20 Pros And Cons of Living in Australia

Thinking about making a move to the land down under?

You’re not alone. 

With its easy-going people, sunny weather and beautiful beaches Australia is a great place to live. 

But, moving country is a big life change and there are a lot of things to consider.

Have a read of the article below to find out what the pros and cons are of living in Australia. 

The Pros to Living in Australia

There are plenty of wonderful pros to living in Australia.

We’ve listed some of the best for you to consider. 

The Sunny Weather

Looking for a warmer climate?

Australia may just be the perfect place for you to live. 

It will of course depend on where you live, but the Australian summer months are famous for being hot and sunny. 

The Beautiful Beaches

If you’re a surf lover then it doesn’t get much better than Australia. 

Australia boasts some of the best beaches in the world and they can be found throughout the country. 

While there are famous beaches like Bondi, there are plenty of lesser-known spots that are worth a visit. 

The Friendly Locals

Australians are generally happy and hospitable people, who are fun to be around.

Their positive and sunny outlook on life will make it easy to make new friends in Australia. 

Australia is also highly multicultural and welcoming to foreigners from different countries. 

The Outstanding Healthcare System

Australia is world-renown for its healthcare system. 

It has incredibly modern facilities and is relatively cheap. 

There is public and private healthcare available depending upon what your preference is. 

The World-Class Education System

Australia has one of the best education systems in the world. 

If you’ve got kids, or are looking to have them in the future this is an ideal country. 

You can choose from a public or a private school, so you can make the best choice based upon your family’s needs. 

It’s An English Speaking Country

Australia is a perfect move for many Americans because its main language is also English. 

While Australians tend to have slang of their own, it will be relatively simple to get by in Australia. 

Australia also has a diverse population, with many people coming from non-English backgrounds. 

It’s Got An Incredibly Diverse Environment

Australia is a huge country and has some spectacular landscapes that you can see.

Australia is home to mountain ranges, deserts, rivers, volcanos and everything in between. 

There is plenty to see in Australia, there only problem is whether you’ll be able to see it all!

You’ll Love The Easy-Going Lifestyle

Australians tend to like a relaxed lifestyle and their daily life will reflect that. 

If you’re looking for a slower way of living, avoid larger cities and head to smaller towns.

Australia is a great place to have a lower stress life and embrace your surroundings. 

Multiculturalism Is Encouraged

Australia is home to many different cultures and people from all around the world. 

There are plenty of cultural events, festivals and groups in Australia that you can be a part of. 

The Australian art scene in particular has an enormous focus on encouraging multiculturalism. 

Australia Has Some Really Great Neighbours

If you’re looking to do some overseas travel while you’re in Australia, you’re in luck. 

New Zealand is extremely close and well worth a visit. 

Australia also offers cheap flights to many Asian countries such as Indonesia and Japan. 

The Cons to Living in Australia

There are cons to living in any country.

Here are some that you should consider before making the move to Australia.

It Is Really Far Away

Australia as a country is pretty isolated compared to the rest of the Western world. 

Because it’s such a large country it can also take a long time to get from one end of the country to the other. 

This is definitely an element to consider if you want to travel back and forth to see family in the US. 

The Cost Of Living Can Be High

Australia is not the cheapest place on earth to live. The average cost of clothing, food and transport may be more expensive than parts of the US. There are many way to find cheaper or free rent in Australia which I outline below.

Note: The minimum wage in Australia is relatively high so prices will reflect this. 

Cultural Differences Will Come Up

As with any country, there will be cultural differences in Australia. 

While these probably won’t be too major, it’s definitely something you will face early on. 

Be sure to keep an open mind and have an adaptable outlook when moving to Australia. 

The Housing Market Is Pricey

The cost of housing in Australia varies depending on where you want to live. 

If you’re looking to live in an expensive city or somewhere with beach views housing is expensive. 

But, there are plenty of affordable options in regional and rural areas. 

House Sit Instead!

If you find Australia too expensive, you can visit for free!

There are thousands of house-sitting assignments for retirees in Australia!

No need to pay for a hotel, rental or buy! You don’t even need to pay bills

It’s the perfect way to explore those places you have always wanted to go or visit family without feeling like your intruding!

You Need To Have A Car

Because of the distances in Australia, you will most probably need a vehicle to get around. 

You may be able to get away with public transport in places like Sydney and Melbourne. 

But for rural and regional places a car is vital for getting around. 

The Time Difference

The time difference between Australia and the rest of the world can be a pain for foreigners. 

Australia also has multiple time zones depending upon which state you are in.

Daylight savings occurs in some states which is something to be mindful of. 

The Local Wildlife 

Australia is notorious for its wildlife and some of it is not so friendly. 

Australia is home to snakes, spiders, sharks, crocodiles and many other predators.

Always check warning signs when you are visiting new places and carry a first aid kit in remote areas. 

The Weather (Again)

Both a pro and a con, the weather in Australia can vary and be unpredictable. 

Parts of Australia are prone to floods, bushfires and cyclones so you will need to be vigilant depending on the season. 

Areas like Tasmania get extremely cold during the winter months and regularly snows. 

Flights Can Be Expensive

International flights to Australia don’t come cheap. 

National flight prices vary but can also be quite expensive depending on where they are from. 

The best way to go about this is to book several months ahead, where they will generally be cheaper. 

The WiFi Can Be Slow

WiFi in Australia can be slow

Again, this depends on where exactly you live and what kind of internet you have access to. 

However, free WiFi can also be found sometimes in public areas. 

Moving to Australia is a big decision.

If you are making the move down south, it is important to consider the pros and cons. 

That being said…

But we think Australia is a great country to live in and full of opportunities. 

It is very different from the US in some ways but it has a lot going for it!

Why do you want to move to Australia?