The short answer is, of course, yes! However, at the beginning of your career, things may be a little tight. Depending on how you enter the healthcare industry, the cost of living may be on par with your salary, however, the good news is that Registered Nurses and above can expect to live relatively comfortably anywhere in Australia.
It’s a well-known fact that the costs of living in Australia are high, and according to moneysmart.gov.au, the average weekly spend for Australians is as follows:
| Single Person - Under 35 |
Couple - At least one under 35 |
Couple with Children - Youngest Under 5 |
Couple with Children - Youngest between 5-14 |
Couple with Children - Youngest 15 and older |
|
| Housing | $284 | $381 | $458 | $355 | $359 |
| Fuel & Power | $24 | $35 | $48 | $54 | $53 |
| Food & Drink | $122 | $239 | $282 | $336 | $332 |
| Clothing & Footwear | $18 | $54 | $62 | $64 | $61 |
| Medical Expenses | $23 | $69 | $85 | $104 | $110 |
| Alcohol | $22 | $39 | $28 | $35 | $47 |
| Transport | $97 | $243 | $247 | $309 | $292 |
| Recreation | $83 | $176 | $158 | $263 | $243 |
| TOTAL | $673 | $1,236 | $1,368 | $1,520 | $1,497 |
| With Other Expenses (household furnishings and equipment, household services, and operation, personal care, miscellaneous goods and services and tobacco products) |
$849 | $1,572 | $1,833 | $2,085 | $1,990 |
https://moneysmart.gov.au/australian-spending-habits
As we have previously detailed, and entry-level Registered Nurse can expect to earn around $956.20, which even on single-person basis is enough to easily cover living costs and leave a little leftover for savings. Obviously, as you progress through your career, things will become more comfortable.
