Has anyone moved from US to Melbourne, Australia?

Question

I'm considering moving from the US (Atlanta area) to Melbourne, Australia. I believe I can obtain a Visa. What is the cost of living there compared to the US? What does housing cost? I would be interested in renting a 1 bedroom apartment initially. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think you'll find the cost of living to be a little higher than in Atlanta but Melbourne's good salaries will probably compensate. If you want to live close to the city centre, a 1 bedroom apartment (bigger than a studio) will cost around $1650 per month ($380 per week) or more if you need a furnished place. As you move further from the city itself rents will be lower. Near city studio apartments start at about $1100 month ($250 week) but will be higher for larger places. If you're looking at real estate rental listings, be aware that Australian rents are listed as a weekly figure, not monthly as in the US and you will be expected to pay a bond (security deposit) of at least 4 weeks rent.

Actual cost of living will probably work out a bit higher in Melbourne. Things like restaurant meals are generally cheaper and so is most food and some entertainment, but cars, clothing, grocery items, petrol (gas), CDs, books etc. are more expensive. If you can get a PR visa, you will be covered by our Medicare system and I understand our other insurance costs are lower so there are gains as well as losses.

I've been to Atlanta a few times and really enjoyed my visits but believe that overall, you may prefer life in Melbourne - it's a great city to live in with excellent nightlife, shopping and things to do and it's also the sporting centre of Australia if you're into that sort of thing. The girls (boys?) there will lurrrrve your accent.

http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/Vie...

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rse...

Answer 2

I been to Melbourne its not that good compare to Sydney

Answer 3

I moved from San Francisco to Melbourne. I found rents to be a bit more expensive here, although it pays to shop around. Salaries are often a lot less than for the same thing in the US, although Sydney & Melbourne would pay higher than other areas in Australia.

Food - eating out can be a lot more expensive (not sure about Atlanta prices, but I found it harder to find cheap & good places here, shopping can be less for foods.

Clothes, shoes, books, CDs, alcohol, etc - heaps more expensive here.

You get used to it though, after a couple of years.   The first 2 years I was always sending for stuff from back in the US, now I hardly ever do.

Melbourne is very relaxed, cultural, and has lots to do. There are also a number of groups of Americans here online and who meet up occasionally to get a good ol' "taste" of home. I know two others who moved here from Atlanta, and they have settled in fine!