Because your first paycheck takes a while: between finding a job, working your first pay cycle, and actually getting paid, it's usually 3–5 weeks. During that time you still have to cover accommodation (sometimes with a week or more of bond upfront), food, and getting around the city to job-hunt.
A private room in a share house runs $170–$420 a week depending on the city (pricier in Sydney, cheaper in Adelaide). Add $120–$200/month for groceries and $70–$140/month for transport.
Neither one fully. Bring some AUD cash for the first few days and the rest on a multi-currency card or transferred into an Australian bank account you opened before travelling. Avoid exchanging large sums at the airport.
Yes. If you're coming on a student or temporary work visa, private health cover is a mandatory, separate expense — don't count it as part of your daily-living cushion.
General information, not personalised migration advice. Always verify on the official Australian government websites. · Updated: Agosto 2026