The Land Down Under is home to sprawling modern cities, unique wildlife, vast countryside and some of the best beaches in the world. It’s also a country where local celebrities attend sports of the teams they own (Russell Crowe) and you’ll see prime ministers going for walks in green and gold tracksuits.
With so much on offer, it can be hard to decide on the best place to relocate to. Not to worry, we’ve put together a list of the top spots for expats. No matter your reasons for your move – this list will help you find your new Aussie home.
Pro Tip: Be mindful about asking an Australian where to live. Aussies are very competitive, which means they probably think where they live is the best place in Australia. You’ll need to do your research – which is where we come in.
Best cities to live in Australia
We’ll start with the best cities to live in and then take a look at some of the alternative places to live in Australia if you’re looking for something a bit different.
1. Melbourne: best for culture
Melbourne is widely regarded as the cultural capital of Australia (unless you ask Sydney siders) and it’s no surprise that it held the title of the world’s most livable city for 7 years in a row ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s global liveability index.
Some of Australia’s cities have a multicultural feel, but none do it quite like Melbourne. This is thanks in part, to the large immigrant population who have brought their food and cultures from all around the globe.
What this means is that you’ll find world-class cafes and restaurants with food from all over the world and if you ask the locals, the best coffee in the world.
Considered Australia’s sporting capital, it’s also home to Australia’s unique brand of football – Aussie Rules.
Sometimes described as aerial ping pong, the Aussie Rules final has one of the largest numbers of attendees of any domestic competition on earth. Good luck learning the rules though.
Outsiders refer to Melbourne as the hipster capital of Australia, which is fairly accurate.
Despite their strange fashion choices, hipsters tend to bring some pretty cool venues – like Easey St. Smoke Out in Collingwood. This is a bbq restaurant in a motorcycle workshop, which is hidden down a narrow laneway underneath an edgy gallery. It really doesn’t get more Melbourne than that.
The pros of living in Melbourne:
- Considered the ‘London of Australia’: diverse, welcoming and is regarded as a meeting point for people from around the globe.
- Plenty of activities: the world-class nightlife, live sports and more to keep anyone entertained.
- Lifestyle: allows for a great balance of things to do without feeling packed in.
The cons:
- Colder winters: summers are great and warm, however, winters can be colder than in other parts of the country.
- Property prices: competitive property market results in higher prices especially for renters.
- Costs: expect entertainment, going out and some items to cost more than they would otherwise in regional areas.
2. Adelaide: best all-rounder
Adelaide doesn’t get as much attention as other major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, and this is probably due to its size. However, this is actually one of its greatest selling points! What it may lack in numbers, it more than makes up for with the amazing lifestyle it offers its residents.
The good weather, affordable property prices, wide range of activities, country feel and quality education make Adelaide a great location for families.
The majority of the 1.3 million Adelaide residents prefer the suburban areas over being clustered in the city. It means living closer to the coast with the city on your doorstep without the metropolitan price tag.
Food is a big part of life here, with a massive amount of food trucks, quality restaurants and eateries all close by.
The arts are big here too, thanks to a thriving music and theatre scene, along with the annual Adelaide Fringe Festival. Plus the outdoor activities are endless with hiking, surfing and everything in between on offer.
The pros of Adelaide:
- Diverse lifestyle: a unique place where you can experience quaint country life, coastal escapes and metropolitan life all in one city.
- Work-life balance: the slower pace of life makes it a perfect place to escape the rat race.
- Wine region: the Barossa Valley is a short distance from Adelaide for those who fancy a quality drop.
The cons:
- Job market: it can be tricky to find a job as an expat – particularly for unskilled workers.
- Small town vibe: a bit lacking in a number of areas such as shopping and business opportunities.
- Connections: public transport can sometimes be infrequent and domestic flights from the airport can be pricey.
3. Hobart: best for families
The capital of Australia’s island state Tasmania offers an amazing opportunity to live an idyllic family life. Don’t believe the stories from mainland Aussies, no one here has three heads.
Tasmania is home to stunning natural scenery, ancient forests and beaches. At its heart is Hobart, where housing is some of the cheapest in Australia.
If you are into small-town living, you will love Hobart. The schools are great and Tasmania is considered incredibly safe, as it is often forgotten by the rest of the world. Life is slow here, allowing time to enjoy life, hobbies, and time spent with loved ones.
Your commutes from the office will be much shorter thanks to both the shorter distance to travel and the absence of traffic. This means more time at home with your family.
There is plenty of arts and culture along with museums and natural surroundings to be explored. Spend your weekends hiking, at the beach or exploring the booming culinary options. Plus, some even consider Tasmania as home to the best coffee in Australia – unless you ask people in Melbourne of course.
The pros of Hobart:
- Landscape: Tasmania is simply beautiful. The scenery is stunning, the air is clean and the water is pure.
- Community: a real sense of community, people here are friendly and hail from all corners of the globe, united by their location in this quiet corner of the world.
- Family friendly: affordable housing (roughly 30% cheaper than Sydney on average), safe community, great schools.
The cons:
- Job market: certain sectors like hospitality and education have opportunities, but other industries are lacking.
- Housing: houses are affordable but hard to come by. There simply aren’t many houses in Hobart so make sure you’ve secured your home before arriving.
- Weather: cold winters with temperatures often getting as low as single digits. A winter coat is a must. And a scarf too.
4. The Blue Mountains: best for country life
Love countryside living? Head along the Blue Mountains and you’ll find a string of small towns offering a taste of life in the Australian countryside.
Katoomba has a very creative spirit and is home to the annual winter magic festival. Nearby Leura, a local secret, also has many charming boutiques and cafes.
Further along the road, you’ll find Bathurst and Mudgee.
Bathurst hosts one of the largest car racing events of the year, the Bathurst 1000 where one driver will be crowned ‘King of the Mount’. Bathurst also has a decent student population, which brings life into the town with cultural festivals and events each year.
It has everything you would need, affordable property, and plenty of space to have the peace and quiet offered by the country.
Most of the towns in and around the Blue Mountains are all within a two-and-a-half-hour drive of Sydney.
Schools are decent in the area, with state and private schools available, making it a good choice for families.
The pros of living in the Blue Mountains:
- The quiet: peaceful countryside living and incredible starry nights.
- Cost of living: much cheaper than in the major cities, especially when it comes to property.
- Traffic: It just doesn’t exist out here, there aren’t enough people.
The cons:
- Job market: there are not a lot of professional opportunities on offer.
- Community: closer-knit communities. The people are nice, but breaking into long-existing groups can sometimes be tricky.
- Public transport: a car is a must as public transport is scarce.
5. The Sunshine Coast: Brisbane – Best coastal location
It’s hard to go wrong with coastal locations in Australia, as it’s home to some of the best beaches in the world. However, the biggest issue is that you’re spoiled for choice – there are just too many to choose from.
That being said, you can’t go wrong with the Sunshine Coast. Located north of the state capital Brisbane, it’s not as popular with tourists as the Gold Coast, allowing you to enjoy your idyllic beach life in peace.
Probably the most famous location is Surfers Paradise, with its high-rise skyline and the 322-meter-high Q1 Building with its SkyPoint observation deck.
Noosa Heads is a more populated area, but there are other smaller towns nearby with equally nice stretches of sand.
Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Buddina are also popular.
Life is relaxed here and the cost of living is very affordable, especially if you avoid the more affluent areas popular with local tourists. Plus, you’re a short distance from the bustle of Brisbane, so you can escape to the city whenever needed.
The pros of the Sunshine coast:
- Coastal living: beautiful beaches on your doorstep.
- Lifestyle: life here is so relaxed you can unwind without even trying. The cost of living is also very affordable.
- Airport: Brisbane international airport is a short distance away, making both domestic and overseas flights easily accessible.
The cons:
- Job market: There are not a lot of professional opportunities on offer.
- Tourism: During the high season, there can be a lot of tourists.
- Public transport: The Sunshine Coast is not as well connected with public transport as other parts of the country.
6. The Central Coast: best for retirees
The Central Coast is a collection of neighbouring seaside towns, located just over an hour’s drive north of Sydney and is a great area if you are planning to retire to Australia.
Gosford is the largest town, with the biggest train station offering connections to the CBD (Central Business District – effectively, the city centre).
What makes this a great area for retirees is the lifestyle. Spend your days enjoying the sun, walking along the beach, exploring parks and nature reserves, playing bowls at an RSL club and enjoying the many shops, cafes and restaurants.
Property is affordable and there are many retirement communities where you can live in affordable accommodation in a quiet, contained neighbourhood.
You also have your pick of beautiful locations including Avoca, Copacabana, Terrigal, McMasters, Pearl and Kincumber. They offer varying proximity to the coast and green bushland, with larger properties available as well.
There are also excellent public and private health care options available, to give you peace of mind. The proximity to Sydney is a massive plus
Tip: Seniors discounts are frequent in Australia – simply ask when out and about!
The pros of living on the Central Coast:
- Coastal lifestyle: the clean air, sun and natural surroundings are the perfect way to enjoy your golden years.
- Property: there is a wide variety of properties on offer to suit any lifestyle choice
- Cost of living: everyday items and going out on the central coast is very affordable – ideal for retirement.
The cons:
- Job market: jobs are limited, so if looking for opportunities, you will likely need to commute to Sydney.
- Public transport: getting to either Newcastle or Sydney is easy however public transport is limited between the smaller towns. A car is recommended.
- Property: depending on the area you choose, some houses can be quite expensive.
7. Sydney: best for job opportunities
No doubt you’ve heard of Sydney – Australia’s largest city and home to the iconic Sydney Opera House.
As the economic capital of Australia, with many local and international businesses setting up an office here, it offers many career opportunities.
When you aren’t working, you can visit iconic Sydney Harbour (home to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House), soak up the sun on Manly or Bondi beach orshop to your heart’s content – all while sipping delicious coffee.You won’t find a Costa here and you won’t miss it!
Are you a foodie? Sydney is definitely the place to be. You have a wide choice of world-class restaurants here. Tip: visit Queenies in Surry Hills if you like jerk chicken.
Live sport is also a massive feature of life in Sydney, with multiple world-class stadiums and venues hosting regular events.
Sydney can be tricky to get around. The roads are a bit of a maze and traffic, especially in peak hours, is heavy.
There is, however, an efficient and affordable public transport system. This includes trains, buses and ferries. Unlike the UK, regional trains and buses aren’t ridiculously priced.
Discover more in our Best Places To Live In Sydney guide.
The pros of Sydney:
- Weather: summers without the humidity of the north and more mild winters.
- Opportunity: finding work is much easier than in other parts of the country, especially for young, skilled professionals.
- Lifestyle: Sydney offers a diversity of lifestyles unmatched by most major cities of the world.
The cons:
- Expenses: Sydney is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. Expect to pay more for everyday items, going out and housing.
- Traffic: Reliance on cars causes massive amounts of congestion on a regular basis.
8. Perth: best for expat communities
Located on Australia’s west coast, Perth is a laid-back city with excellent weather and great beaches. The city is green, with trees and parks everywhere you look.
As any city, Perth offers its residents plenty of cultural attractions, culinary options and sporting events without the congestion of larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
The quality of life here is quite high, thanks to the weather, abundance of outdoor activities, and affordable cost of living.
The biggest draw is the massive expat community.
Some estimate that expats make up as much as a third of Perth’s population, with the largest groups coming from the UK and South Africa. These communities are active, connected and welcoming, meaning you have someone on the inside to help with the transition.
The pros of living in Perth:
- The great outdoors: one thing you will benefit from massively in Perth is an outdoor lifestyle. Clean air, sun, sea and sand – it’s good for the soul.
- Cost of living: Perth is much more affordable than other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
- Community: the expat community can make settling into your new life in Perth much easier.
The cons:
- Laidback: The slower pace can be an adjustment for those coming from larger cities.
- Limited jobs: jobs are available, but after the peak of the mining boom, this is limited to certain sectors.
- Isolation: Perth is not only a massive distance from the rest of the world, but the rest of Australia too.
9. Canberra: The cosmopolitan capital city
Canberra is a fantastic city to live in! It has a thriving café culture and abundant green spaces and parks. As well as having a high employment rate, Canberra offers fantastic opportunities for university graduates seeking careers in government and related institutions.
Canberra’s lakes, architecture and cultural events make for a wonderful living experience, with plenty of events to visit and places to explore throughout the year.
The international airport in Canberra helps expats to stay well connected to friends and family living elsewhere in the world.
Expats living in Canberra can enjoy many attractions, such as the National Gallery of Australia or take advantage of its distinctive shopping experiences, which include designer fashion boutiques and outlets set near the lakefronts. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants offering an array of cuisines from around the world.
Canberra’s Climate
The weather in Canberra is mild year round and there are low levels of pollution; making it one of the most livable cities on Earth with a very high quality of life.
Canberra has a more affordable property market
You’ll also be pleased to know that the real estate market offers better value for money than other capital cities in Australia; making it more cost-effective to rent or own property than elsewhere in Australia.
Overall, living in Canberra as an expat means you’ll be living in a vibrant city that has a lot to offer: excellent employment opportunities, cultural events, modern infrastructure and services, plus natural beauty, all rolled into one package!
10. Cairns – Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is a very special city to live in! While Cairns is a relatively small city with a population of around 150,000 people, it offers a lot, from breathtaking natural beauty to modern infrastructure and great amenities for family life.
Located in tropical Far North Queensland, Cairns has a unique climate and environment that makes it the perfect location for anyone who wants to experience something different from what most other cities deliver.
Cairns Climate
The weather in Cairns gets very sticky and hot in the summer (December – February), with an average maximum temperature of 30C (85F) and 62 per cent humidity.
In winter, if that’s the right word, you can still expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s (75-85F), but the humidity will be less and the rain subsides from April onwards.
The Great Barrier Reef
The iconic Great Barrier Reef is just a short boat ride away from Cairns, providing residents with endless opportunities for marine-based activities such as snorkelling or scuba diving. In the city centre itself, you can find a vibrant nightlife scene featuring various bars and clubs which attract people of all ages.
Cairns is also home to some of Australia’s best restaurants offering diverse cuisines such as Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai food.
There are plenty of things to do during the day, too – such as visiting museums or art galleries; checking out flea markets; taking part in cultural events like White Night Festival or the Saltwater Murri Festival.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gives you a brilliant way to enjoy the rainforest as you travel over the canopy. There are also plenty of opportunities to go for hikes or horse riding in the rainforest, which can be an exhilarating experience.
For lazy days with the family, you’ll have easy access to Cairns’s many beaches.
For a small city, Cairns offers pretty good job opportunities and has a strong local economy, which services tourism, education and health sectors. The real estate market in Cairns is very active, with research and time invested, you can find affordable housing options that should meet your needs.
What is the best country town to live in Australia?
‘Goldilocks’ towns are places in Australia where you can have the ‘best country town lifestyle’. To qualify, these towns need to have more than 2000 people and score well on a number of factors, such as unemployment rates and quality of life. Another factor is average income.
A winner in recent years is the town of Griffith, located in the state of New South Wales. With a population of just under 20,000, there are just enough people to have peace and quiet without feeling lonely.
What is the cheapest state to live in?
The cheapest states to live in Australia are Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.
However, this isn’t a simple question to answer as there are a lot of factors to consider. Of the major cities, Adelaide is regarded as the cheapest city to live in, which is the state capital of South Australia.
Where do most expats live in Australia?
Perth has been incredibly popular with expats for years, with roughly a third of the population estimated to be made up of migrants. Other popular destinations include Sydney and Melbourne, particularly for young people and professionals.
Wherever you are considering a move, there is bound to be a social media group where you can connect with fellow expats.
What is the safest town in Australia?
In 2019, Sydney was named the safest city in Australia and was ranked as the 5th safest city in the world on The Economist’s 2019 Safe Cities Index. Melbourne was ranked 10th in the same year. Australia as a country is generally considered a very safe place to live.
The best places to live in Australia – summary
Thanks to its size and the diversity of its land and lifestyle options, Australia offers all kinds of expats the chance to live the life they’ve always dreamed of.
Where you choose to settle in Australia will depend on your reasons for moving, but one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed. The reason so many Australians never leave home is that they have everything they need.
So, where will you go in the land down under?