Relocation is not easy. Leaving everything you are familiar with behind and adjusting to a new place takes time and energy. You need to be patient, welcoming of the new things coming your way, and flexible. However, unless you are living as a nomad, it is always good to learn a few things about the place you are moving to. This helps a ton in prepping for everything – be it mentally preparing yourself for the change or physically making arrangements for living.
One great idea is to read about the lives of expatriates in the country you decide to move to. This article solely focuses on the expat life in Melbourne. It is filled with insights about various aspects of expat life in Melbourne, such as living arrangements, tax issues, culture, etc. So, tune in if you are searching for some knowledge in this area. Let’s get started.
Expat life in Melbourne
A little introduction about Melbourne is going to set up a quick backdrop for the information ahead. Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria State in Australia. Though you might have heard a lot of stories from expatriates about this city being an expensive one to live in, it has its fair share of people relocating from the country and outside.
One of the best things about the fact that the city is always brimming with people from diverse backgrounds is the cultural mix that adds beauty to the culture of Melbourne. Expats who have spent a considerable amount of time here are proud to call this city theirs.
What is Life like for a Foreigner in Melbourne?
If surveys show that Melbourne has been announced as the most livable city in the country, it would not be wrong. It is the most suitable place for people from all walks of life, including ones with family or single people.
According to numerous foreigners, one of the best things about this city is its easy navigation. You can easily find your way through thick crowds as locals are always eager to help. You can ask for directions or chat briefly about the suitable mode of transport to your residence.
1. What about Expenses in Melbourne?
There is no denying the fact that Melbourne is a large developed city that does have its costs. The cost of living here in this city is high – though it is relatively less than that of Hong Kong or Singapore. There is a section coming up about housing in Melbourne, and for an expatriate, it is an essential one. But we can give a hint that living in a two-bedroom apartment in Melbourne means you have to pay about 600 AUD (400 USD).
On top of that, if you have an active social life, it means your expenses of food and dine-outs every other weekend might cost anywhere between 50 to 100 AUD. This is pretty expensive if you have a family to raise here and all.
2. Safety for Expats in Melbourne
Tow away any negative thoughts media might have implanted in your mind about Melbourne being unsafe as there is no such thing. The crime rate, especially against foreigners, is relatively low in the city. Nevertheless, humans are not the only kind of danger you need to worry about in Melbourne.
If you have never encountered scary reptiles, like snakes, or poisonous spiders in your life, then be prepared. You might encounter one while living here. Also. Sharks are commonly found in the water around Victoria.
Even if you are a woman and planning to move to Melbourne alone, you do not need to worry about anything. All the public or private places and modes of transport are safe for women. Moreover, as same-sex marriage is legal in the country, LGBTs are more than welcomed here.
The Lifestyle of Expats in Melbourne
Melbourne is not a city for hustle-bustle. It was regarded as one of the happiest cities in the world, incorporating expats as about half of the city’s population. Due to its cultural diversity and tolerance for each other, Melbourne is one of the top choices for expats. Arts and history have a deep and meaningful impact on the city’s culture.
-
Standard of Living
If you have a handsome salary package that leaves you with a considerable amount after paying for the residence, then the only big thing you need to worry about is eating out. Most of the expats in Melbourne live by budgeting their social life instead of life’s necessities. Due to the excellent condition and service of the transportation system in the city, it is best if you can delay your car purchase. This will save you a lot of money. Moreover, the medical and educational systems of the city are impressive.
What about the Taxes?
If you ask any expatriate, they will tell you that the first thing they did when moving to this city was to obtain their fiscal number, called Tax File Number or TFN. This number makes and maintains all your fiscal records. Not obtaining this number and registering yourself might get you in trouble and hold you accountable for more taxes.
Moreover, registering with the police department is also crucially important when moving to Melbourne. TFN will help you in this process as all the records are interconnected.
Finding Accommodation in Melbourne
Although the geographical location of this city does not render it prone to earthquakes or other natural calamities, it is always wise to have your home insured. This covers robberies or home theft to an extent. Also, the rent of the residence includes all the utilities. Therefore, all you need to get is internet connectivity with the local provider with proper documents.
Work-Life in Melbourne
If the stats show Melbourne as the happiest city in the world, then it also reflects the work life. The work-life in this city is amazing. It is very welcoming and inclusive for people from all types of diverse backgrounds. The commute to most commercial areas is fairly within reach, so you do not have to wait in traffic for a long time to get to work.
Due to stability in the economy of the country, industries and corporate sectors have considerably high-paying jobs. Job security is also high due to various labor laws and regulations in place.
Pros and Cons of Living in Melbourne
No discussion is complete without providing both sides of the picture to the readers. Melbourne might be the greatest choice of your life, or it might not, but you need to know everything. So, here is a concise list of the pros and cons of living in this city.
Pros
- Australia is a heaven for sports lovers. It is mostly regarded as the sports capital of the world. With spectacular cricket grounds overflowing with fans from all over the country and abroad, Melbourne is the dream place of every sports enthusiast. It is not only cricket that is popularly played and watched here but also rugby and soccer.
- If you are someone who could easily weaken by the sight of delicious food served with the most iconic beach views, then Melbourne is the place for you. It offers you every kind of cuisine you desire – from Asian to continental, and you name it. Vegemite is their most popular food, along with fairy bread.
Cons
- Like any other metropolitan city, commuting in Melbourne during peak hours will strain you like crazy. The public transport is filled to the brim during this time, and you have to plan your timings accordingly. Also, this means that showering in the morning and draining yourself with fragrances is not going to help if you travel on a jam-packed train or a bus.
- You cannot overlook the fact that Melbourne has a high standard and cost of living. Even if you start minimally, the growing family expenses or a wider social circle might make you feel pessimistic about making ends meet.
- Thirdly, the weather in Melbourne is highly unpredictable. You have to be prepared to experience almost any type of weather condition during the day. This means you got to have your umbrella ready while you wore a sundress to work in the morning.
Is Melbourne the Right City For You?
Experts say you do not have to go through a certain circumstance or experience to learn something. Often, you learn from others’ experiences, their learning, and anecdotes. Therefore, information about expats living in Melbourne is extremely important to know everything there is before deciding to move.