Thinking about moving to Australia? Or maybe you’re already here and just wondering where’s the best city to settle down. It’s not an easy choice. The country is massive, and every city feels different. Some are busy and expensive. Others are calm, cheaper, and more family-friendly.
So, the real question — what’s the best place to live in Australia?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. Jobs? Beaches? Good schools? Low cost of living in Australia? Each city has its own vibe, its own strengths and downsides.
Let’s go through the top 10 cities to live in Australia, with a mix of work, study, and family life in mind.
1. Sydney – Busy, Beautiful, Expensive
Sydney is the first city most people think of. Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach… the postcards make it look perfect. And honestly, it’s a pretty exciting place to live.
Work opportunities are huge here. Finance, IT, health, media – the big industries are all here. If you want a job in corporate Australia, chances are you’ll end up in Sydney.
The downside? Money. Sydney is easily one of the most expensive cities in the country. Rent is sky high. Buying a home is even harder. If you’re moving with family, you’ll need a good income to live comfortably.
- Best for: High-paying jobs, international students, city life.
- Cost of living: Rent around $600–$800 per week in central areas. Groceries and transport also pricey.
Sydney is amazing if you can afford it. If not, you might find the cost of living in Australia hits harder here than anywhere else.
2. Melbourne – Arts, Culture, Coffee
If Sydney is about business and beaches, Melbourne is about lifestyle and culture. People here are obsessed with food, coffee, music, and sports. There’s always a festival happening, and the nightlife is buzzing.
Students love Melbourne. Universities like Monash and Uni of Melbourne rank high globally. For families, the suburbs around the city are full of good schools and parks.
The weather though… well, Melburnians joke you can get four seasons in one day. Sunny morning, rain at lunch, cold evening. You’ll need layers.
- Best for: Students, creative jobs, families.
- Cost of living: Rent around $450–$650 per week. Cheaper than Sydney but still not “cheap.”
Melbourne keeps ranking as one of the world’s most livable cities. And honestly, it deserves it.
3. Brisbane – Sunshine and Balance
Brisbane is growing fast. It used to be seen as “slower” than Sydney or Melbourne, but now it’s booming. The city has a warm climate, plenty of jobs in healthcare, construction, and IT, and it’s more affordable.
The lifestyle is relaxed. Families love it because it’s safe, has good schools, and is close to both Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for weekend trips.
It’s not as crazy busy as Sydney or Melbourne, which many people see as a good thing.
- Best for: Families, young professionals, people who love warm weather.
- Cost of living: Rent around $400–$550 per week. Much easier on the wallet.
If you want sunshine plus opportunity, Brisbane is a solid choice.
4. Perth – Far But Rewarding
Perth is on the west coast, far from other Aussie cities, but it has its own charm. The beaches here are stunning. The economy is strong thanks to mining and energy industries.
Professionals in engineering, mining, and healthcare often earn good money here. It’s less crowded, traffic is manageable, and the vibe is laid-back.
The only catch is the distance. Flying to Sydney or Melbourne takes hours. International travel often goes through Singapore or Dubai instead of east coast airports.
- Best for: Skilled workers in mining/engineering, families wanting space.
- Cost of living: Rent around $400–$550 per week. Similar to Brisbane.
If you don’t mind being a little isolated, Perth gives you high salaries and a relaxed lifestyle.
5. Adelaide – Affordable and Chill
Adelaide is often overlooked, but ask people who live here and they’ll tell you it’s one of the best places to live in Australia. It’s affordable, quiet, and family-friendly.
The wine regions nearby are world-famous. The city has festivals, nice beaches, and a slower pace. Students find Adelaide affordable compared to Sydney and Melbourne, with good universities like UniSA and University of Adelaide.
- Best for: Families, students, anyone on a budget.
- Cost of living: Rent around $350–$500 per week. One of the cheapest big cities.
Adelaide won’t overwhelm you. It’s safe, calm, and easy to settle into.
6. Canberra – Australia’s Capital
Canberra often surprises newcomers. It’s not huge, but it’s clean, well-organized, and full of professionals. Since it’s the capital, government jobs are everywhere. There’s also research and education work.
The city is quieter, which makes it great for families. You get big parks, bike paths, and less traffic. The nightlife is not as exciting as Sydney or Melbourne though.
- Best for: Government workers, researchers, families.
- Cost of living: Rent around $450–$600 per week. Similar to Melbourne.
If you like order, safety, and a community feel, Canberra might surprise you.
7. Gold Coast – Beaches and Students
The Gold Coast feels like a holiday destination but many people actually live here. Beautiful beaches, theme parks, and a very laid-back vibe.
Tourism and hospitality are the biggest industries, but there are also growing education opportunities. Many international students choose Gold Coast because it’s cheaper than Sydney and right by the ocean.
- Best for: Students, families, beach lovers.
- Cost of living: Rent around $400–$550 per week. Pretty affordable.
If you love sunshine, surf, and casual living, Gold Coast could be your dream spot.
8. Hobart – Small but Beautiful
Hobart in Tasmania is small compared to mainland cities, but it’s stunning. Mountains, rivers, clean air – nature is everywhere.
It’s not the best for big job markets, but for families and retirees who want peace and affordable housing, it’s great. Students also come here for a slower lifestyle.
- Best for: Families, retirees, nature lovers.
- Cost of living: Rent around $350–$500 per week. Very budget-friendly.
Life here is slower. If you want calm over chaos, Hobart is perfect.
9. Darwin – Tropical and Different
Darwin is unlike other Aussie cities. It’s hot, humid, and feels more like Southeast Asia in some ways. It’s also very multicultural and has a strong Indigenous influence.
Jobs are strong in mining, defense, and government. Wages can be high because of the demand for workers.
- Best for: Skilled workers, adventurers, people okay with heat.
- Cost of living: Rent around $400–$550 per week. Groceries can be more expensive.
Darwin is not for everyone, but if you like tropical weather and a unique lifestyle, it’s worth considering.
10. Newcastle – Coastal Balance
Just a couple of hours from Sydney, Newcastle offers a balance between city life and beach living. It’s smaller, cheaper, but still has good job opportunities in health, education, and trades.
Families love it because it’s safe, has good schools, and you’re never far from the beach.
- Best for: Families, professionals wanting coastal living.
- Cost of living: Rent around $400–$550 per week. Cheaper than Sydney.
Newcastle gives you a lot of Sydney’s perks without the heavy price tag.
Final Thoughts
So, where’s the best place to live in Australia? Honestly, it depends.
- If you want high-paying jobs and don’t mind costs – Sydney or Melbourne.
- If you’re after family life with lower costs – Adelaide, Hobart, or Brisbane.
- If you’re in mining or engineering – Perth or Darwin.
- If beaches are your dream – Gold Coast or Newcastle.
The cost of living in Australia varies a lot depending on the city. Always check your budget first before deciding.
One thing is true though. No matter which city you pick, Australia gives you safety, a good lifestyle, and opportunities to grow.
