Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick FactsKey stats and figures for Australia
Capital
Canberra
Languages
English
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Cost of Living
1% below US
Avg. Salary
$ 67k/yr
Timezone
UTC+8 to +11
Population
26 million
Expats
8.6 million
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
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.
Key tax information for Australia
0%-45% + 2% Medicare levy
30% (25% for base rate entities)
50% CGT discount for assets held 12+ months
10% GST
Foreign residents do not receive tax-free threshold
What to expect when living in Australia
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL for most skilled visas
Points-based system rewards higher English scores
Before You Go
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
Special TreatiesThe landmark Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement has been formally signed, creating unprecedented mobility pathways including the new Innovation Mobility visa for entrepreneurs and tech professionals.
Deep DivesThe borderless economy is not a future prediction - it is the operating system of modern work. We explore how the convergence of remote work, talent shortages, and competitive visa policy is dissolving the link between where you live and what you earn.
Deep DivesA data-driven ranking of the top destinations for software engineers, data scientists, and product managers - factoring in visa processing speed, tech salaries, cost-adjusted take-home pay, and quality of life.
Last updated: April 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.