Australia is huge like it takes five hours to fly from one side of the continent to the other. With a landmass of 7.7 million square kilometers, traveling from Sydney to Perth is best comparable to making your way from London to Moscow.
Here in Australia, moving around isn’t as simple (or cheap) as packing a bag and jumping in a car and going on a ride. Between major towns there are endless deserts, major cities are spaced out on the coast, making traveling between and relocating across Australia to require careful planning and budgeting.
Are you relocating across Australia for work? Thinking about having a regional change or simply a fresh start to change your perspective, here’s what you need to know about the real costs of moving around Australia.
1. The Cost of Moving by Car
There’s something quintessentially Australian about hitting the open road. The freedom of a road trip across this beautiful country is unmatched—but it comes with its own set of real expenses.
1.1. Fuel Costs
Fuel prices vary significantly depending on where you are. Capital cities are often the most expensive, and you may find some relief the further you travel outside of city centers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission cited petrol prices have lowered across the board. As of the December quarter 2024, average retail petrol prices across regional locations (179.5 cpl) were slightly below the average prices across the five largest cities (179.8 cpl).
For a cross-country drive from Sydney to Perth (3,934 km), the longest stretch is on the Eyre Highway (A1) – The longest segment, crossing the Nullarbor Plain from South Australia into Western Australia. The real cost of your fuel bill alone could range from $600 to $1,000 depending on your vehicle’s efficiency. That’s a lot of money just to keep your wheels turning!
1.2. Accommodation on the Road
Unless you’re superhuman, you’ll need to rest during your relocation journey across Australia. A coast-to-coast drive typically takes 5-7 days, meaning multiple overnight stays.
Your accommodation choices will significantly impact your budget:
- Opt for free camping sites (using apps like WikiCamps to find them), and you might spend next to nothing.
- Caravan parks offer powered sites for $35-$60 per night—a good middle ground if you have a campervan or tent.
- Budget motels average $80-$120 per night for those wanting a proper bed and shower.
- For more comfort, Airbnb or holiday rentals start around $100-$180 per night.
1.3. Vehicle Wear & Tear
Long-distance driving takes a toll on your vehicle. Many people forget to factor this into their moving budget and real cost of moving across Australia, if you plan to keep your vehicle and rather save on the real cost of maintenance after such an arduous drive, a good idea is to book vehicle transport service with VehicleMove who can make sure your vehicle gets to its destination without you having to drive it.
Before embarking on a cross-country journey, your car will need a thorough service. A minor service will set you back $220 – $245 while a major service can start from $350 onwards. You should also budget for a post-trip check-up, as driving thousands of kilometers can accelerate wear on critical components.
If your vehicle isn’t up to the journey or you don’t own one, renting becomes an option. A one-way car rental to help you move across Australia from Sydney to Perth typically costs $700-$1,200 for a standard vehicle over a week. Add another $300-$500 for the dreaded one-way fee that most rental companies charge for interstate drop-offs.
1.4. Toll Roads & Miscellaneous Fees
Australia’s eastern seaboard cities love their toll roads. It can get you to your destination quicker in peak hour traffic, but that convenience incurs a fee. If your relocation journey takes you through Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, do remember to factor in the real costs of toll roads:
Sydney’s Harbor Tunnel will set you back $4.27 during peak hours, while Melbourne’s CityLink day pass for a car costs a maximum of $9.50 when you are travelling between 6am – 8pm. These small amounts come off your account and often they are small to notice, but they add up quickly when you’re navigating unfamiliar city networks.
Don’t forget about other road expenses like roadside assistance membership—almost essential for long journeys. It also depends on the provider you choose. Basic packages can start at $76.46 and up to $305 annually for a more complete package. It’s cheap insurance against being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
2. The Cost of Flying Across Australia
Flying is the fastest way to relocate across Australia, but speed comes at a price.
2.1. Domestic Flight Prices
Australian domestic flights can be surprisingly affordable if you’re flexible and book at the right time. One-way flights between major cities typically range from:
| Flying from and to | One-wayairfare |
| Sydney to Perth | $200-$450 |
| Melbourne to Brisbane | $120-$300 |
| Adelaide to Darwin | $200-$450 |
The key to securing better deals is timing. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead typically offers the best rates, while flying during school holidays can increase prices by 30-50%.
Budget airlines like Jetstar and Rex generally offer lower base fares than full-service carriers like Qantas and Virgin, but be aware of what’s included. That $99 special might look attractive until you add baggage, seat selection, and other essentials.
If you are relocating to Australia internationally, international airfares prices can fluctuate depending on season, and Australian holiday periods, and remember to get all your migration documents in order through the help of a migration agent before arriving.
2.2. Baggage & Extra Fees
When you’re relocating rather than vacationing, luggage becomes a major consideration. Most domestic flights include:
- Carry-on only: 7-10kg included with most fares
- Checked baggage: $15-$35 for your first 23kg bag, $30-$60 for a second
If you’re bringing more than a couple of suitcases, the real costs skyrocket. Excess weight charges of $15-$25 per kilogram can quickly double your transportation budget.
For larger household moves, dedicated freight services are more economical than trying to check everything as airline baggage. Domestic air freight typically costs $15-$25 per kilogram, while specialized services for furniture and appliances usually start at around $500 for a few large items.
2.3. Airport Transfers & Hidden Costs
Getting to and from airports adds another layer of costs. In Sydney, a taxi to the airport from most suburbs costs $30-$60 one way. Public transport is cheaper ($4-$20) where available but can be impractical with multiple bags.
Once at the airport, prepare for the notorious airport markup. A coffee and sandwich that would cost $10 in the city will easily set you back $15-$20. If you’re moving across Australia with family, these “small” expenses add up quickly.
3. The Cost of Moving by Train or Bus
For those with time to spare and a sense of adventure, Australia’s trains and buses offer a unique moving experience.
3.1. Long-Distance Train Travel
Why not see that Australian landscape when you travel between states? Australia’s iconic rail journeys are more vacation experiences for tourists than practical transport options for people relocating. However, it is still an option. The Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) offer unmatched land views with an all-inclusive service, but at premium prices:
- The Indian Pacific costs between $1,800-$4,300 per person in Gold Service,
- The Ghan ranges from $1,700-$3,900.
*Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, and some off-train tours
Economy seats, where available, bring the cost down to $450-$900 for long routes—still pricey compared to flights but offering an unmatched ground-level view of Australia’s changing landscapes.
3.2. Intercity Bus Options
Long-distance bus travel represents the most economical motorized option for crossing Australia. Greyhound Australia dominates the market, with passes like:
| Buses from and to | Ticket Prices |
| Sydney to Melbourne | $92 – $180 |
| Brisbane to Cairns | $170 – $265 |
| Adelaide to Alice Springs | $190 – $270 |
The trade-off is time. A journey that takes 1.5 hours by plane might require 12-14 hours by bus. For cross-country trips, you’ll need to factor in overnight accommodation at stopovers, adding $80-$120 per night to your budget.
4. The Cost of Shipping Your Belongings
Perhaps the biggest expense when relocating is moving your actual belongings.
4.1. Hiring a Removalist vs. DIY Moving
Professional moving services with FindAMover offer convenience but come at a premium, they say the real cost of moving across Australia with:
- 25 cubic meters will cost on average $4,112 to move from Sydney to Perth interstate
- An average 3-bedroom house with 27 cubic meters of belongings will cost $2,775 on average from Brisbane to Sydney interstate.
- A trickier relocation from Adelaide to Brisbane interstate will cost $4,222 for a 3-bedroom house move with roughly 28m3
These prices vary based on distance, access issues, and whether you want packing services included. Moving from Melbourne to Brisbane will cost significantly less than relocating from Sydney to Perth simply due to the shorter distance.
DIY options can save money if you’re willing to put in the effort:
- Truck rental for one-way interstate moves ranges from $900-$2,500 plus fuel
- Moving containers or pods cost $2,000-$4,500 for interstate relocations
- Backloading (sharing truck space with other people’s goods) offers savings of 30-50% off full-service moves
4.2. Storage Costs
Many relocations aren’t perfectly synchronized, requiring temporary storage of belongings. Monthly storage costs vary considerably by city:
Sydney leads the pack at $200-$350 per month for a standard 3×3m unit, while Brisbane is slightly more affordable at $150-$280.
Location matters tremendously CBD facilities typically charge 30-50% more than suburban options.
If you can commit to longer storage periods, discounts of 10-20% are common for 6+ month contracts. Climate-controlled units add another 20-40% to the base price but are worth considering for valuable or sensitive items.
4.3. Shipping Large Items Separately
Some possessions require specialized shipping:
Car transport on Movingle costs $700-$1,500 for a standard car moving interstate on an open carrier. Enclosed transport, offering better protection from the elements, adds 30-40% to the base price.
Large furniture items typically cost $300-$800 each for interstate shipping when sent individually. Consolidating items onto pallets ($250-$600 per standard pallet) can offer savings for multiple smaller pieces.
Don’t forget about furry family members pet relocation costs range from $150-$400 for domestic flights, depending on size. Full-service pet transport companies charge $400-$1,000+ for interstate moves, handling all the paperwork and logistics.
5. Unexpected Costs & Budgeting Tips
Even the most careful planners encounter unexpected expenses when relocating.
5.1. Insurance for Your Move
Protecting your possessions during a move is essential. Transit insurance typically costs 1-2% of your goods’ total value usually $500-$1,000+ for an average household.
If you’re driving long distances, comprehensive car insurance becomes non-negotiable. At $800-$1,500 annually, it might seem expensive until you consider the alternative: being stranded with a damaged vehicle thousands of kilometers from home.
5.2. Food & Other Daily Expenses
Daily costs while relocating can quickly erode your budget. Grocery shopping ($15-$25 per person daily) is more economical than dining out ($20-$40 per meal), but may not always be practical when you’re between homes.
5.3. Ways to Save Money
Smart movers can significantly reduce their relocation costs:
- Look for vehicle and campervan relocation deals offering $1/day rentals (plus fuel) when companies need vehicles moved between cities.
- Move during off-peak periods (avoiding December-January and school holidays) for savings of 10-30% on removalist services.
- Consider selling bulky furniture and rebuying at your destination sometimes cheaper than shipping interstate.
- Use fare comparison tools and set price alerts for flexible flight dates to save 20-40% on airfares.
Conclusion
Moving around Australia isn’t cheap. Interstate relocations can cost between $3,000-$10,000 depending on distance, method, and how much you’re bringing along.
Your budget will largely determine your options:
Backpackers and students can manage with bus travel plus freight shipping for essential items ($1,000-$2,000).
Young professionals might prefer flying combined with backloading services for their belongings ($2,000-$4,000).
Families often find full-service removalists plus flights for family members the most practical option ($5,000-$10,000+).
Whatever your budget, remember to plan ahead, expect surprises, and enjoy the adventure! Australia’s vast distances mean relocating is always a significant undertaking, but with proper planning, you can minimize costs while maximizing the experience.