Moving from New Zealand to Australia

Overview

Why New Zealanders move to Australia

Many New Zealanders move to Australia for higher pay in some industries, larger job markets, warmer weather, bigger cities, family opportunities, and lifestyle change. The move can be straightforward, but the details matter.

Rent, childcare, state licensing, Medicare, Centrelink access, school zones, and tax residency can all affect whether the move works financially.

01

Prepare before leaving NZ

Documents, references, medical records, school records, banking, and shipping.

02

Sort arrival basics

TFN, bank account, mobile plan, Medicare, rental applications, and licences.

03

Compare properly

Look beyond gross salary. Include rent, super, tax, insurance, and childcare.

Australia vs New Zealand

Key differences at a glance

Topic	Australia	New Zealand	What it means
Minimum wage	A$24.95 per hour from 1 July 2025	NZ$23.95 per hour from 1 April 2026	Compare currency, tax, rent, and weekly hours, not hourly wage alone.
Retirement savings	Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2025	KiwiSaver is contribution based and usually opt-out for employees	Check whether an Australian salary package includes or excludes super.
Healthcare	Medicare may be available to eligible NZ citizens living in Australia	Public health system funded differently	Confirm Medicare eligibility and consider ambulance/private cover.
Benefits	Centrelink rules depend on visa, residency, arrival date, and payment type	NZ benefit rules are separate	Do not assume immediate access to Australian income support.
Rent	Large variation by city and suburb	Also varies sharply by region	Australian rental history helps, but NZ references are still useful.

Moving checklist

Before you leave New Zealand

Collect documents early. Some Australian employers, schools, childcare centres, insurers, banks, and landlords may ask for evidence before you are settled.

Australian city comparison

Best Australian cities for New Zealanders

City	1-bed unit	2-bed unit	House	Best suited for

Jobs and salaries

Employment comparison: Australia vs New Zealand

Salary ranges below are planning estimates. Confirm current market rates, award coverage, registration rules, and licensing requirements before accepting a job.

Profession	AU average	NZ average	Entry	Experienced	Demand	Licensing	Best cities

Cost of living

Plan for the real monthly cost

Higher Australian wages can be offset by rent, childcare, transport, insurance, and setup costs. Families should model several scenarios before choosing a city.

Expense	Typical monthly range	Notes
Groceries	A$450-A$1,400	Depends heavily on household size.
Electricity and gas	A$180-A$400	Climate, insulation, and provider matter.
Internet	A$65-A$100	NBN speed tier affects price.
Mobile plans	A$25-A$80 per person	Prepaid can be cheaper for arrivals.
Public transport	A$120-A$260	City and commute dependent.
Petrol	A$180-A$450	Varies by driving distance and fuel price.
Car insurance	A$80-A$220	Driver age, car value, suburb, and cover type.
Health insurance	A$120-A$450	Optional for many, useful for some families.
Childcare	A$600-A$2,800	Before subsidies; varies by days and centre.

Visa, benefits, healthcare, and family

Know the rules before relying on support

SCV subclass 444

Most eligible NZ citizens entering Australia on a NZ passport receive a Special Category Visa. It can allow living, working, and studying in Australia, but it remains a temporary visa.

Medicare

NZ citizens living in Australia may be able to enrol in Medicare if they meet evidence and residency requirements. Check Services Australia before assuming eligibility.

Centrelink and family payments

Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Paid Parental Leave, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and Austudy have different rules and waiting periods.

Subclass 461 family visa

Non-NZ family members may need the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa. Partner and child eligibility depends on evidence and circumstances.

Parents

Visitor and parent visa options can be costly, slow, and complex. Health insurance and long waiting periods need careful planning.

Citizenship pathway

Eligible SCV holders may have a direct Australian citizenship pathway, but residence, character, identity, and other criteria still apply.

Children and schooling

Raising children in Australia

Area	What to check	Practical tip
Childcare	Daily fees, vacancies, Child Care Subsidy, waitlists	Join waitlists before arrival if you know the suburb.
Public schools	Catchment zones, enrolment documents, voluntary contributions	Rental address can affect school eligibility.
Private and Catholic schools	Fees, enrolment timing, uniforms, devices, levies	Ask for total annual cost, not only tuition.
Before and after school care	Availability, CCS eligibility, session costs	Check care options before accepting work hours.
Healthcare	Medicare, immunisations, dental, ambulance cover	Bring NZ immunisation and medical records.

Insurance guide

Insurance to consider when moving

Car insurance

Compare CTP, third party property, and comprehensive cover.

Health insurance

Consider hospital, extras, waiting periods, and Medicare status.

Income protection

Useful if your household depends on one income.

Life, TPD, trauma

Review cover through super and standalone policies.

Contents and renters

Protect belongings, liability, and temporary accommodation risks.

Travel and moving goods

Cover transit, shipping, delays, breakage, and loss.

Interactive tools

Planning calculators

Blog section

Recommended official and reliable sources

Contact

Ask for updates or corrections

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