# Moving to Australia from the USA

> Relocating to Australia from the United States — sea-freight costs, transit times, strict biosecurity/quarantine customs and visa routes for Americans.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/australia
Direction: USA → Australia
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- 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

## Transit times

- Los Angeles → Sydney: 30–45 days
- Oakland → Melbourne: 32–48 days
- New York → Sydney: 35–55 days

## Customs & import notes

- 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.

## Visa & residency options in Australia

- 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.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- Schumacher Cargo Logistics — Vehicle shipping, Large household moves (https://www.schumachercargo.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- John Mason International — Established carrier, Sole-use containers (https://www.johnmason.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)