How to finance your life in Australia? From the first month to permanent residency

Valentina Omaña
1 day ago
4 min read

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for people seeking a life change, new job opportunities, and a unique cultural experience. However, when planning to move to a country like Australia, one of the most important—and challenging—aspects is how to finance your life, especially during the first few months before you become financially stable.

In this blog, we’ll guide you step by step so you can successfully finance your life in Australia—from your first month of adjustment to achieving permanent residency. You'll find practical tips and key strategies to manage your finances effectively and make the most of what Australia has to offer. Let’s get started!

1. How Much Do You Need to Live in Australia? Setting a Realistic Budget

Before taking the first step, it’s essential to have a clear idea of how much money you’ll need per month. This will help you plan ahead and avoid financial surprises. Costs vary depending on the city you live in, but here’s a rough estimate:

Accommodation: Depending on the city, renting a shared room can cost between $150 and $300 AUD per week. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to be more expensive.
Food: The cost of groceries in Australia is relatively high. A weekly food budget ranges from $60 to $100 AUD per person.
Transport: Public transportation is efficient in major Australian cities. Weekly expenses can range from $30 to $70 AUD.
Leisure and other expenses: Entertainment, outings, and other personal expenses may cost between $50 and $100 AUD per week.

Pro tip: If you're just arriving, it’s a good idea to have at least $3,000 to $5,000 AUD saved to cover your first few months, including housing, food, and basic expenses.

2. How to Find a Job in Australia: The First Step to Financial Independence:

Finding a job is one of the most important steps to finance your life in Australia. Depending on your visa, skills, and experience, you can start working part-time or full-time.

Part-time work: If you’re a student or a new arrival, part-time jobs are a great way to get started. Hospitality, retail, and cleaning roles are popular among newcomers. Jobs in cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops are often easier to secure.
Jobs in your profession: If you hold a university degree and have experience in your field, you should start looking for roles that match your qualifications. Use platforms like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn to find job openings.
Regional area jobs: If you’re open to living outside major cities, working in regional areas can offer higher wages, faster pathways to permanent residency, and real opportunities for professional growth. You'll also expand your network and become part of active migrant communities, like those supported by JobPRO, which connect you directly with employers and others building a future in Australia. Join here.

Pro tip: If your English isn’t perfect, taking language classes will significantly increase your chances of landing a better-paid job. It will also help you integrate more easily into Australian life.

3. Saving and Managing Your Money: Plan for the Future:

Once you start working, managing your finances effectively is essential. Here are some helpful tips:

Open an Australian bank account: Having a local bank account is crucial to manage your savings and receive your salary. Common banks include Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac.
Create a monthly budget: Tracking your income and expenses helps avoid surprises and keeps your finances under control. Be sure to set aside part of your salary for savings.
Maximise your benefits: If you work part-time or full-time, make sure you’re enrolled in the superannuation system (Australia’s pension system). This means your employer contributes a percentage of your salary to your retirement fund, which you can access at the end of your career or once you obtain permanent residency.

Pro tip: A common strategy in Australia is to save 20% to 30% of your monthly income. This not only helps with everyday expenses but also builds your emergency fund and future investments.

4. How to Achieve Permanent Residency and Improve Your Financial Stability:

Once you’re working and settling into life in Australia, the next step is to apply for permanent residency. There are several pathways to achieve it:

Skilled Work Visa: If you have a high-demand skill in Australia, you can apply for a Skilled Work Visa (subclass 189, 190, or 491). Once granted, you’ll be able to live and work in Australia permanently.
Partner Visa: If you have an Australian or permanent resident partner, you may apply for a Partner Visa, which can also lead to permanent residency.
Regional Visa: Choosing to live in regional areas can open the door to a Regional Visa, which offers additional advantages for permanent residency.

Pro tip: Stay informed about visa requirements and state nomination opportunities. At Entrelingo, we support you with visa services, skills assessment applications, and NAATI-certified translations so you can move confidently toward permanent residency.

Living in Australia is an incredible adventure, but it requires careful planning and organisation. From finding a job and managing your money to securing permanent residency, every step plays a vital role in building a successful life in this beautiful country.

Having a clear budget, finding the right job, and saving for your future are the foundations for living in Australia without financial stress.

Write to us here, and we’ll be happy to guide you step by step. At Entrelingo, your migration process is also our commitment.

To keep you updated on the latest migration and Skills Assessment news, and to connect with other professionals on the same path, we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There, you can share experiences, resolve doubts in real-time, and receive ongoing support from our team and other migrants. You’re not alone on this journey! Join now and become part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia. Join our WhatsApp group here.

Are you ready to find your new home in Australia? If you need help with translations or any part of the process—Entrelingo is here to support you!