How Much Do You Really Need to Move to Australia as a Technician in 2026?
20.01.2026
7 mins to read
Have you ever looked at a job advert in Australia, seen the words ‘weekly pay’ and ‘great lifestyle’, and wondered how much cash you really need to make it in Australia as a technician? The dream of working in Australia is alive for many skilled workers. But let’s cut through the hype and break down the real costs and practical cash you will need. If you are ready to look beyond online rumours, this article offers a clear, practical guide to budgeting, wages, visas, and what working life in Australia really looks like.
Why technicians are attractive in Australia (and what that means for your budget)
Australia is actively filling skilled labour gaps in many industries. Therefore, technicians in automotive and related trades are in strong demand. With permanent and temporary opportunities available across cities and regional areas, many Brits and Europeans see Australia as a place to work, earn, and explore.
Before we get into specific numbers, here’s the landscape for newcomers:
Working Holiday Visa (WHV): the costs
- The Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) allows young people (usually up to age 35 for UK citizens) to live and work in Australia for 12 months, with the possibility of extensions.
- As of the 2025–2026 period, the visa application fee is around AU$670 (~£330). This fee must be paid upfront when you apply. Also, you may be asked for additional health/biometric costs depending on your nationality.
- You also need to show proof of funds (usually around AU$5,000) when applying to demonstrate you can support yourself at first.
In short: the WHV alone will set you back ~£330 (and a proof-of-funds requirement).
What living costs are like in Australia
Here is where many hopeful migrants get anxious: Australia is not cheap. It is, however, a common misconception, as one must always compare against the earnings. Therefore, Australia is similar to the UK, especially in automotive hubs like Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Below is a snapshot of typical living expenses (in AUD weekly estimates):
| Expense Category | Typical Cost (GBP) | Starting with Meenz |
| Rent (per week) | ~£300 | free for 4 weeks |
| Flight | ~£500 | free |
| Food & groceries (weekly average) | ~£50 | ~£50 |
| Public transport pass (weekly) | ~£35 | ~£35 |
| Utilities & Internet ( weekly) | ~£65 | free |
| Petrol | ~ £0,80 per litre | ~ £0,80 per litre |
| Renting a small car (weekly) | £100 (deposit) + £200 | £100 (deposit) + £200 |
| SUM without a car | min. ~£ 950 | min. ~£85 |
These figures vary by city and lifestyle. For example, Sydney and Melbourne trend toward the higher end. Adelaide and Perth, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper.
Bottom line: if you are planning to live alone, average weekly expenses before rent can easily be £150 on basic living. Add rent and you could be £450/week. To start, you need a flight for around £500.
When you start working with us, we strive to give you an easy start and keep your expenses to a minimum.
Rent and transport: two big budget questions
Many technicians ask: ‘Can I start on £1,000–£1,500 after landing? What if I need a car?’
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Basic arrival budget (no car)
You can start with around £1,000 if you:
- Book cheap flight,
- book cheaper shared housing or hostel rooms initially,
- use public transport rather than buy a car.
Australia’s public transport systems are reasonably robust in larger cities, with weekly passes often costing around £35.
- Budget If You Want a Car
Owning a car is common for technicians, especially if you plan on regional work. But that increases costs:
- Fuel: ~ £0,80 per litre
- Insurance: £100
- Renting a small car (weekly)min: £200
To factor in deposits, car insurance, fuel and basic maintenance, having around £1,500 (or more) when you land improves peace of mind. Especially if you plan to use your car for job sites or commuting.
In summary: £1,000 is doable if you do not buy a car immediately. However, £1,500 gives you breathing room and access to more job locations (especially outside CBDs).
Wages, pay frequency, and what to expect as a technician
One of the attractive aspects of the Australian system is the frequency and structure of wages. Employers in Australia typically pay employees weekly, fortnightly, or monthly (and you must be paid at least monthly if not on a more frequent schedule). Many casual and entry-level technicians find weekly pay common, especially in trades and automotive workshops.
Australia also generally has a decent wage floor, and although pay varies with experience and location, many technicians can expect higher average earnings than the UK equivalent on an hourly basis. Of course, the exact wage numbers depend on role, experience, and employer. Check out examples of salaries here: CLICK
Because the employees are often paid weekly, they do not need to budget two months’ income in advance like in some European systems. It is truly a big psychological win for new arrivals on a WHV.
Important additional tips for automotive techs
Moving to Australia as an automotive technician is as much about preparation as it is about budgeting. Before you leave, it is worth checking what tools employers expect you to bring. Check whether your existing qualifications or licences will be recognised locally, especially if you are considering staying longer than a working holiday. It’s also smart to allow for a small buffer to cover early job-search costs such as transport, a local SIM card, or basic pre-employment checks, which can add up in the first couple of weeks.
Once you arrive, getting set up quickly makes a real difference. Opening an Australian bank account early helps ensure you can be paid without delays. An important step is also applying for a Tax File Number (TFN), which is essential so you are taxed correctly from your first payslip. Taking care of these basics early allows you to focus on finding work, settling in, and building momentum in Australia’s automotive industry.
Is moving to Australia with ~£1,500 realistic for a technician in 2026?
Arriving in Australia with around £1,000 can work for many technicians, provided you keep early costs under control, but if you choose to work with us, you only need to worry about the basic costs (£100). After covering the Working Holiday Visa fee of roughly £330, that budget is generally sufficient for shared accommodation and public transport while you secure work, especially with weekly pay helping to settle cash flow quickly. The safer option, which we recommend, is to have enough money for at least two weeks (approximately £2,500 to start with).
The picture changes if a car is essential, as vehicle costs push a safer landing budget closer to £3,500 (2 weeks’ expenses), particularly outside major cities. Like any move abroad, success comes down to preparation. However, for automotive technicians, Australia still offers one of the best combinations of demand, pay, and lifestyle in 2026, making it less of a gamble and more of a calculated step forward.
Want an easy and affordable start? We can provide that for you. Write to us: CLICK
Sources:
https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/need-help/moving-to-australia
https://studydestination.com.au/blogs/study/the-costs-of-studying-and-working-in-australia
https://meenz.co.uk/blog/cost-of-living-in-australia-vs-uk-whats-cheaper-in-2025/
https://novenai.com/en/post/australia-living-costs-2025-2026-guide
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/paying-wages/frequency-of-pay
https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au
https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/Australia/gasoline_prices
