Melbourne or Sydney

Zion · August 30

Magandang buhay po!
Ako po ay muling hihingi ng payo sa inyo hehe waiting po kami ng SC189 visa grant and we are planning na for Big move (yey!) hopefully by Jan 2026.
No family, no relative, no friends po talaga kami na nasa AU kaya hirap kaming magdecide kung saang state ba kami unang makikipagsapalaran.
Job offer din sana ang main deciding factor namin, kung saan may job offer then dun kami magmove pero from what I read kasi dito na (most) from zero to slim chance makakuha ng offer while offshore.
I did our research na, joined FB groups nadin, watched lots of vlogs, have some basic ideas nadin like weather, CBD, transpos, rental diff sa Melbourne & Sydney.
Btw, Melb & Sydney is our initial top choice dahil sa more job opportunities (daw) din but we are very willing to move sa other states like WA & SA basta whenever the our work is. But for now Melb & Syd talaga.
Would be helpful din if you have some thoughts po, anyone na same boat namin dati hehe
Background po pala namin ni hubby, Civil Engr kami pareho, Quantity Surveyor/Contracts Administrator in position.

Thank you in advance!

sav · September 16

Hi! I think this might help:

Sydney
One of the largest Filipino populations resides in Sydney. As of the Australian Census, there were over 67,000 Filipinos living in Greater Sydney. However, the cost of living there is relatively high compared to other cities, mainly due to the well-developed infrastructure found in the city. As a result, the majority of multinational companies can be found there which attracts Filipinos because of its reliable transport systems and business-friendly environment.

Melbourne
Another popular option for Filipinos in Australia is Melbourne. Statistics show that 19% of Filipino immigrants to Australia settle in Melbourne. Majority of these filipinos are professionals in various sectors, technicians, trade workers, laborers, clerical and administrative workers, and community and personal service workers.

Jacraye · September 17

@Zion said:
Magandang buhay po!
Ako po ay muling hihingi ng payo sa inyo hehe waiting po kami ng SC189 visa grant and we are planning na for Big move (yey!) hopefully by Jan 2026.
No family, no relative, no friends po talaga kami na nasa AU kaya hirap kaming magdecide kung saang state ba kami unang makikipagsapalaran.
Job offer din sana ang main deciding factor namin, kung saan may job offer then dun kami magmove pero from what I read kasi dito na (most) from zero to slim chance makakuha ng offer while offshore.
I did our research na, joined FB groups nadin, watched lots of vlogs, have some basic ideas nadin like weather, CBD, transpos, rental diff sa Melbourne & Sydney.
Btw, Melb & Sydney is our initial top choice dahil sa more job opportunities (daw) din but we are very willing to move sa other states like WA & SA basta whenever the our work is. But for now Melb & Syd talaga.
Would be helpful din if you have some thoughts po, anyone na same boat namin dati hehe
Background po pala namin ni hubby, Civil Engr kami pareho, Quantity Surveyor/Contracts Administrator in position.

Thank you in advance!

For a QS (like me) here's my take:-

JOB DEMAND & OPPORTUNITIES

Sydney:

Sydney has the biggest construction market in Australia, with ongoing infrastructure megaprojects
Many multinational consultancies and Tier 1 contractors have HQs in Sydney.
QS roles in civil, commercial, and residential projects are in constant demand.

Melbourne:

Also very strong construction market, with big investments in transport
High demand for QS across civil, healthcare, education, and high-rise residential projects.
Many QS consultancies also based here, but perhaps slightly fewer mega-projects compared to Sydney.

SALARY & COST OF LIVING

Sydney: Salaries for QS roles tend to be slightly higher than in Melbourne. But rent and daily living are also more expensive, so net savings may balance out.

Melbourne: Salaries are competitive, maybe 5–10% lower on average than Sydney, but the cost of living (especially rent) is usually lower, so quality of life can feel better.

LIFESTYLE

Sydney:

If you like sunny weather, beaches, and a high-paced city life.
Commuting can be longer, housing tighter unless you live far from CBD.
Work-life balance

Melbourne:

More café / cultural scene, cooler climate, easier to get around inner suburbs with trams.
Work-life balance might feel a little more relaxed.

Zion · September 19

Hi @Jacraye , appreciate your inputs!
As of now, we're considering more ung Melbourne.
Btw, further question nalang din if meron ka lang idea or you know someone. We're preparing na din incase magstruggle din kami makapasok sa field natin, nasa plan B namin na magupskill or mag-aral ulit sa Uni. Do you have any idea on which course suits best para makabalik din agad for QS/ Contracts Admin? Short course and cheaper option din. Salamat ulit!