Considering moving to London from Australia? What an exciting journey you have ahead. In this article, we cover all you need to be prepared for, from moving costs and a job in London to the cost of living and the best places for Aussies to live. Read more to find your way and find the best area to meet fellow Australians.
Freight Type | Costs in AUD | Shipping Time |
Groupage/LCL – Sea Freight | $2,000-5,000 | 6-10 weeks |
20ft Sea Freight | $6,000-10,000 | 6-10 weeks |
40ft Sea Freight | $9,000-15,000 | 6-10 weeks |
Air Freight | $5,000-15,000 | 7-14 days |
*Disclaimer: These costs are average estimates and can fluctuate based on origin, volume, route, and weight.
If you would like to do more research about moving companies to London, read our article below about removals to the UK.
For the most accurate costs, use our volume calculator to estimate the real volume of your move. Once you have an estimate, you can fill out our quote form and receive up to 5 free quotes!
Expense | Cost in Sydney (AUD) | Cost in London, UK (AUD) |
Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $ 25.00 | $ 41.25 |
Cappuccino | $ 5.15 | $ 7.88 |
12 eggs | $ 7.47 | $ 7.44 |
1kg of chicken | $ 12.85 | $ 13.83 |
Monthly bus pass | $ 217.39 | $ 379.98 |
Gasoline, 1L | $ 1.90 | $ 2.98 |
Rent for 1 BD apartment in center | $ 3,328.04 | $ 4,605.72 |
*Source: Numbeo
London offers a wide range of jobs for Australians due to the strong relations between the UK and Australia. However, before you’re allowed to work in London, you need to make sure your visa is in order. Have a look at the possible visa you need, and read our article about moving to the UK to learn more about the visa application process.
The most common jobs for Aussies:
The job application process in the UK differs slightly from Australia, starting with the CV structure. The best thing to do is to create a UK-style CV, which will help you land more interviews. Other tips:
The best site to look for jobs in London:
Clapham: The area boasts a huge Aussie expat community, making it an easy place for Australians to integrate into.
Balham: Similar to Clapham, the area has many Aussies, but is calmer and more family-friendly, and is known for great food spots.
Fulham: The area is lush and green, excellent for sports like rugby and AFL. It’s also located near the river.
Walthamstow: Affordable and trendy with large markets and still a strong Aussie expat presence.
Leyton: The area offers great value for money and a creative environment. It’s a great option for someone looking for a creative community.
Crystal Palace: The area offers a strong community vibe and lots of nature. It’s great for people looking for a calmer environment.
Moving to London starts with a carefully planned checklist:
When moving with kids there are a few more details to take into account, such as schooling of your child. Luckily, in England there is no language barrier to Aussie children.
Be aware, in London, the school placements are determined by the areas you live in. Find out more about the school ratings and how to choose one. When choosing a school you will have to read upon the school admissions process as well.
Look into healthcare for you and your children too. You can choose the NHS or an international healthcare service.
Schools in London are mostly state-funded and free for all residents. The UK curriculum doesn’t differ much from the Australian curriculum, making adjustments easy.
Additionally, there are some private and international schools, if you choose to opt for paid versions, or want a specifically Australian IB curriculum.
Level | Age |
Primary School | 4-11 |
Secondary School | 11-16 |
Post education | 16+ |
London and the rest of the UK only allow dogs, cats, and ferrets to be brought into the country without extra processing, according to the PETS rules.
We hope that this article has made you feel confident about the logistics of moving to London from Australia. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy the British humour and visit the Queen’s castle. If you are left with questions, have a look at our FAQs below and read the relevant articles.