Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- AUD 2,400-3,200
- One bedroom, suburbs
- AUD 1,800-2,600
- Three bedrooms, city center
- AUD 4,200-6,800
Country research
Retire in Australia
Australia offers city-level retirement planning choices across major coastal and inland markets. This profile combines comparable national indicators with local cost, healthcare, safety, climate, and residence information.
60.8Overall research score
98.3Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living77.2/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety98.3/100Safety index
Healthcare89/100Quality index
Average temperature22.4°CYearly average
Why Australia
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Australia may suit retirees who value established services and varied urban and regional lifestyles, subject to visa eligibility, local costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
What stands out
- Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
- Strong pension/social security.
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- AUD 500-650
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- AUD 250-320
- Health insurance
- AUD 200-280
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- Retirement visa subclass 410 is closed to new applicants; family, skilled, business or investor pathways may apply
- Minimum annual income
- Not listed
- Processing time
- Varies by pathway
- Income tax
- 45% Max. CGT: Standard rates apply (Discounts on long-held assets). Inherit: None.
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 98.3/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.009 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 12 days per year
- Doctor visit
- AUD 80-120
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Australia
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Australia
What is the cost of living in Australia?
The relative PPP price-level score for Australia is 77.2/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as AUD 2,400-3,200, while health insurance is AUD 200-280.
Is Australia safe for expats and retirees?
Australia has a safety index of 98.3/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.009 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Australia?
The healthcare system in Australia has a quality index of 89/100. A doctor visit costs AUD 80-120, and health insurance typically costs AUD 200-280 per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Australia?
Australia lists the route “Retirement visa subclass 410 is closed to new applicants; family, skilled, business or investor pathways may apply”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by pathway. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Australia?
Retirees in Australia face income tax rates of 45% Max. CGT: Standard rates apply (Discounts on long-held assets). Inherit: None.. Property tax is No federal annual property tax; state/territory land tax may apply and inheritance tax is No inheritance tax; estate and capital-gains rules can apply. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Australia?
Australia has approximately 8,111,404 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Sydney, Gold Coast.
Other destinations to compare
Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
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