australia
Australia189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) grants Australian permanent residency to skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship. Candidates submit an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect and are invited by points — minimum 65, but competitive scores are much higher. Around 16,900 places are allocated annually. The visa is permanent from grant — no renewal required. Holders can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. Spouses and dependants are included with the same full rights. Citizenship is available after the standard residency period. This visa is ideal for skilled professionals under 45 whose occupation is on the MLTSSL and who can achieve a competitive points score with a positive skills assessment.
Australia190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) is an Australian permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory. Applicants need 65+ points on the federal test — the nominating state contributes 5 — plus a skills assessment for an occupation on the skilled list. Must be under 45 at invitation. The visa grants permanent residence on arrival with no renewal required. Spouses are included and may work without restriction. The primary application charge is AUD 6,140 and competent English (IELTS 6.0+) is required. Holders must live in the sponsoring state for two years post-grant. This visa is ideal for skilled professionals and tradespeople who want Australian permanent residency and are willing to settle in a specific state or territory.
Australia482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is Australia's primary employer-sponsored work visa, succeeding the TSS in December 2024. Employers nominate skilled foreign workers for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, or ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 above the Specialist Skills salary threshold. Fees start from AUD 4,015. Stays are up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong/BNO holders), renewable, with a PR pathway via Subclass 186. Dependents may join with full work rights; employers must pass Labour Market Testing and pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy. This visa is ideal for skilled foreign workers with an Australian employer sponsor who want a multi-year stay with dependents and a clear pathway to permanent residence.
Before You Go
What You Should Know About Australia
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
Australia Just Announced New Visa Rules. Here's What They Mean, Who They Affect, and When They'll Apply.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced a migration package tightening visitor, working holiday and student visas - skilled work visas and permanent residence places were not part of it. The package is rolling out over the next 12 months, with no dates pre-announced.
What Is a Transit Visa? Rules by Country
A transit visa lets you pass through a country on your way to another one — it is not a tourist visa and does not let you stay. Here is what it actually covers, when you need one, and how the rules differ across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Schengen Area, Japan and Singapore.
These Are the Best Places in the World to Live in 2026
The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2026 Global Liveability Index scored 173 cities on stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure. Copenhagen dethroned longtime leader Vienna, New York posted one of its biggest gains in years, and Damascus closed out the table.
Data Sources
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.