Interstate Moving Cost Calculator

Thinking of moving interstate? Income tax is federal in Australia — it's the same no matter which state you live in. But property costs vary dramatically. Compare stamp duty, transfer fees, the First Home Owner Grant, and land tax across all 8 Australian states so you know exactly where you stand before you buy.

Compare property costs

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This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 stamp duty and land tax rates. Figures are indicative only and do not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult a conveyancer or solicitor for accurate costs.

What property costs differ between states?

When moving interstate, four types of property costs change depending on which state you buy in:

  • Stamp duty (transfer duty) — the biggest variable. Can differ by $10,000–$30,000 on the same property price.
  • Transfer registration fees — relatively minor ($200–$1,500 depending on state).
  • First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) — federal-funded but administered and paid by each state. Amounts range from $7,000 (ACT) to $30,000 (QLD, TAS).
  • Land tax — only relevant for investors. Thresholds and rates vary significantly; the NT has no land tax at all.

Everything else — income tax, Medicare levy, capital gains tax, negative gearing — is set federally and is identical in every state.

How much does stamp duty vary between Australian states?
Stamp duty (transfer duty) varies significantly across Australia. On an $800,000 property, you could pay anywhere from roughly $21,000 in the NT to over $31,000 in Victoria for an owner-occupier. First home buyers can access exemptions that reduce or eliminate stamp duty in most states. Use the calculator above to compare the exact difference for your property price.
Which state has the cheapest property buying costs?
It depends on the property price and buyer type. For owner-occupiers, the ACT and NT often have competitive rates. First home buyers typically find Queensland and Tasmania most generous, with $30,000 grants and broad stamp duty exemptions. The calculator ranks all 8 states by net upfront cost at your chosen price point so you can see exactly where each state sits.
Is income tax the same in all Australian states?
Yes. Income tax in Australia is a federal tax set by the Commonwealth government. It is identical regardless of which state or territory you live in. Moving from NSW to QLD, for example, has zero effect on how much income tax you pay. The only property-related costs that differ between states are stamp duty (transfer duty), transfer registration fees, the First Home Owner Grant (for eligible buyers), and land tax (for investors).

Related calculators

Stamp Duty Comparison — All States Side-by-side stamp duty table across all 8 states at key price points Victoria Land Tax Calculator Calculate annual land tax liability in Victoria First Home Owner Grant Calculator Check FHOG eligibility and amounts in your state Mortgage Repayment Calculator Estimate monthly repayments at different property prices

Last updated 20 April 2026 Tax year 2025-26

Data sources: ATO (ato.gov.au), Services Australia

This tool is general information only, not financial advice.

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