Moving to Australia from the USA
Australia is one of the longest moves from the U.S., shipping by sea container to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Fremantle. Biosecurity is strict. This guide covers costs, transit, customs/quarantine and visa routes for Americans.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Australia. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$9,000 – $13,350
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Australia
Australia sets its own immigration rules. The routes below are informational — consult the Department of Home Affairs for advice.
Skilled Independent visa (189)
Points-based permanent residence.
Employer-sponsored visas (482 / 186)
Tied to an Australian employer.
Working Holiday visa (417/462)
For eligible applicants under 31 (35 for some nationalities).
Business / investor routes
For those investing in or starting a business.
These are Australia immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Australia ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to australia from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$3,610–$5,700
1 bedroom
$5,510–$8,550
2 bedrooms
$7,410–$11,875
3 bedrooms
$10,925–$17,100
20ft container
$4,675–$7,150
40ft container
$8,075–$12,350
What drives the cost
- Shared vs full container (volume)
- Origin coast & port pair
- Door-to-door vs port-to-port
- Packing, insurance & customs handling
- Season — summer is peak
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Sea freight, shared container / LCL (cheapest for partial loads)
- Sea freight, full container / FCL (20ft or 40ft for whole-home moves)
- Air freight (fast but expensive — for essentials only)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDC International Shipping | Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas | Get quote | |||||
| Schumacher Cargo Logistics | Vehicle shipping, Large household moves | Get quote | |||||
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| John Mason International | Established carrier, Sole-use containers | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Australia route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- Unaccompanied personal effects (UPE) are generally duty-free if owned/used 12+ months.
- Strict biosecurity (DAFF): clean all goods — wooden items, food and outdoor gear are inspected and may be treated.
- A B534 UPE statement and detailed inventory are required.
- New items, alcohol/tobacco and vehicles have separate rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Australia from the USA?
A shared-container move is roughly $3,600–$11,000 by volume and service; a full 40ft container can run $9,500+. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping from the USA to Australia take?
From the U.S. West Coast, sea freight to Sydney/Melbourne is typically 30–48 days in transit; the East Coast is longer. Add packing, biosecurity clearance and delivery.
Do I pay import duty moving household goods to Australia?
Unaccompanied personal effects are generally duty-free if owned/used 12+ months, but strict biosecurity inspection and treatment fees may apply.
Can Americans move to Australia?
Yes — common routes include the Skilled Independent (189), employer-sponsored (482/186) and Working Holiday visas. These are Australian routes; consult the Department of Home Affairs.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.