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Moving to Australia from Singapore
Costs, Requirements, Lifestyle and Moving Checklist
Moving to Australia is exciting and you might be ready to start enjoying surfing and exploring its unique wildlife. Before we get to the exciting part there are things to take care of such as visa applications, searching for work opportunities, housing, and learning about the culture. Have no fear, we have gathered the necessary information you need to know before moving from Singapore to Australia in this article.
What can you find here?
Moving Costs: Singapore to Australia
The average cost of moving to Australia from Singapore is between S$ 8,000-18,000 depending on the size, weight, and shipping method.
For better visualization, we have gathered sea freight costs by bedroom size below:
| Size of Apartment | Average Costs |
| 1-2 bedroom (10-30m³) | S$ 8,000-11,000 |
| 3-4+ bedroom (40-60m³) | S$ 13,000-18,000 |
*These costs are industry estimates from summer 2024, the prices fluctuate based on season, weight, and shipping method.
Knowing the volume of your move is the first step in getting reliable cost estimates for your move abroad. Use our volume calculator to estimate the size of your household goods you are shipping.
Are you looking to ship a container? To find more details on the shipping costs to Australia look at our article:
International Movers: Singapore to Australia
Finding the right international movers to assist you with your move abroad to Australia is one of the most important factors to focus on for a smooth transition. Below you can find the top 4 international removalists in Singapore:
- Moovaz
- Alliance Movers
- Wee Care Mobility
If you want to do your research, look at our international movers. The reviews gathered are from independent users and verified accounts.
Request your Removal Quotes
The cost of moving to Australia varies based on the time of the year, route, and weight of your items. Therefore, the most accurate way to receive moving costs is by requesting a quote. Fill in our form and receive up to 5 free quotes now.
Australia Visa Requirements
Australia has strict border control regulations which come with unique visa requirements. As a Singaporean, you must apply for a Visa before traveling to or visiting Australia. You can find information on country restrictions on the Singapore government website.
Australian visas can be applied online, or you must go to the location in person. The regulations depend on which visa you are applying for, Australian work visa requirements have different rules than tourist visas. Visit the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) to find detailed information on visa applications. You can fill in your Australia visa application from Singapore on this website.
Cost of Living in Australia
The cost of Living in Australia is approximately 16,1% lower than in Singapore. If you want to reduce your living costs, Australia is a great option. Moreover, rent prices in Australia are around 25% lower than in Singapore.
In the table below you can find comparison estimates for the cost of living in Australia:
| Product | Price in Singapore | Price in Australia |
| Beer (0,5L) | S$ 10,00 | S$ 9,60 |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6,40 | S$ 4,54 |
| Bottle of water | S$ 1,89 | S$ 1,84 |
| Bottle of wine | S$ 35,00 | S$ 17,46 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 12,85 | S$ 11,14 |
| Monthly bus pass | S$ 120,00 | S$ 189,74 |
| Gasoline (1L) | S$ 2,87 | S$ 1,76 |
*Prices are estimates and can change, Source here.
Tax in Australia
The income tax rate in Australia is higher than in Singapore. The highest income tax in Singapore is 22% and in Australia, it’s 45%. This taxation might take some adjusting when moving to Australia from Singapore.
| Income | Tax Percentage |
| S$ 23,548 – 58.221 | 16% |
| S$ 58.222 – 174.665 | 30% |
| S$ 174.665 – 245.822 | 37% |
| S$ 245.822+ | 45% |
Healthcare in Australia
Australia is known to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, offering affordable and safe healthcare for all residents and expats. Healthcare in Australia is free when essential or urgent hospital care is needed, meaning GP visits and prescriptions are free. Other special treatments and medical needs will cost money, in which case health insurance is beneficial.
Generally, you can choose between the public healthcare system and private health insurance, which will give you more choices in healthcare. Have a look at the Australian health system in more detail here.
Work in Australia
Finding work in Australia, as in any different country as an expat is a bit more challenging. However, Australia has the benefit of being an English-speaking country, which makes it easier for expats.
The most popular sites in Australia for finding jobs are:
The working hours in Australia are on average 38 hours per week for full-time employees, whereas in Singapore a full-time week is around 40 hours. This means that a Singaporean working in Australia might be pleasantly surprised by the extra free time per week, which you can spend exploring the beautiful beaches!
Singapore vs. Australia: Salary
The salary levels in Singapore vs. Australia are close to each other. In most cases, you can expect a similar salary for your job, and won’t have to adjust your quality of life too much.
Average Salaries: Singapore vs. Australia
| Country | Singapore | Australia |
| Avg. Monthly Net income (post-tax) | S$ 5,811.16 A$ 6,658.18 | S$ 5,531.26 A$ 6,337.49 |
The currency in Australia is the Australian dollar. The conversion rate for Australia vs. Singapore dollars is 0,87. Remember this conversion when you estimate your new net income after tax, or other expenses in Australia.
Singapore vs. Australia: Education
The schooling systems in Singapore and Australia are both good. Overall, Singapore scores higher on the PISA test (Programme for International Student Assessment) than Australia.
The Australian school system offers both private, public, and catholic schools. Some schools have admissions based on residential areas. Due to this, it’s advised to find your residential area based on the neighbouring schools.
Public schools in Australia are free for residents, but private and catholic schools generally require a tuition fee.
The costs of private schools in Australia can range from S$20,100 to S$ 35,000 per year.
School System in Australia
| Level | Description |
| Primary School (age 2-6) | Starting foundation (kindergarten/pre-school), focus on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. |
| Secondary School (age 7-17) | Subject matters start becoming increasingly specialized (compulsory for all) |
| Tertiary Education (age 17-18+) | Higher education and VET (Vocational Education and Training) options. (optional) |
Checklist for Moving Abroad to Australia
Moving from Singapore to Australia can become overwhelming without a proper checklist. We have gathered a guide on what you must remember to do before enjoying the beautiful Australian beaches and its rich culture.
Things to Do Before Moving to Australia
- Personal Documents – Before leaving it’s important to prepare all necessary documents like passport, visa, financials, birth certificate copy, medical files, university degrees, and getting a health insurance policy.
- Hiring a Moving Company – Moving overseas is extremely difficult, especially if you have household items on top of luggage. In these cases, it’s best to hire international movers.
- Packing and Decluttering – Decluttering is always recommended as the first step for packing. The more items you move the more expensive it will be. Remember to label all boxes and use padding when packing.
- Confirming Flight Details – Confirming your flight details a few days before departure is smart. Make sure there haven’t been any last-minute changes.
- Informing Taxes, Post, and Government – Inform the Singapore tax authorities about your move abroad. Make sure to also report it to the post office and government.
- Shipping a Car – If you are shipping your vehicle inform your movers, obtain an import permit in advance, and provide proof of ownership and residence.
- Moving with a Dog or Cat– Australia has strict regulations on pet import due to its unique wildlife. Check the government website for all pet import regulations.
Living in Australia
Before you migrate to Australia you might want to research what life in Australia for immigrants is like. There are also Singaporean expat communities around Australia, and you can use Merlion to find your community.
Australia is generally described as having top-quality healthcare and education, a high quality of life, low crime rates, and a high standard of living. On top of that, being an English-speaking country makes Australia easier to adapt to.
Australian Culture: What to Know
Australia is characterized by a “no worries” attitude and lifestyle, that is laidback and relaxed compared to other Western cultures. As always, familiarizing yourself with the culture of your new destination can make your stay and life much easier.
There are some things to know about Australian culture, see the list below:
- Love for nature – Australians love nature, hiking, relaxing on the beach and outdoors.
- Rich cultural history – Australian culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world, and it heavily impacts everything from art to food.
- Friendliness – Australians are very friendly with strangers and create a welcoming atmosphere.
- A sense of adventure – Adventure is a weekly occurrence in Australia, from sports activities to hiking to exotic animals. You never know what waits around the corner.
Housing Rental Prices in Australia
The rental prices in Singapore are around 20% higher than in Australia. As a Singaporean, you might be positively surprised by the lower rental prices.
| City | Average Rent Price in SGD |
| Sydney | S$ 655 |
| Melbourne | S$ 507 |
| Brisbane | S$ 551 |
| Adelaide | S$ 520 |
| Perth | S$ 569 |
| Darwin | S$ 577 |
*These prices are mere estimates, the actual price can fluctuate, find the source here.
Best Places to Live in Australia
Adelaide – The city is generally considered the best place to live in Australia and is named after the Queen Adelaide. It has many work and study opportunities for locals and expats. The town has easy access to green areas, vibrant restaurants, and great nightlife.
Melbourne – Melbourne is known for its great quality of life and extraordinary beaches. Being the second largest city in Australia, it is also a hub for culture and creativity and a great place for young students and adults.
Perth – Perth is known for its educational system, warm weather, and beautiful city parks. The town offers white-sand beaches and historic neighbourhoods, making it great for families.
Sydney – Sydney is known for its opera house and other architectural buildings. It’s a great city for work opportunities and has a diverse population of locals and expats.
Brisbane – Brisbane is one of the more affordable cities in Australia and is known for its nature. It’s the third-largest city and offers excellent education opportunities.
Climate in Australia
The Australian climate is more complex than most countries due to its location. The temperatures in Australia range from around 5 Celsius to 30 Celsius, depending on the site.
Australia has seven distinct climate regions. The central part of the country has a hot and dry desert-like climate, while the rest differs per area. You can come across tropical savanna, humid subtropical, mediterranean, semiarid, and oceanic climate regions. The likelihood of finding a climate that suits your preferences is quite high, but research the city’s climate before moving.
Ready to Migrate to Australia
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article we hope you feel ready and excited about your move. All that’s left is the preparations and soon you’ll be catching waves on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Australia! If you are still left with questions, make sure to look at our FAQs below.
