The best places to live in Australia

Moving to Australia and trying to pick what city to settle in? Whether you're after somewhere with a great art scene, lush beaches, or affordable housing - Australia's cities offer something for everyone. We've put together this guide on each of our main cities to help you find the perfect city.

Living in Sydney

From the sands of Bondi Beach to its iconic harbour, Sydney is famous all over the world. It is Australia's largest and oldest city, and is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. It combines the hectic pace you’d expect from a major city with some of the most recognisable landmarks on earth.

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate, the warmest months being from November to February, when temperatures often reach the mid-30s (Celsius) or sometimes higher. Winters are mild, the thermometer rarely falling below 8°C at night.

• Where to live

  With a population in excess of 4.6 million, Sydney is easily Australia’s largest city. The central business district (CBD) is contained within a compact area near the harbour, but the suburbs spread far to the north, south and west. Finding somewhere to live in the inner city is expensive, especially when you are first starting out. However, if you look further afield there are many more affordable options.

  If a trendy, bustling 20-something lifestyle is something you'd be interested in, the inner western suburbs might be attractive. For a more family-friendly environment, take a look at the Hills District in the north-west or areas in the Northern Beaches. If you'd like to settle in cultural pockets of fellow expats, Western Sydney is home to a significant migrant population. For example, many Indian expats live in the Parramatta region, while a number of migrants from Britain and New Zealand live in the city’s south-west around the Macarthur and Blue Mountains regions.

• Transport

  Transport in Sydney is a much-maligned subject among residents. Many Sydneysiders choose to get around by car, but travel times and traffic queues can be extensive. This is especially true during peak hours on roads leading in and out of the CBD. Parking in and around the CBD is also hard to find and expensive.

  Thankfully Sydney has an extensive public transport system servicing nearly all the metropolitan area. Commuters can get around by train, bus, light rail or ferry. You need to buy an Opal card to pay for fares on public transport. This is similar to London’s Oyster card and makes it simple to travel around the city.

• Working life

  Sydney’s economy is larger than that of Hong Kong or Singapore, producing more than $306 billion of goods and services each year. The major industries in the city are financial and professional services, manufacturing, information and communications technology, tourism, research and education, and the creative industries. Employment prospects in Sydney are quite good, with plenty of opportunities available and a low unemployment rate.

• Universities and educational institutions

  Sydney is home to a wide range of universities and educational institutions to help you further your learning. The University of Sydney (USYD) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are ranks 46 and 49 respectively in the QS World University Rankings list.

  Sydney is also home to other such as Macquarie University, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Western Sydney (UWS). Whatever you'd like to study, you're sure to find a suitable course.

• Cost of living

  Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia to live and often features prominently on lists of the most expensive cities in the world. According to SQM research, as at February 2017 the average asking rent for a unit in Sydney is $509.30 per week.

  The average asking rent price in Sydney for a house is $743.60 per week.

Read our full Sydney guide

Living in Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is Australia’s second-largest city. The city's centre branches out from the banks of the Yarra River. It is often referred to as the country's cultural and sporting capital, and is also home to some of Australia’s best dining and nightlife venues. Little wonder The Economist magazine regularly names Melbourne as one of the most livable cities in the world.

When it comes to weather, Melbourne is renowned for having "four seasons in one day". It does have four definite season changes, but conditions can often change unexpectedly within a single day. As it is further south than Sydney, winter daytime temperatures are lower.

• Where to live

  Choosing where to live in Melbourne depends on your lifestyle and preferences. You can live by the bay in the artsy inner suburb of St Kilda, or further around the bay in Sandringham, which is also buzzy but has more of a village feel. Fitzroy, in the city's north-east, is unpretentious but vibrant and is one of the city's oldest districts. Richmond is a bustling retail centre with a liberal dose of cafes and restaurants. Camberwell and Surrey Hills are classic leafy suburbs, perfect for families. Melbourne is a multicultural city and you can find areas with large pockets of Greek, Italian, Chinese and Indian residents.

• Transport

  Melbourne's city centre was designed around a grid system, so it is simple to navigate. There is an extensive public transport system which is efficient and easy to use, especially in the inner city areas. Most areas are connected by train or tram, and any areas where they are not available are serviced by buses. You need to buy a myki card to pay for fares on any of these transport systems.

• Working life

  Job prospects are quite good for people planning to move to Melbourne. The main industries in Melbourne and in Victoria as a whole, include the automotive industry, aviation, building and construction, education, engineering, nursing, financial services, and information and communications technology. Many of the city's employers welcome migrants looking for work and there is a reasonably low unemployment rate.

• Universities and educational institutions

  The state of Victoria has the highest university participation and graduation rates in the Asian region, and Melbourne is home to some world-class educational institutions. Students can study at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Monash University or a number of other educational providers.

  Both Monash and the University of Melbourne are members of the Group of Eight, a coalition made up of Australia's eight leading research universities. In 2017, Melbourne was ranked the 5th best student cities in the world according to Top Universities.

• Cost of living

  Melbourne may not be as expensive as Sydney, but it’s still quite pricey. As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Melbourne is $483.90 per week.

  The average asking rent price in Melbourne for a house is $504.20 per week.

Read our full Melbourne city guide

Living in Brisbane

Brisbane's weather is what attracts many migrants to Australia’s third-largest city. Temperatures are warmer than in Sydney and Melbourne as it sits in the subtropics, and consecutive days of sunshine are more reliable.

Although Brisbane is a major urban hub, it has a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. It's also within easy distance of summer holiday spots like the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

• Where to live

  With a population of over 2 million, Brisbane has been enjoying a growth period as more people relocate to take advantage of its climate and more reasonable house prices. The city centre is compact and is situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, from where its suburbs spread out.

  You can find reasonably priced accommodation quite close to the city centre in suburbs such as Auchenflower and Paddington. If you are looking for more family-friendly living, have a look at the Morayfield region to the north. If you look for property away from the city itself, you can find homes boasting large parcels of land, but still be within reasonable driving distance of the CBD.

• Transport

  The grid-like layout and compact nature of Brisbane’s CBD make it relatively easy to get around. If you need to drive, a number of one-way streets can make navigation a little difficult which is not too unusual for larger cities such as Sydney, though not so much of a problem with smaller cities like Canberra and Adelaide. However, there is plenty of public transport available to all major areas, and you can catch trains, ferries and buses using the TransLink ticketing system. As the city continues to grow, the transport network is growing with it.

• Working life

  Brisbane has a thriving economic environment which, together with the relaxed ambience, offers a lifestyle you may not find in other cities. Major industries in the region include hospitality, tourism, health, finance, commercial business and manufacturing. As Brisbane is a city experiencing rapid growth, job prospects for migrants are good, with a wealth of employment opportunities available for the right applicants.

• Universities and educational institutions

  If you’re looking for study opportunities, Brisbane offers universities and educational institutions that cover all major disciplines and career paths .

  The University of Queensland (UQ) is the state’s oldest university. It has more than 51,000 students and is 51st in the QS World University ranking list. Other options include, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

• Cost of living

  The cost of living in Brisbane is generally much cheaper than in Sydney. Property prices are much more affordable across the board, which is one of the reasons many people choose to move north to the Sunshine State. As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Brisbane is $371.40 per week.

  The average asking rent price in Brisbane for a house is $450.60 per week.

Read our full Brisbane city guide

Living in Hobart

From its relaxed country atmosphere to beautiful country surrounds, Tasmania's capital city has plenty to offer. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Sydney or Melbourne, Hobart moves at a much slower pace. However, it is culturally rich and a food lover's paradise.

Being Australia's southernmost capital city, Hobart has the coldest temperatures of all the capital cities, getting down to as low as 4ºC during winter. Summers are pleasantly warm and can climb into the high 20s (Celsius).

• Where to live

  The second oldest city in Australia, Hobart sits alongside the Derwent River and at the base of Mount Wellington. There are a number of desirable suburbs along the length of the Derwent, while the historic surrounds of Battery Point or the water views of Sandy Bay are always popular.

  If you are migrating to Hobart with a family you should consider the southern suburb of Kingston which is known for its friendly atmosphere.

• Transport

  To get around Hobart you can drive or take the bus. The city has a layout that is easy to navigate, so it won't take long to know your way around by car.

  The main bus interchange is in front of the General Post Office and services most parts of the city. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver.

• Working life

  Hobart has a somewhat insular economy, which means it is protected to some degree from the global fluctuations of international markets. While it isn’t an area that often experiences rapid economic growth, there are still reasonable employment prospects for skilled migrants.

  The occupations list provided under the State Migration Plan includes positions in industries such as construction, health, hospitality, automotive, viticulture and engineering. The Tasmanian Government Department of State Growth can assist people who are moving to Australia and looking for work.

• Universities and educational institutions

  The University of Tasmania is a respected institution and one of the oldest in the country. It’s has more than 30,000 students. Hobart residents may also seek to undertake further study through TasTAFE, which offers a wide range of vocational education and training courses.

• Cost of living

  Although real estate in certain parts of Hobart is expensive, the cost of living is generally lower than in other parts of the country. Certain goods and services such as electricity can be more expensive.

  As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Hobart is $306.10 per week. The average asking rent price in Sydney for a house is $352.20 per week.

Read our full Hobart guide

Living in Adelaide

Known for its Mediterranean climate, and with a population of around 1.3 million, Adelaide is becoming an increasingly popular place to live for new arrivals to the country. The capital of South Australia, Adelaide combines a relaxed lifestyle, affordable house prices and enviable weather conditions. The weather is generally very pleasant, only dropping to around 7ºC at night during winter, while averaging in the high 20s (Celsius) during summer.

• Where to live

  Adelaide is often described as more like a big country town than a major city, and you can expect to pay country town house prices rather than the higher costs of big cities. The median house price in Adelaide is under $400,000, though properties on the coast tend to cost more than those inland.

  The historic beachside suburb of Glenelg is one sought-after location, while family-friendly suburbs include Aberfoyle Park, Belair and Banksia Park.

• Transport

  Adelaide is a well-planned city that’s easy to get around by car, while train, tram and bus services also cover most of the city and are accessed using the MetroTicket system.

• Working life

  Adelaide is currently experiencing a population decline with many workers migrating interstate. While increased skilled worker migration may be the answer to increase population and replace these roles, South Australia's limited migration structure for visa eligibility has hampered this process.

  Bluestone Migration estimates stipulate that Adelaide needs about 5,000 new skilled migrants every year to thrive, so there is obviously a need for the right people. Immigration South Australia can help you with applications and additional information. Major industries in Adelaide include health care, manufacturing, retail, public administration, education and training.

• Universities and educational institutions

  Students looking to further their education in South Australia can choose from a number of institutions. According to the Good Universities Guide 2017, the University of South Australia's strength lie in skills development and social equality.

  The University of Adelaide is the country’s third-oldest university and has been named as one of the world’s top 300 according to QS. Bradford College offers a pathway for international students to the university. Flinders University and the University of South Australia also offer international programs.

• Cost of living

  Adelaide is generally considered one of Australia’s most affordable cities. Goods and services, property prices and rent are all reasonable.

  As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Adelaide is $289.70 per week. The average asking rent price in Sydney for a house is $370.50 per week.

Read our full Adelaide guide

Living in Canberra

It’s a common misconception that Sydney, being the largest city in Australia, is also its capital. In fact the nation's capital, Canberra, is one of its smallest cities with a population of just over 373,000. It is part of a federal district known as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Being the home of Australia's parliament, it has a continual influx of workers as well as visitors. Canberra has a dry climate and experiences temperatures as low as freezing in winter and averages in the high 20s (Celsius) at the height of summer.

• Where to live

  Australia’s capital city is divided down through the centre by Lake Burley Griffin. To the north are the shopping and commercial areas, as well as institutions such as the Australian War Memorial and National Library. Beyond these are the main suburbs, where many government workers choose to reside.

  Suburbs such as Ainslie and O’Connor are popular areas for family living, while the majority of residents in Braddon and Civic live in apartments.

  South of the lake is the Parliamentary Triangle and embassy area. While there are also residential areas, the population is around half of that in the north, and features more expensive, waterside properties such as those on the Kingston Foreshore.

• Transport

  As Canberra was purposely designed to be Australia's capital city, it is an easy city to navigate. Traffic jams don’t really exist, and most car journeys take little more than 20 minutes. As the city is flat, many residents choose to walk or cycle into work.

  Because of its small size, Canberra only has a light rail. It opened on 20 April 2019 and runs from the CBD to the Gungahlin in the north. There is also an extensive local bus network, plus a train station and interstate buses for travel to other cities and townships.

• Working life

  A large proportion of Canberra's residents are public servants who work for either the Australian or ACT governments. However, there are also many people employed in the private sector, making it a destination for business people.

  While it may not be the business mecca of Australia, Canberra enjoys a low unemployment rate and the highest average full-time income in Australia, making it an enviable place in which to work.

• Universities and educational institutions

  Canberra has a wealth of choices for higher education. The University of Canberra (UC) and the Australian National University (ANU) offer undergraduate and graduate courses in a range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering and legal studies. ANU was listed in the top 25 of the QS world university rankings in 2017.

  Other options for study include trade-based schools such as The Australian International Hotel School (AIHS), and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

• Cost of living

  ACT is one of the most affordable states or territories to purchase a home. That is, when you consider the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments. Rent-wise, it's cheaper than Sydney and Darwin but not more affordable than Melbourne.

  As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Canberra is $416.20 per week. The average asking rent price in Canberra for a house is $574.20 per week.

Read our full Canberra guide

Living in Darwin

Thanks to its tropical location, Darwin has a laid-back and relaxed environment. It is surrounded by world-class natural scenery, has a buzzing nightlife and enjoys warm weather all year round. There is a tropical weather pattern of dry and wet seasons. The dry occurs between April and October and is the more pleasant of the two, with clear skies and balmy nights. During the wet season there are many storms and little reprieve from the average temperature of around 30ºC.

• Where to live

  Darwin has a population of around 100,000 people and is home to a multicultural mix of expats, making it a welcoming environment for new migrants.

  House prices are quite high compared to most other capital cities, with properties in suburbs such as Bayview and Fannie Bay averaging close to $1 million. More family-friendly options include Wanguri and Wulagi.

• Transport

  Driving is the best way to get around Darwin. It is not a huge city, so traffic is fairly manageable and commute times are not too long. A public bus service operates throughout areas that are close to the city centre.

• Working life

  Darwin is currently experiencing economic growth, and with new port facilities, an improved airport and the construction of the north-south railway, that growth is expected to continue. There are plenty of employment opportunities available for migrants with the right skills and training.

  Major industries in the region include construction, retail, accommodation and food services, public administration and health care.

• Universities and educational institutions

  Charles Darwin University (CDU) has 21,000 students across four campuses and four training centres. Ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world, CDU is one of the top 10 universities in Australia and provides high-quality learning.

• Cost of living

  Although not the biggest of cities, Darwin is quite expensive. It has a competitive real estate market that drives up prices, while its geographical isolation means you can expect to pay more for certain goods and services.

  As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Darwin is $426 per week. The average asking rent price in Darwin for a house is $567.50 per week.

Read our full Darwin guide

Living in Perth

Last but certainly not least on this guide to Australia’s capital cities is Perth. Featuring a wonderful climate and relaxed beachy lifestyle, it’s definitely worth considering when looking for somewhere to live. It has a population of around 1.25 million, and although it is the most isolated capital city in the world, it has just as much to offer as its long-distance neighbours. Another consistently warm city, Perth temperatures never drop too low, peaking above 30ºC during summer and dipping to around 18ºC in winter.

• Where to live

  Perth's relatively compact CBD is centred around the banks of the Swan River, and the suburbs spread from there in all directions.

  The city's northern and western suburbs are considered the most desirable areas to live. Perth has a large migrant population, with many British migrants in particular calling this city home.

• Transport

  Although Perth is quite an easy city to drive around, the best option for new arrivals is to use public transport, which is both reliable and affordable. There is a comprehensive transport network of buses and trains, and buying a SmartRider card for payment will make your journeys easier to manage.

• Working life

  Western Australia is blessed with immense natural resources, and the mining boom of recent years brought many workers to the area. Other popular industries include tourism, manufacturing, financial services, health care, and information and communications technology. However, because of the size of the city, jobs may be slightly harder to come by than in Sydney or Melbourne.

• Universities and educational institutions

  The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a member of the Group of Eight and is one of Australia’s leading educational institutions. It is ranked just outside the top 100 tertiary education institutions in the world.

  There are plenty of other study options for Western Australian students, including Curtin University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University (ECU), each of which offers a comprehensive range of disciplines.

• Cost of living

  Although Perth is quite an affordable place to live, certain goods and services are more expensive due to the city’s remote location. Although the resources boom led to a sharp rise in house prices rental is still fairly affordable.

  As at February 2017, the average asking rent for a unit in Perth is $337.20 per week. The average asking rent price in Perth for a house is $435.50 per week.

Read our full Perth guide