Australia Travel Planner

Budget calculator

How long will your money last, how much is left over with a job — and when will you have enough for the van? All values are rough guides you can adjust.

Savings Around 5,000 AUD is usually expected as proof of funds on arrival.

Accommodation per night

Dorm beds cost about 30–55 AUD in Sydney and Melbourne, 25–30 AUD in smaller towns.

Food per day Cooking for yourself is the biggest lever. A simple meal out costs about 15–25 AUD.

Transport, phone, leisure per week Public transport, SIM card, trips, laundry — estimate generously.

I have a job

Savings plan

Save towards a goal

Van, East Coast trip or flight home: pick a goal and a date — the plan shows how much you need to put aside each week and whether your job above covers it.

Savings goal

Already put aside for it Only money you don’t need for everyday life — your savings above stay your emergency fund.

Reach by

How it’s calculated

Assumptions

Tax: Working holiday makers pay 15% on the first 45,000 AUD in the tax year, with no tax-free threshold. The calculator takes off a flat 15%.
Superannuation (12% from your employer) isn’t included — that money goes into a super fund, not your bank account.
Minimum wage since 1 July 2026: 26.44 AUD per hour, 33.05 AUD as a casual. Many industries pay more under an Award.
Savings plan: Required rate = (goal − already saved) ÷ weeks until the date. It’s compared with your weekly balance from the calculator above (wage after tax minus expenses).
One-off costs like flights, buying a van, bond or gear aren’t included.

Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman (minimum wage 2026), ATO (Working Holiday Maker tax rates), hostel prices from Hostelz and travel reports 2026.

Common questions

What working holiday costs

How much money do I need for a working holiday in Australia?

Around 5,000 AUD in savings is the usual proof for the visa application. How long that lasts without a job is what the calculator above works out with your own numbers.

How much is a night in a hostel in Australia?

A dorm bed costs about 30 to 55 AUD in Sydney and Melbourne, and 25 to 30 AUD in smaller towns.

How much can I save with a job in Australia?

On the 26.44 AUD minimum wage, what's left after tax and living costs depends mostly on your accommodation — tick “I have a job” above and look at the weekly balance.

Rough guides, not financial advice. Your inputs are only stored on this device.