Your Cost Of Living Moving Checklist 2026: Everything You Need Sorted

Before You Move (2-4 Weeks Out)

• Compare energy providers – set up electricity and gas for move-in day (AGL, Origin, Energy Australia all service Cost Of Living)
• Book internet installation – NBN connections take 5-10 business days. Check available speeds at your new address on nbnco.com.au
• Set up mail redirection – Australia Post redirect starts at $37.50 for 1 month
• Notify important contacts – bank, employer, Medicare, ATO, Electoral Commission
• Research local council – Cost Of Living falls under the local municipality
• Transfer or get Myki – add money before your first commute
• Find a local GP – check nearby clinics are accepting new patients

Moving Day Essentials

• Removalists or DIY – most properties have driveway access for truck loading
• Parking permit for truck – usually not needed – driveway access available
• Meter readings – photograph gas and electricity meters on arrival
• Condition report – if renting, document EVERYTHING with timestamped photos
• Keys and access – collect from agent/landlord, test all locks
• Emergency contacts – save local SES and council numbers

First Week in Cost Of Living

• Update your address on MyGov, Medicare, bank, and licence (VicRoads online)
• Register to vote at new address (AEC requires notification within 8 weeks)
• Get a parking permit – not usually required – most properties include parking
• Set up bins – check which day is your collection day via council app
• Find your nearest – supermarket, pharmacy, medical centre, post office
• Test your commute – do a trial run to work at peak time before your first day

Local Services to Set Up

Cost of Moving to Cost Of Living

Tips from Cost Of Living Locals

1. Join the local Facebook group for suburb-specific tips and recommendations
2. Get familiar with the nearest train station and bus routes
3. Download the council’s app for bin days, local alerts, and community events

For a full guide to what Cost Of Living is like, see our honest guide and cost of living breakdown.

Information current as of April 2026. Council boundaries, services, and fees may change. Check your specific council website for the latest.

Cost Of Living, Melbourne: Moving Budget Check

Melbourne’s biggest moving cost is usually rent, not removalists. Domain’s March 2026 Rental Report puts Melbourne median asking rents at $590 per week for houses and $600 per week for units, meaning units are currently slightly more expensive than houses. For a renter moving into a median-priced Melbourne unit, the monthly rent equivalent is about $2,600 before utilities, internet, transport, groceries, and insurance.

For comparison, a $600/week rental requires about $31,200 per year in rent. Using the common affordability rule that rent should stay near 30% of gross income, that household would need roughly $104,000 gross annual income to keep rent manageable. At $500/week, annual rent is $26,000, requiring about $86,700 gross income under the same rule.

Bond is another upfront pressure point. In Victoria, bond is usually capped at one month’s rent unless the weekly rent is above the legal threshold or special conditions apply. For a $600/week rental, estimate bond at about $2,600, plus your first rent payment in advance. That means many Melbourne renters should prepare $5,000-$5,500 upfront before moving costs, furniture, connection fees, and cleaning.

Source: Domain Rental Report, March 2026

Melbourne Cost Comparison Snapshot

Inner-city suburbs generally cost more but may reduce transport time and car costs. Outer suburbs may offer cheaper rent, but budget for longer commutes, higher fuel use, tolls, or additional public transport zones. When comparing listings, calculate the full weekly cost: rent plus commute plus parking plus utilities, not rent alone.

Step-By-Step Moving Checklist

• Set your maximum rent: divide your gross annual income by 52, then aim to keep weekly rent near or below 30% of that figure.
• Calculate upfront cash: add bond, two weeks’ rent, removalists, utility connections, cleaning, and emergency buffer.
• Compare suburbs by total cost: include commute time, train/tram access, parking, tolls, and grocery access.
• Check appliance needs: confirm whether the property has heating, cooling, dishwasher, laundry taps, fridge space, and gas or electric cooking.
• Compare energy providers: set up electricity and gas for move-in day; check daily supply charges, not just usage rates.
• Book internet early: confirm NBN type at the address and whether a technician visit is needed.
• Update insurance: renters should consider contents insurance from the lease start date.
• Confirm bond lodgement: make sure your bond is lodged with the RTBA after payment.
• Photograph the condition report: capture walls, floors, appliances, windows, locks, mould, stains, and meter readings.
• Keep a moving buffer: hold at least one extra week of rent for delays, duplicate rent, or utility billing overlap.

FAQ

How much money should I have before moving in Melbourne?

For a median $600/week rental, prepare roughly $5,200 for bond and rent upfront, then add removalists, utility setup, cleaning, and groceries. A practical buffer is $6,000-$8,000 for a renter moving without major furniture purchases.

Are Melbourne units cheaper than houses?

Not always. Domain’s March 2026 data shows Melbourne units at $600/week and houses at $590/week, so units were slightly more expensive at the median. Check current suburb-level listings before assuming apartments are cheaper.

What is the easiest cost to underestimate?

Utilities and transport. A cheaper outer-suburb rental can become less affordable if it adds daily tolls, parking, petrol, or long public transport trips. Compare properties by monthly total cost, not weekly rent alone.