Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Australia is 15% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 16.2%. Quality of life improves by 4 points.

Australia holds a Quality of Life advantage over Italy, 67 to 63, primarily driven by differences in financial and safety aspects. Taxation is a key distinction, with Australia's score of 44 significantly better than Italy's 26, an 18-point gap reflecting Italy's higher tax burden. The cost of living also swings in Italy's favor, scoring 66 compared to Australia's 56, a 10-point difference, underpinned by Italy's lower price level of 85 against Australia's 110. Australia maintains a noticeable lead in safety, scoring 93 against Italy's 85, an 8-point gap. Healthcare quality is remarkably similar, with Australia at 64 and Italy at 62, indicating comparable service levels. Climate scores are also quite close, 68 for Australia (14.5°C) and 63 for Italy (14°C).

Australia slightly outperforms Italy, largely due to a more favorable taxation environment and higher safety ratings, despite Italy's lower cost of living.

Moving to Australia? NLV varies by city.

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€6,813
Social-€3,531
Net€24,307
Effective Rate29.8%

🇦🇺 Australia

GrossA$58,106
Income Tax-A$8,220
Social-A$1,162
NetA$48,724
Effective Rate16.2%

Net difference: +$5,176/year in Australia.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, Australia = 102 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20→$5.40
+4%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20→$4.40
+5%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00→$8.50
+42%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$870.00
-3%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99→$12.50
-4%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90→$1.25
-34%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00→$3.20
+60%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00→$110.00
+29%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in Australia depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

A$46,334

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. Australia taxes 17.7% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

A$53,102

Accounts for the fact that Australia is 15% more expensive than Italy. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

51

-2

🇦🇺 Australia

49

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs Australia: 67/100

Cost of Living
66
56
-10
Climate
63
68
+5
Safety
85
93
+8
Healthcare
62
64
+2
Internet
73
75
+2
Taxation
26
44
+18

Moving to Australia: Practicalities

Visa Openness

50/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

30%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to Australia?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 16.2% in Australia. You keep about $5,176.39 more per year in Australia.
Is Australia cheaper to live in than Italy?▾
No. Australia is about 15% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in Australia to match my lifestyle in Italy?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and Australia. As a rule of thumb: you need a higher gross salary because Australia is more expensive.
Is it worth moving from Italy to Australia?▾
It depends on your priorities. You save on taxes but Australia is more expensive to live in. The net benefit depends on your spending pattern.

Related

Data last updated: · Sources: World Bank, WHO, OECD, national tax authorities. See methodology.