Relocation checklist — Australia

Newcomer reality flags

Australia has 1 high-severity newcomer reality flag(s) — culture, bureaucracy, and social fit beyond COL scores. Expat community score 72/100; making friends difficulty 46/100 (higher = harder).

• high · Housing

  Bond plus upfront rent

  Leases often require bond plus multiple weeks rent in advance — higher cash need than headline rent suggests.

• medium · Culture

  Geographic isolation

  Cities are spread out; car dependency outside inner suburbs affects daily cost and social access.

• medium · Bureaucracy

  TFN and Medicare timing

  Tax File Number and Medicare enrollment should happen in week one to avoid payroll and care gaps.