Is It Worth Moving to Australia from India? Latest Guide

Thousands of people every year consider is it worth moving to Australia from India. One of the strong motivators that draw for many is the height of their quality of life, job opportunities, and promise of a stable future. Lifting yourself to a new country is a major thing that one has to step on, but no doubt it's a big thing when things are known about its pros and cons. With this guide, we'll take you on a deep dive into what you should evaluate first when packing your bags for Australia. It covers everything you need to help decide if it is worth moving to Australia from India, from comparing living standards and career prospects to what it means to appreciate cultural differences to what it means to deal with finance differently in different parts of the world. 

Comparing Living Standards: India vs Australia

Australia generally does well on many global indices when it comes to the comparison of living standards. The nation provides good healthcare and education, provides safety, and has a good work-life balance, but is it as idyllic as it sounds is a question everyone considers: is it worth moving to Australia from India needs to know.

Quality of Life

In these, Australia ranks consistently highly on global indices of happiness and livability. For instance, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are known for their clean environment, well-maintained infrastructure and access to nature.

From India's urban centres, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, spots that experience pollution, overcrowding, and infrastructural stress, they're buzzing hubs. Yet India has a fine cultural fabric, a blossoming economy, and a bustling urbanizing one.

Australia vs India Quality of Life:

• Happiness Index: India is far behind Australia in the ranking, but globally, Australia is 12th.

• Air Quality Index: If you're in Australia's cities, ‘you can say the air is cleaner than many of India's metros.’

Quality of life also depends on individual preferences and is crucial in deciding is it worth moving to Australia from India. If you like a slower pace of life, you will love Australia, but if you enjoy vibrancy and familial ties, India awaits you.

Also, read: Top Visa Sponsorship Jobs Australia: Latest Expert Guide

Cost of Living Differences

The first big thing while deciding is it worth moving to Australia from India is that the cost of living in Australia is much higher than it is in India, and this is something potential migrants need to keep in mind.

Housing:

However, in Australia, housing is one of the largest expenses. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are particularly expensive, but places like Adelaide and Perth are much less costly to rent or buy property. It costs around AUD 2,000 a month to rent a one-bedroom apartment in central Sydney on average.

In cities like Mumbai, even housing costs are pretty low in India. In Australia, the average rent for a similar apartment in a prime business location could be 50% or more.

Living Cost Comparison Australia and India:

• Rent (Central Locations): Mumbai: INR 60,000/month vs. Sydney: AUD 2,000/month

• Groceries: Groceries in Australia are more expensive. Imagine a litre of milk, which costs about AUD 1.60 today, which comes to around INR 50 for an Indian.

• Transportation and Utilities: Australia’s public transportation is efficient but expensive. Fuel costs and insurance add more to owning a car. Now, there is a much wider range of affordable public transportation in India: local trains and auto rickshaws.

• Utilities: Australia is also pricier when it comes to utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet. It is, therefore, crucial that new migrants make tough budgeting decisions and conduct research on where in the country to live.

Comparison of Healthcare and Education Systems Between Australia & India

Here is a detailed comparison of healthcare and education systems in Australia and India:

1. Healthcare

Australia's healthcare system is one of the best in the world, but it isn't free.

There’s Medicare, which pays for free for many Australians while in the healthcare system. But newcomers on temporary visas often don't have private health insurance, and it can be expensive. Healthcare in Australia is of exceptional quality, and as such, there are modern facilities and well-trained professionals to attend to you.

Healthcare is a mixed bag in India. The hospitals are world-class, especially in the urban centres, but the rural areas are suffering from a shortage of adequate facilities. India is costlier for health care, but out-of-pocket expenses in private hospitals can be high. Both places have their own pros and cons regarding healthcare, which must be reviewed carefully before deciding if it is worth moving to Australia from India.

Testimonials: However, many Indian expats in Australia enjoy the reliability of the healthcare system but say waiting times for non-emergency treatment can be long.

2. Education

Another area where Australia stands out is education. The public school system is strong, and some of the world's top universities are located in the country. However, international students and migrants may have to pay steep fees for tertiary education.

Another reason is that India is developing education, with an increasing number of private institutions offering good education. However, the competition to score at the top of schools and colleges is fierce.

Australia is an excellent country to work and gain opportunities to grow one’s career.

One of the most important reasons people consider while deciding is it worth moving to Australia from India is that they believe Australia has better career opportunities. Skilled workers are in high demand in the job market in Australia, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and construction.

Also, read: Converting Australian Tourist Visa to Work Permit: The Ultimate Guide

Work Opportunities in Australia for Indians

Australia seeks Indians for various jobs, including jobs for freshers. The country actively searches for professionals in fields where local labor is scant, but that might lead to a bleak future. High-demand fields include:

• Information Technology: Data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and software engineers.

• Healthcare: Aged care specialists, doctors, and nurses.

• Construction and Engineering: People in the field of civil engineering and those in charge of projects.

• Salary Comparisons: Sitting salaries across Australia are significantly higher than in India. In Australia as a software engineer, a yearly salary lies between AUD 80,000(43.6 lakhs INR) to AUD 120,000(65.5 lakhs INR), whereas an equivalent role would get you INR 15 to 25 lakhs per year in India.

• Work-Life Balance: Australian work culture is cool, to be honest, because whereas in India, companies are persistent in terms of unending work culture, the Australian work culture is of work-life balance, with most companies calling for flexible working hours, a chilled-out atmosphere, and all.

While debating is it worth moving to Australia from India, one should consider that Australia offers much more salary and career opportunities.

Visa Options for Indian Professionals.

Skilled professionals have different pathways for the Australian immigration system. Common visa types include:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): For those with a skill in demand.

• Employer-Sponsored Visa (subclass 482): When they are trying to sponsor you.

• Global Talent Visa: Aiming to attract exceptional talent in key sectors.

It can be a daunting task to get visa applications right, especially with the new requirements, so any immigration experts' resources or even the official website of the Department of Home Affairs is advisable.

Cultural Adjustment in Australia

Cultural adjustment when moving to a new country is huge. Australia is a diverse and welcoming society, as we know; the adjustment can, however, vary, and this is a very crucial point to keep in mind when deciding if is it worth moving to Australia from India. 

1. Cultural Differences

Australian culture is antithetical to the collectivist culture of India; in fact, Australian culture is a laid-back culture. Aussies prefer punctuality, direct communication, and a work-to-live attitude; Indians, on the other hand, tend towards hierarchical and more community-centric ways.

• Living in Australia as an Indian: India’s diaspora is still growing, and you’ll see thriving Indian communities in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. It is easier to be culturally adapted through Indian restaurants, Indian festivals, and Indian grocery stores.
• Challenges: Initially, a few Indian expats feel isolated in smaller towns. But it’s easier to make the effort to join the community and local activities. Although there are ways to still feel the warmth of Indian festivals and people, the feeling can never be the same, therefore, it is highly recommended to prepare one’s mind for this while deciding is it worth moving to Australia from India. 

2. Work Culture and Lifestyle Changes.

The Australian work culture aims at employee well-being and equal opportunities. Indians work longer hours than Australians and don’t value leisure time as much. They’re given generous public holidays and paid leaves, so you can balance work and life pretty well.

But it’s hard to get used to working in a new environment. For instance, the idea of work-life balance may be baffling to the Indian city hustle culture folks. Australia offers a great opportunity for those who feel that the Indian work culture is exhausting and could be a deal-breaker while deciding is it worth moving to Australia from India.

Also, read: Group 8 University in Australia: Experts Latest Guide 2024

Financial Considerations: Savings and Investments

Moving to Australia does change the way you think about financial planning. Higher salaries are a plus, but being able to live a certain way costs money, so long term, with the cost of living so great, one needs to be very strategic about financial management if they are serious about knowing is it worth moving to Australia from India. 

1. Taxes and Superannuation

Australia’s tax system is called a ‘progressive’ tax system because the more you make – the higher the tax rate. They need to learn about tax brackets and the possible deductions so they can maximize their return on tax. Besides taxes, superannuation—the mandatory system for retirement savings in Australia— requires employers to contribute a certain percent of what you earn. Though this may appear to be taking money out of your paycheck, superannuation can help you well into the future as it can be a great building block to your financial retirement which is a factor worth considering while thinking is it worth moving to Australia from India. 

2. Investment Opportunities

There is a lot of property for investment, shares, and managed funds in Australia. The real estate market is lucrative but also costly to enter, with players such as Sydney and Melbourne. Barriers to new migrants include property prices, but those who consider a home carefully and arrive quickly can turn real estate into a good asset. Not only does the stock market offer opportunities for wealth growth, but it's also important to understand the risks and to consider advice if necessary, especially if one is debating whether it is worth moving to Australia from India. 

Case Study: According to an Indian IT professional living in Melbourne, the first few bills of setting up a home and living expenses are tough. But strategically invested in property and living carefully, they built wealth over the years. Regarding their financial planning, they set goals, researched investment opportunities, and used Australian financial systems in an attempt to maximize the returns.

3. Saving Potential

In the first few years, set-up costs like housing, transport, and everyday expenses make it hard to save as many migrants start, which might affect the decision of whether it is worth moving to Australia from India. Yet, with a sound budget and good financial planning, you can survive a comfortable lifestyle and save. Everything from prioritizing financial illiteracy, setting aside emergency funds, and doing so without unnecessary expense can go a long way to creating a secure financial future. It also reminds those sending money back to India to be conscious about exchange rate movements, as it can mean the difference between remitting less or more of our hard-earned money. Therefore, family and financial responsibility are a big factor when deciding is it worth moving to Australia from India for you.

Overall, financial adjustments are needed when moving into Australia; however, understanding the intricacies of taxes, superannuation, and investment options can have a tremendous difference accompanied by a long-term lifetime of financial protection.

Also, read: Multiple Entry Visa Australia: Experts Latest Guide 2024

The Pros and Cons of Relocating to Australia Long Term

Moving to Australia can be a long-term positive, though it's not without its drawbacks. By weighing both the pros and cons, you are more likely to better decide is it worth moving to Australia from India. 

Benefits

• Career Growth: There are always lots of jobs in Australia for various sectors, especially IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, etc. Australia has a very stable job market. This makes the country a great place to work, with a high focus on innovation and skill development, which also helps promote advancement in both careers and payments.

• Quality of Life: Australia usually registers at the top of global indices of quality of life. Clean cities, low air pollution levels, first-rate healthcare, and education make residents happy. Many workplaces are flexible with hours and are relaxed.

• Future Prospects for Children: For many Indian immigrants, Australia's education system is far less exam-based and takes a more well-rounded development approach. They have access to extracurricular activities, quality schooling, and a better environment for their children to be able to have a wider choice of what lies ahead.

These benefits can make anyone excited and sway their decision, but the drawbacks must also be considered before deciding if is it worth moving to Australia from India.

Drawbacks

• Cost of Living: Many would say that Sydney and Melbourne are cities with a high cost of living, which can be a huge challenge. All the expenses related to housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation are high, and new migrants find it difficult to adjust in the beginning and settle.

• Distance from Family: Emotional struggle of being far from loved ones in India! Many migrants struggle to miss out on important family events and feel disconnected from their cultural roots.

• Cultural Adjustment: Changing culture and lifestyle can be difficult. While Australia is a welcoming diverse place, coming new is a shock to cultural shock for everything social norms, workplace practice, and communication style.

After carefully drawing a comparison between both pros and cons, only you can make the decision for yourselves: Is it worth moving to Australia from India?

Decision Checklist

Pull together a personal list of pros and cons regarding your career aspirations, your family needs, your financial situation, and your long-term goals to decide whether is it worth moving to Australia from India for you. Think of the trade-offs of career vs quality of life, including financial/resident living costs and distance from family. According to this approach, this will also help you decide is it worth moving to Australia from India as per your future plans.

Also, read: Doctor Salary in Australia Revealed: Experts Insights 2024

Conclusion: Is it Worth Moving to Australia from India?

Finally, is it worth moving to Australia from India can be based on personal case to case? The move to the States, however, could be incredibly rewarding if you’re after a better standard of living, a good career advancement, and better opportunities for your family. If it’s not too big off the beaten path, but living costs and the distance you’re going to be from family are things that worry you, think twice before deciding if it is worth moving to Australia from India.

It’s important to take your time researching, consulting with migration experts, and asking questions to Indian expats who’ve made the transition. Takeaway: the crux of it all is to make a well-informed decision that is given your goals and that best suits your lifestyle preference, and TerraTern is your destination for consulting with experts and making that well-informed decision.