I Saved Over $20k USD in 10 Months Living in Australia! Here’s How…
The title isn’t clickbait, I promise! I really did SAVE money while living in one of the most expensive countries in the world—Australia! Here’s a brief rundown on how I did it. Be sure to click through on my other links for further info.
Table of Contents
- What Visa Do You Need to Work and Live in Australia?
- Isn’t Australia Expensive?
- Why Save Money in Australia?
- How to Save Money in Australia
- My Jobs in Australia
- My Budget While Living in Australia
- Limiting My Spending in Australia
- Cost of Living in Australia
- My Overall Savings in Australia
- Even More About Traveling and Working in Australia
What Visa Do You Need to Work and Live in Australia?
To work and save money in Australia, you need a valid work visa. The working holiday visa is the best option for many travelers. It costs $485 AUD ($312 USD) and allows you to work for up to a year. Check eligibility and ensure your application is error-free—there are no refunds!
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to the Australian Working Holiday Visa
Isn’t Australia Expensive?
Yes, Australia is pricey, but high wages make saving possible. I worked nonstop—40, 50, sometimes 70 hours a week—to build my savings. My downtime was minimal, but the payoff was worth it.
RELATED: How To Complete Farm Work in Australia & Extend Your Work Visa
Why Save Money in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages globally, offering a rare chance to earn well without advanced education. Working multiple jobs for 40+ hours a week can yield serious savings.
How to Save Money in Australia
Key points:
- All prices are in USD for easier reference.
- This is a general breakdown of how I saved money.
- For details, check my living costs in Australia.
My Jobs in Australia
I worked multiple jobs—restaurants, cafes, and a surf shop—clocking in 50-70 hours weekly. Picking up extra shifts and working long hours helped me save quickly.
My Budget While Living in Australia
I lived on $750 per month, including rent, food, and basic expenses. Skipping luxuries like eating out and owning a car made a huge difference.
*this was in 2016 btw!
RELATED: An American Working in Australia on $750/Month
Limiting My Spending in Australia
Saving money isn’t just about earning—it’s about avoiding unnecessary expenses. I skipped impulse purchases and focused on long-term savings.
Cost of Living in Australia
Australia is expensive, but smart spending makes a difference. I stuck to sale items, shared housing, and used a motorbike instead of a car.
My Overall Savings in Australia
Most of my savings went toward travel. I also upgraded my laptop, phone, and camera—investing in my online work.
After leaving, I received an extra $2,500 from tax refunds and Superannuation payouts—money I didn’t expect but happily added to my savings.
RELATED: How to Change Your Life by Working in Australia
The total? I saved over $20,000 USD in 10 months. It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Hard work and discipline paid off!
My boyfriend saved even more—around $34,000 USD!
Even More About Traveling and Working in Australia
Moving to Australia: The Price of Living Down Under
