Dreaming of moving to Australia but not sure how to afford it? Between visa fees, flights, and setting up a new life down under, the costs can add up quickly. But with the right budgeting plan, you can make the move without draining your savings!
If you want to know how much this cost me, in our experience moving from Ireland to Australia, you’ll find all that info in the blog below.
In this blog, I’ll break down where I cut costs, and the best ways I found to save money before and during your move.
From smart budgeting hacks to real-life tips on making every dollar (or pound!) count, here’s how to make your Australian dream a reality, without breaking the bank!
Research
Research the Cost of Living Before You Move!
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving to Australia is underestimating how much it actually costs to set up a new life. Rent, groceries, transport, visas, it all adds up fast! That’s why researching the cost of living in your chosen city is so important.
I’ve put together a detailed breakdown of expenses for moving to Western Australia, which you can read here. But if you’re heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or beyond, it’s worth looking up first-hand experiences to get an accurate idea of costs.
Try searching for:
- “Cost of living in [city] 2025”
- “Moving to [city] budget breakdown”
Once you know roughly how much you’ll need, you can set a realistic savings goal, and take a huge weight off your shoulders before your big move!
Sell
Declutter & Sell Before You Move!
One of the easiest ways to boost your moving fund is by selling things you no longer need.
Trust me, if you’re not bringing it with you, you probably won’t want it when (or if) you move back home!
It might seem obvious, but anything you won’t be taking with you and won’t use if you move home again is definitely worth trying to sell.
I made huge use of Vinted and Facebook Marketplace before I left, selling clothes, shoes, and random bits I no longer needed. Even if you only make an extra £100, that’s money that can go toward your visa, flights, or first few days in Australia!
Anything that didn’t sell in the last week before I left? Straight to the charity shop. And when I visited home a few months later, I donated another three bin bags of clothes.
The less clutter, the better, plus, it feels amazing to start fresh!
So, get listing, declutter, and turn your unwanted stuff into extra cash for your move!
Currency Conversion
Convert Money Wisely Before You Move!
One of those things you don’t realise until it’s too late? The exchange rate. I wish I had known about Wise (formerly TransferWise) before I moved!
It’s an app I use personally to keep an eye on the exchange rate between Pounds and Australian Dollars.
When I first moved, I transferred all my money using my travel card (Monzo), thinking it was cost-effective.
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Wise offers lower transfer costs than my travel cards and the transfer was significantly quicker!
The point is: shop around and go for the lowest-cost option.
Every little bit counts when you’re moving overseas, so make sure you’re not losing money on poor exchange rates!
Subscriptions
Cancel Unused Subscriptions Before You Move!
One of the easiest ways to save money before your big move is to cancel any subscriptions or direct debits for services you’re not using.
You’d be shocked at how much money you’re spending on apps or services you don’t need, or barely use!
I’ll be totally transparent: I cancelled £112.89 worth of monthly subscriptions before I left, and I had no idea I was spending that much!
If you’re planning your move in the next year, here’s a tip: cancel your subscriptions now and put that money into savings instead.
By the time you’re ready to leave, you’ll have a much healthier moving balance, and a better idea of where your money is really going!
Take control of your finances and start saving for your Aussie adventure today!
Lifestyle
How to Enjoy a Low-Cost Lifestyle While Saving to Move Abroad!
It’s easy to feel like you need to spend money to have fun, especially with social media constantly showcasing expensive experiences.
But if you’re focused on saving for your move to Australia, there are plenty of low-cost or free activities that let you enjoy life without breaking the bank.
Start by adjusting your social media feed to follow budget-friendly accounts that share free events, affordable activities, and money-saving tips.
You’ll be surprised how many incredible experiences cost little to nothing!
To find free things to do, try searching:
- “Free things to do in [Destination] this weekend”
- “Best free attractions in [Destination]”
Some great budget-friendly activities include:
- Community events like Sunrise Social meetups
- Exploring nature, take a coffee from home and enjoy a scenic walk
- At-home entertainment, movie nights, game nights, or cooking with friends
Saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing fun, it’s all about finding low-cost alternatives while keeping your bigger financial goals in mind!
Summary
Moving to Australia is an exciting adventure, but financial planning is key to making the transition as smooth as possible.
By researching the cost of living, cutting unnecessary expenses, and making smart financial choices, you can build a strong savings plan without feeling overwhelmed.
Small changes, like cancelling unused subscriptions, selling unwanted items, and finding free activities, can make a huge difference in your moving budget.
With the right preparation, you’ll not only reach your savings goal but also start your new life in Australia with confidence.
The sooner you start implementing these tips, the easier your move will be!
As always, thank you for being here.
For more travel inspiration follow our Instagram. Where we share our travels as a couple living in Australia daily!
CYA xx
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