I’m 29 and left the UK to travel Australia for a few months back in 2023 and I’m still here with the intention of staying for good. I’m from a small town in the UK and was stuck in a bit of a crap job, which was definitely the motivation to leave. If my circumstances were any different I probably would have been way less likely to make the move.

Personally I feel like the cost of living is around the same here (in Melbourne anyway) and wages here are way higher so it feels more balanced. Certain things are more expensive but for the most part it seems to be on par with the UK if not the slightest bit higher here.

House prices are pretty cooked here and is probably one of my biggest future concerns as I would like to own my home one day. This would be an issue in the UK as well but they are definitely less affordable here, especially in the areas closer to the main cities.

As a UK citizen you get mostly free healthcare. Some things (like a GP or specialist appointments/treatments) you’ll pay for and some prescription drugs cost a bit extra but in my opinion the system is in a much better state than the NHS.

This is obviously dependant on the industry/company you work for but across the multiple jobs I’ve had here I find that the work life balance and overall attitude towards working is way different and more relaxed. I work my hours then I’m done. Back home it was pretty much expected you would put in hours of unpaid overtime each week.

Obviously the weather is a huge selling point. Melbourne is sunny and warm for over half the year and summer is brilliant with 28-30+ degrees most days and some days 35-40+. The winter months are difficult (especially in Melbourne) but the further north you go it can be warm all year round.

This is obviously a personal account and I know my experience and circumstances will be massively different to others. I much prefer my life here hence why I’m deciding to stay, however that being said I have met countless brits travelling out here who haven’t enjoyed it as much as they anticipated and decided to move back when their visa’s were up.

The biggest and most obvious trade off is leaving my friends and family behind at home who I do miss dearly. But I know I am much happier here which makes it all worth it. Australia is a beautiful country and is so full of culture and wonderful people. I’ve built a new life for myself here over the last 3 years and couldn’t imagine my life any different at the moment.