Relocation guide · 2026
Moving from United States to Australia 🇦🇺
High wages, great lifestyle, strict but clear immigration paths.
The tax picture
Stay in United States
$46,500
Estimated tax on $150,000
Move to Australia
45% top rate
Local tax estimate
Cost of living
-1%
vs. United States (Numbeo-style index)
Local tax regime
Australia has top personal income tax around 45%, capital gains ~22.5%, VAT/GST ~10%. How much you actually pay depends on residency status and income type.
Residency / visa
Australia offers work, investment, and retirement residency routes. Requirements vary — the AI planner can map the best path for you.
What still applies (United States)
You cannot stop being a US tax filer by moving — only by renouncing citizenship (which can trigger the expatriation/exit tax). You can, however, sever residency in a high-tax state like California or New York. US federal tax on worldwide income continues. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion shields earned income up to the annual cap and the Foreign Tax Credit offsets foreign tax paid, but income above the exclusion and all investment income stay US-taxable — plus self-employment tax unless a totalization agreement applies. Check the United States–Australia tax treaty for withholding rates.
At a glance
Oceania · currency AUD · cost-of-living index 75 (NYC ≈ 100).
All figures are illustrative estimates for tax year 2026 and do not constitute tax advice. Verify with a qualified expat CPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax could I save moving from United States to Australia?
Savings depend heavily on your income, income type, and how you structure residency. Run your own numbers in the calculator and ask the AI planner for a tailored estimate.
As a US citizen, do I still file US taxes after moving to Australia?
Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where you live. You can exclude earned income via the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) or credit foreign taxes via the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116), but you must keep filing — and report foreign accounts on the FBAR and possibly FATCA Form 8938.
What visa do I need to live in Australia?
Australia offers several residency routes depending on whether you work remotely, invest, or retire. Ask the AI planner for the path that fits your circumstances.
Is Australia cheaper than United States?
Australia has a cost-of-living index of about 75 (Numbeo-style, where New York ≈ 100). Compare it directly with other destinations on the Compare page.
Know someone considering the same move?
Share this guide with your partner or accountant.