Is Moving to Australia the Right Move for Kiwis in 2025?
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, there were 598,090 New Zealand-born people living in Australia at the end of June 2023. This figure represents an increase of 2.2% over the figure (585,390) of ten years previously.
If you are thinking of heading across the ditch, whether that be for better job prospects, a change of lifestyle, or simply a fresh start, this guide is for you. In it, we will break down the perks, the challenges, and what New Zealanders should expect when moving to Australia in 2025.
Hopefully, it will help you decide if it is the right thing for you to do.
Table of Contents
Why Do So Many Kiwis Move to Australia?
Australia and New Zealand have had close ties for decades. Thanks to the Trans-Tasman travel agreement, which came into effect in 1973, Kiwis can live and work in Australia without needing a visa (though permanent residency and citizenship are separate issues). It is actually one of the most relaxed migration arrangements in the world.
Over 50 years later, the trend is still continuing. That is because many Kiwis are attracted to Australia’s:
- Higher average wages
- More job opportunities, especially in sectors like construction, healthcare, and trades
- Warmer climate in places like Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia
- Bigger cities, better economy and wider career options
- Greater access to some social services
For many Kiwis, the idea of moving across the ditch is a very enticing proposition. But what’s the reality?
Let’s explore that question further.
The Cost of Living: Australia vs New Zealand
In the past, moving to Australia often meant better pay and more affordable living for New Zealanders. But with rising inflation and housing issues on both sides of the Tasman, is that still true?
Here is an overview of how things compare in 2025:
- Housing: Australian state capital cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are still expensive. But some regional areas might be more affordable than major New Zealand cities like Auckland or Wellington.
- Groceries: These tend to be slightly cheaper in Australia due to the bigger demand for them. But prices do vary depending on where you live.
- Utilities: Power and water bills are often more predictable in Australia.
- Transport: Australia’s public transport systems, like New Zealand’s, are decent in cities. But it might be slightly better in rural areas than in Aotearoa.
If you are earning and getting paid into an Australian bank account, especially if you’re moving from a more expensive NZ city, the cost-of-living comparison between Australia and New Zealand might lean in your favour.
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Working in Australia as a Kiwi
Thanks to the Trans-Tasman agreement, working in Australia as a Kiwi is relatively straightforward. You don’t need a work visa. Rather, just a valid passport and some good preparation.
At present, job opportunities in Australia for Kiwis remain strong, particularly in the following industries:
- Construction
- Aged care and nursing
- Mining and agriculture
- Tech and education
You should be aware that employers may still ask for local experience or qualifications. In addition, it is a good idea to increase your skill base and try to get your NZ qualifications recognised.
If you do want to work in Australia, be mindful that your IRD number doesn’t follow you. That means you’ll need to get an Australian Tax File Number (TFN).
Residency and Healthcare for NZ Citizens in Australia
If you want to live in Australia for the long term, then it’s worth taking the time to understand your legal status.
NZ citizens living in Australia are usually granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) when they arrive. This allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. But it doesn’t give you access to all government benefits or permanent residency.
However, that’s slowly changing. In 2023, new pathways were introduced to make Australian residency for New Zealanders easier after a few years of living and working here. Today, these updates are almost fully in effect. So, it is much simpler to gain permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
As for healthcare, Kiwis in Australia can access Medicare, although some restrictions may apply for newer arrivals. For this reason, it’s always smart to double-check with Services Australia or take out private health insurance to provide you with extra peace of mind.
What’s It Really Like? Kiwi Expat Life in Australia
The life of a Kiwi expat in Australia is generally pretty great. Granted, there’s always banter, which tends to get amplified during a Bledisloe Rugby Union test match or any game of cricket between the two.
However, there’s no language barrier, no need to change your driver’s licence (in most cases), and plenty of cultural overlap. That said, it can still take time for some people to adjust.
Some things you may need to prepare yourself for are:
- Warmer weather
- Bigger cities and longer commutes
- More diverse job markets
- Different healthcare and education systems
Generally speaking, most Kiwis adapt quickly and soon settle into life in Australia, especially in places like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Perth, which have large expat communities.
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Is Moving to Australia Right for Me?
Only you can answer this question, and what you decide really depends on what you’re after.
If you’re looking for better work opportunities, a new adventure, or simply a change in lifestyle, moving to Australia as a Kiwi can be a very good thing to do.
The new residency pathways have made things much easier, especially if you plan to stay in OZ for the long haul. And while the cost of living is rising everywhere, there are still plenty of pockets of affordability, particularly outside the big cities.
Ultimately, what matters most is being prepared. It is important to thoroughly research the city or region you want to live in. Also, line up some job leads and make sure you have some decent savings to draw upon to give yourself a cushion.
If you are unsure, try talking to others who’ve made the move recently. Their experiences can be an invaluable source of information for you.
