Here are the absolute essentials for your relocation
Visas are Your First Step
The TSS (482) work visa and Working Holiday (417) visa are common. Start your application well in advance on the official Home Affairs website.
Budget for a High Cost
Sydney is expensive. A single person should budget $3,500-$5,000 AUD per month. Have enough savings to cover your bond and a few months of living costs.
Suburb Choice is Key
Your lifestyle will be defined by your suburb. Beach lover? Head east. Hipster vibes? Inner West. Family life? North Shore. Research is crucial.
First Week Admin
Get an Opal card for transport, an Aussie SIM, open a bank account, and apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) immediately.
Finding Work in Sydney
Sydney has a dynamic job market, especially in finance, tech, construction, and tourism. The work culture is generally more relaxed than in London or New York, with a focus on work-life balance.
The Cost of Living in Sydney
Sydney consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities — and housing is the main driver behind it.
From steep rental prices to rising utility and grocery costs, living in Sydney requires careful budgeting. Whether you’re renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre or a family home in the suburbs, accommodation can easily take up 35–50% of your monthly expenses.
Transportation, dining, healthcare, and entertainment costs are also higher than the national average. To help you plan better, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown in Australian Dollars (AUD) that reflects what new arrivals can expect when settling into Sydney life.
This is a baseline and estimation. Doesn’t include dining out (a coffee is $5), beers ($10+), or entertainment.
Rent (1-bed flat, outside CBD)
Rent is quoted weekly! A $600/week flat is ~$2600/month. Share housing ($300-$500/week for a room) is very common.
Phone & Internet
Mobile plans are competitive (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone). Home internet often requires a contract. Estimated monthly cost around $80 - $120 per person.
Utilities (Energy, Water)
Bills are usually paid quarterly, not monthly, which can be a shock to the budget if you're not prepared. Estimated monthly cost around $200 - $350 per person.
Transport (Opal Card)
Opal fares are capped daily and weekly. The cost depends on how far you travel. Ferries are more expensive but offer the best views! Estimated monthly cost around $150 - $220 per person.
Groceries
Coles and Woolworths ('Woolies') are the main supermarkets. Aldi is the budget option. Estimated monthly cost around $500 - $700 per person.
Navigating the Sydney Rental Market
Sydney’s rental market is notoriously fast-paced and competitive. You need to be organised and ready to go.
The Process & Key Terms
Where to Look
The two main websites are Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au. For share houses, Flatmates.com.au is the best resource.
Inspections
You’ll attend scheduled “inspections,” which are typically 15-minute open houses with dozens of other people. Arrive early, look presentable, and be nice to the real estate agent.
The Application & Bond
You’ll submit a detailed application with ID, visa status, and employment details. If approved, you’ll pay a bond (usually 4 weeks’ rent), which is lodged with a government body, plus 2-4 weeks’ rent in advance.
Expat Tip:
Have a “renter’s resume” ready to go with all your documents scanned. Being able to apply on your phone the moment you walk out of an inspection can give you a huge advantage.
Where to Live: Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats
Sydney is a city of villages. Where you live will shape your entire experience. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular areas.
| Neighbourhood | The Attractions |
|---|---|
| Bondi, Coogee, Manly, Cronulla | For those who want to live the Aussie dream of a morning swim before work. Expect a laid-back, active lifestyle, but also crowds and a longer commute to the CBD (Central Business District). |
| Surry Hills, Newtown, Paddington, Darlinghurst | Close to the city with the best cafes, bars, boutiques, and a vibrant, creative energy. Great for those who want to be in the thick of it. Housing is mostly terraces and apartments. |
| Mosman, Balmain, The Northern Beaches | Quieter suburbs with larger homes, excellent schools, and a strong community feel. Often near the water, offering a fantastic lifestyle but with a higher price tag. |
| Marrickville, Redfern, Alexandria, Ashfield | The Inner West is multicultural, creative, and full of amazing, authentic food. It offers better value for money while still being a short train ride from the CBD. |
Life in Sydney: Getting Around & Your First Week
Arriving in Sydney marks the start of organizing essentials, understanding local transport, and adapting smoothly to Australia’s most dynamic city.
Here’s how to organize your essentials, navigate Sydney’s lifestyle quirks, and begin feeling truly settled in your new home.
Getting Around the City
Sydney’s public transport is extensive, connecting the city by train, bus, light rail, and the iconic ferries.
Trains: The workhorse of the system, connecting most major suburbs to the city.
Buses: Cover areas the trains don’t, especially the beaches.
Ferries: The most beautiful commute in the world. A trip from Circular Quay to Manly is a must-do.
Opal Card: This is your key to all transport. Tap on when you start your journey and tap off when you end it. You can use a physical card or add one to your phone/watch. Contactless bank cards also work.
Your First Week Checklist
1. Get Connected: Transport & Phone
Grab an Opal card from any station or convenience store. Get an Aussie SIM card from Telstra (best coverage), Optus, or Vodafone.
2. Open a Bank Account
You can often start this process online before you even arrive. The “Big Four” banks are Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. You’ll need to visit a branch with your passport and visa to activate it.
3. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
This is non-negotiable for working. It’s like a Social Security or National Insurance number. Apply for free on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.
4. Enrol in Medicare (if eligible)
Australia has a public healthcare system. If you’re from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement (like the UK), you may be eligible. Check and enrol as soon as you can.
Expat Tip:
Download a transport app like TripView or Citymapper. They provide real-time information that’s invaluable when your train is inevitably delayed.
Embracing Sydney Culture: From “No Worries” to Flat Whites
Sydney life blends laid-back coastal charm with a cosmopolitan pulse. Locals value outdoor living, good coffee, and weekend escapes to the beach or bush.
You’ll quickly notice a friendly “no worries” attitude, a strong sense of community, and an appreciation for work–life balance.
Whether it’s joining a surf class, enjoying a coastal walk, or chatting with neighbours at a local café, embracing Sydney’s lifestyle is all about openness, curiosity, and making the most of every sunny day.
The lifestyle is laid-back, but there are a few local customs and slang words that will help you fit right in.
This is the national motto. It means “you’re welcome,” “it’s okay,” “don’t worry about it,” and “sure thing.”
Aussies are serious about their coffee. Forget drip coffee; it’s all about espresso-based drinks. A “flat white” is the local favourite.
Afternoon becomes “arvo.” Barbecue is a “barbie.” A mosquito is a “mozzie.” You’ll get the hang of it.
The surf can be dangerous. Always “swim between the flags”—the red and yellow flags patrolled by surf lifesavers.
Hospitality staff are paid a good minimum wage, so tipping isn’t mandatory. It’s appreciated for excellent service, but nobody will be offended if you don’t.
This is the standard greeting, a bit like “How are you?” or “You alright?”. A simple “Good, thanks, you?” is the perfect reply.
Making Your Move to Sydney Simple
Moving to Sydney is an exciting but challenging project that takes careful preparation across finances, visas, housing, and lifestyle planning. With its world-class opportunities and incredible natural beauty, Sydney remains a top choice for many expats worldwide.
With Crown Relocations by your side, you can focus on settling in while we handle the details – from packing and shipping to home search and settling-in support. Wherever you’re coming from, we’ll make your move to Sydney seamless, efficient, and stress-free.
No One Knows Better Than Us.
Get moving with our free moving quote form and let us take care of the rest!
