Moving Guide – Australia – Lifestyle
Living in Australia
Let’s explore more to find out what you need to do when you move to Australia permanently!
Frederick Tan
Melbourne expert
Frederick Tan
Melbourne expert
Overview
Curious about the cost of living in Australia or the cost of a meal in Australia?
Unfamiliar with Australian Languages and Accents?
Hungry for Local Australian Foods or not sure where to find the Best Restaurant and Bars in Australia?
Thinking of moving and living in Australia? Let us help you.
If you are a non-Australian who’s planning to come to the country for good, it certainly helps to gain some perspective on the culture and way of living observed here.
Doing so will open up endless opportunities and experiences that allow you to see what Australia has to offer.
After all, once you get to know your surroundings better, you can easily adapt to their way of life, understand where they are coming from and appreciate what they have to offer.
Read on to know more about what Australia has in store should you decide to move.
While the living expenses in Australia may be higher compared to other first world countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the higher income of Aussies tends to make up for it, leading them to have a relatively comfortable lifestyle.
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Cost of Living in Australia
If you are moving to Australia, you will need to know how much money you need to maintain your day-to-day standard of living.
Cost of Living in Australia
Average Cost of Living: $2,500-4,000 per month/individual
Given that there are numerous metropolitan areas and cities around the country, the cost of living can greatly vary wherever you may be located.
Bear in mind that cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are more expensive compared to other rural parts.
The living expenses can also vary depending on the number of members that make up your household.
For example, the average living cost for an individual in the country comes up to $2,835 per month.
For a couple, this number goes up to $4,118 per month.
Meanwhile, a family of four would need an average of $5,378.
While the living expenses in Australia may be higher compared to other first world countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the higher income of Aussies tends to make up for it, leading them to have a relatively comfortable lifestyle.
Cost of Meals
Aussies love eating out and having a good meal.
However, as with all things, the prices of meals and beverages can vary depending on the location.
Typically, the cost per meal ranges from $15 to $20.
A more expensive restaurant may charge $40, while fast food chains such as McDonald’s will have food prices ranging between $8 to $11.
This price range can greatly be reduced by buying food from the local grocery stores, with monthly food costs ranging from $280 to $350 per location.
These already include normal household purchases designed for cooking in and getting a good meal.
Some food staples include rice, fish, meat, bread, cereal, and soft drinks.
Living in Australia will definitely become more manageable when you decide to cook at home.
The cost of meals can be lowered compared to ordering or eating out.
Popular Grocery Stores
Australia is home to popular grocery stores and supermarkets which offer access to fresh produces and other household essentials.
What sets the supermarkets in Australia apart from other countries is the daily and weekly specials.
Coles and Woolworths, some of the more popular supermarket in the country, offer discounts and slashed rates to consumers on meat products, fruits, vegetables and other items from time to time.
Other popular grocery stores in the country include Aldi and Costco, which offer wholesale items at a more affordable price tag.
Smaller chains that also operate in the country include Friendly Grocery and IGA.
Some of these supermarkets already offer online delivery services, making shopping a breeze.
Make sure to look out for these on your block or your neighborhood.
Better yet, use these tools to your advantage.
The great thing about these stores is that also offer unique programs and promos, such as earning cash back rewards, prizes and many more.
Australia is home to popular grocery stores and supermarkets which offer access to fresh produces and other household essentials.
What sets the supermarkets in Australia apart from other countries is the daily and weekly specials.
Coles and Woolworths, some of the more popular supermarket in the country, offer discounts and slashed rates to consumers on meat products, fruits, vegetables and other items from time to time.
Other popular grocery stores in the country include Aldi and Costco, which offer wholesale items at a more affordable price tag.
Smaller chains that also operate in the country include Friendly Grocery and IGA.
Some of these supermarkets already offer online delivery services, making shopping a breeze.
Make sure to look out for these on your block or your neighborhood.
Better yet, use these tools to your advantage.
The great thing about these stores is that also offer unique programs and promos, such as earning cash back rewards, prizes and many more.
Australian Languages & Accents
While English is the primary and national language in the country, you might be surprised to learn that Australia has no official language.
Official Language
While English is the primary and national language in the country, you might be surprised to learn that Australia has no official language.
Being home to more than 200 spoken languages, the country also acknowledges its numerous Indigenous languages, where you might occasionally hear influences such as boomerang and kangaroo thrown in normal conversations.
Other Languages
Apart from Australian English, other commonly spoken languages in the country consist of Mandarin, Arabic, Greek, Cantonese, Punjabi, and Filipino/Tagalog.
The wide range of languages spoken in the nation shows that Australia is a multicultural city that many migrants consider home.
On top of these, the indigenous languages spoken within the nation comprise of Tasmanian languages, Australian aboriginal languages, and Torres Strait Island languages.
Australian Accents (Ozspeak)
Ozspeak, otherwise known as “strine,” is also injected in day to day conversations.
Ozspeak’s approach to language makes use of slang words and phrases, alongside abbreviations, vulgar expressions, and even profanities.
Individuals who are well-adjusted to the language may also include word-tweaking practices and associating words with different meanings.
For instance, barbeque can be transformed into ‘barbie’, football into ‘footy,’ and so on.
Australian Accents
Despite bearing more than 200 spoken languages and a predominantly English-speaking country, majority of individuals, especially non-Australians, typically have difficulties in adjusting to the accent.
What makes it particularly challenging for other people to acclimate is the Aussie accent, with one being more general and the other taking a more “ocker” and posher-sounding approach similar to British English.
Experts say the pronunciation of vowels are the most distinctive feature that sets Australian English apart from other languages and accents.
Moreover, the accent is also known for its lack of strong “r” pronunciation.
What’s more boggling to non-Australians is that native speakers use a certain inflection or intonation at the end of their sentences, lending a questioning air to what they are saying.
Besides the differences in accents, living in Australia may urge you to quickly adapt to their way of writing.
While there are few differences between Australian English and British English, these only concern the dialect and the spelling of words.
Local Australian Foods
There are several food items Australia is known for, and by extension, which they are proud to call their own.
Local Australian Food
On the top of the list is Vegemite which is made from yeast extract.
Individuals living in Australia who have tasted this spread say that Vegemite has a strong after taste, with saltiness, bitterness, and beer-like flavor profiles rolled into one.
Vegemite can be used in a variety of ways, with buttered toast being the most popular – an Australian version of a hamburger.
Despite its popularity in the country, many individuals outside the nation may be on edge about this.
In fact, you can say that this spread alone may be an acquired taste.
Thankfully, Australia is known for other local foods apart from Vegemite.
Meat lovers living in Australia can eat their hearts out.
With barbeques, grilled meats, and meat pies being a staple food in the state, you might just find it difficult to resist these juicy temptations.
Fun fact: meat pies are colloquially knowns as “dog’s eyes.”
These are served in gatherings with mashed potatoes and gravy and with a dollop of ketchup on top.
Similarly, most of the population also love their cheese and bacon rolls, perfect for an on-the-go treat.
Local Delicacies
Meat
While the state loves its animals – with its national animal being a kangaroo – eating these meat sources may take you a while to get accustomed to.
Sure, you may be used to eating the usual meat products such as pork, beef, and chicken, lamb, and turkey.
But living in Australia, you will be exposed to so much more.
Since kangaroos tend to overpopulate some areas in the land, citizens of Australia have taken to marketing and serving these as well.
Crocodile dishes are also unique to the country, being treated more like a local delicacy for tourists and newcomers to try.
Special Diets
Being a melting pot of cultures, the nation also enjoys serving Halal foods, together with Kosher and gluten-free options.
Vegetarian
There’s no denying that Australians love their meat and that these play a huge role in their diet.
However, if you are a vegetarian or vegan who is interested in living in Australia, you may be wondering about the local food scene as well.
Today, you can find a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options just about anywhere you go.
Vegetarian Food in Australia
Vegan Food in Australia
Best Restaurants and Bars
Australian food is comprised of international cuisines, thanks to the bustling multicultural community that come from all parts of the globe.
From breakfast food, Asian cooking, to Middle Eastern grub, you are sure to find an extensive selection of restaurants and dining spots designed to give you a one-of-a-kind experience.
Dining
Momofuku Seiobo from New South Wales remains one of the hottest dining spots in town.
With Japanese, Caribbean, and Puerto Rican flavors coming together, it seems that this hip resto takes dining to a whole new level.
Fine Dining
If you want fantastic views of the Sydney Opera House, look no further than Quay.
Start your meal with elevated dining, with oysters being turned into unlike anything you’ve seen or tasted before.
While you’re in the area, you may also want to check out the steamed sea urchin custard.
The tasting menu ranges from $210 to $275 and these go perfectly well with the stunning and unparalleled views that might just take your breath away.
Drinks
For some drinks, duck in for a night out at ÔÔ.
Their Kill Bill-inspired drinks will have you slaying all night long.
It helps that the bar is tucked inside a dark and mysterious restaurant called Hôntô.
However, if you are up for a changing menu from time to time, you will surely enjoy your nightcap at the Bulletin Place, especially when you know that the bar works with strictly Australian produce for their original concoctions.
Local Tourist Hotspots and Places of Attraction
Living in Australia undeniably has its perks, starting from seeing its countless tourist spots and attractions
Marine Life
If you intend to check the place out for yourself, the best thing to start your trip is to swim in the Great Barrier Reef.
Home to the largest coral reef system in the world, you can easily move your way throughout the wide expanse of this masterpiece and see the magnificent marine life.
Iconic Landmarks
Of course, your exploration of this country will not be complete without seeing the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and considered one of the best architectural structures, this place should be a part of your itinerary.
While you are it, the nearby Sydney Harbour Bridge, also referenced as “the Coathanger,” is worth a visit.
You can even climb atop its summit.
The Nude Beach
A close second you should see is Bondi Beach.
Undoubtedly the most famous beach in the country, you can find that beachgoers here sometimes go topless.
While the beach is known for its wild waves, the views and vibrant blue waters it offers will simply blow you away.
Nature & Wildlife
The Blue Mountains National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see impressive sandstone rock formations together with the protected eucalyptus trees.
Not to be missed is the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which features vibrant red monoliths.
Considered as a sacred place by Aboriginals, this location deserves a spot in your itinerary.
Things to do in Australia
Given that Australia is a multicultural hub, there’s no surprise that both local and international events are being held here. From sporting events, world championships, to theatrical and musical concerts, there’s no shortage of things to do while living in Australia.
For the Environment Lovers
If you are an environmental activist or supporter, watching turtles hatch at the Mon Repos Conservation Park in Queensland might be your thing.
Come November to March, there are guided tours that allow you to witness these touching sights.
For Sporting Enthusiasts
For sporting enthusiasts, make sure to spare some time watching footy, rugby, and cricket.
One game will be enough to get you hooked on the sport.
For Thrill Seekers
Fancy doing something you have never done before?
Take a trip above the picturesque scenery of Lake Burley Griffin aboard a hot air balloon.
Not a fan of heights?
The whitewater rafting activity over at Franklin River might be more up your alley.
For Art Lovers
For fans of all things culture, a visit to the Sydney Opera House will do you some good, especially when you can watch classical music, ballet, theatre, and more right before your very eyes.
You can also take a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see both established and up-and-coming artists.
Conclusion
Relocating to Australia is a very sensible choice. Life in Australia is full of benefits for expats, apart from the obvious beautiful nature of the country. Our Moovaz guides gives you an overview of education, housing, healthcare, and everything else you need to know about living in Australia.
Learn more about Australia here
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