Cost of Living for an Indian Family in Australia on a PR Visa

The cost of living in Australia varies based on the city and lifestyle choices. For an Indian family on a Permanent Residency (PR) visa, living a modest lifestyle, here's a general breakdown of expected expenses.

Housing

Rent:

Sydney: AUD 2500 - AUD 3500 per month for a 2-3 bedroom apartment. Melbourne: AUD 1800 - AUD 2500 per month. Brisbane/Adelaide: AUD 1500 - AUD 2000 per month.

Home Ownership: Loan: Home loans in Australia can vary widely based on credit history and the property's location. Mortgage Rates: Typically, rates can range from 3% to 5.5% for a fixed rate.

For a more modest option, a family of four might be paying about AUD 700 - 800 per week, which roughly translates to AUD 3000 - 3500 per month.

Utilities

Bi-Yearly Budget: AUD 4000 per year or AUD 80 per week for utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, and telephones).

Food

For a family of four, the cost of groceries can range from AUD 800 to AUD 1200 per month. However, if the family opts for a more home-cooked, low-end suburban lifestyle, groceries can cost around AUD 200 per week, or AUD 800 per month.

Transportation

Public Transport: Costs between AUD 150 to AUD 300 per month per adult. Private Cars: Maintaining two vehicles can cost around AUD 200 - AUD 300 per week, including fuel, insurance, and regular maintenance.

Healthcare

Australia has a public healthcare system, Medicare. For PR holders, some services are subsidized, but private health insurance is still recommended, costing around AUD 100 to AUD 300 per month.

Education

Government Schools: Generally free, but parents may need to cover costs for uniforms, books, and activities, estimated at AUD 1000 per child annually.

Private Schools: Can be significantly more expensive, ranging from AUD 5000 to AUD 30000 per year.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Dining out, entertainment, and other activities can add another AUD 200 to AUD 500 per month.

Total Estimated Monthly Cost:

For a modest lifestyle, a family of four could expect to spend around AUD 4000 to AUD 6000 per month, depending on their location and specific choices. If opting for a more modest rent of AUD 700 - 800 per week, total expenses could come down to:

Rent: AUD 3000 - 3500 per month Utilities: AUD 80 per week (or AUD 320 per month) Groceries: AUD 800 per month Transport: AUD 150 - 300 per month Healthcare: AUD 100 - 300 per month Education: AUD 1000 per child per year (or AUD 83.33 per month) Miscellaneous: AUD 200 - 500 per month

Adding these up, the total estimated monthly cost would be approximately AUD 5600 for two children.

Conclusion

It's essential to budget according to your family's specific needs and location. Prices can fluctuate, so it's wise to check current rates and consider any changes in the economic landscape.

Further research and adherence to current market trends will help you better understand and manage the living costs in Australia for an Indian family, ensuring a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle.