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Are you planning to study in Australia, and wondering where to live there? Look no further, this blog covers some of the top destinations where you can live comfortably in Australia. As you may already know, Australia is popular for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant city life. There are so many exciting places to choose from. That is why, we have provided you with the list of the best cities in the country. In this blog, we have listed the pros and cons of each city. So that you can decide ‘where to live in Australia’, and most importantly what is the right place for you to live.
This Blog Includes:
Sydney
Where to live in Australia for a city life? Sydney, the biggest city in Australia, is a perfect place to live for career-oriented people. The reason is, you will easily find employment opportunities here.
Apart from jobs, the city is popular for landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera. The place is for anyone who prefers city life. You will find high-end restaurants, street food markets, and trendy cafes. Cultural and recreational activities like the Royal Botanical Garden and Darling Harbour are also popular. You can easily get around the city. That is, by bus, train, or ferry.
| Pros | Cons |
| Best city life | High cost of living |
| Excellent beaches | Traffic during summers |
| Employment Opportunity |
Monthly Cost of living in Syndey: AUD 3,500–4,500
Top reason to live in Sydney: Ranked among the top 10 cities to live in the world ( QS Best Student Cities Ranking)
Brisbane
Are you wondering where to live in Australia for a balanced life? Then, Brisbane should be the first place in your mind.
The city is well known for its cultural activities, and relaxed lifestyle. The landscapes in the region are breathtaking. You can choose to go hiking or to relax on a beach. The choices are plenty! You can also find employment opportunities here. Therefore, we suggest this place for families and young professionals.
| Pros | Cons |
| Growing job market | Humidity, and flooding occasionally |
| Outdoor activities | In the suburbs, housing can be expensive |
| Warm climate |
Monthly cost of living in Brisbane: AUD 2,500–3,200
Top reason to live in Brisbane: Is home to popular universities like the University of Queensland
Melbourne
Where to live in Australia for top-quality education? Melbourne is the answer for you. This city is home to some of the top-ranking universities in the country. Therefore, it is home to several international students.
The city is also a perfect choice for creative professionals. After all, Melbourne is known for its culture. Be it music, art, or food you want to explore, Melbourne has it. This is a well-connected city. You can choose to travel by train, tram or bus.
| Pros | Cons |
| Known for culture | The cost of living is high |
| Well-connected transportation facility | The weather is unpredictable |
| Job market diversity |
Monthly cost of living in Melbourne: AUD 3,000–3,800
Top reason to live in Melbourne: Half of the residents in Melbourne are not Australian nationals. Therefore, it is known as an international city.
Adelaide
Seeking a relaxed and affordable place to live? Adelaide won’t disappoint you. The place is for anyone who prefers a slow pace of life. This is a well-planned city, that offers you student accommodation at a reasonable price.
There are parks where you can sit and relax in the evening. In Adelaide, you can attend events like the Fringe Festival, or the Adelaide Festival. Restaurants, local markets, and cafes are also great place to hang out.
| Pros | Cons |
| Culturaly rich | Lack of facilities like hospitals and malls |
| Popular for food and wine | Small job market |
| Affordable | No nightlife |
Monthly cost of living in Adelaide: AUD 2,200–2,800
Top reason to live in Adelaide: As per the Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index (2023) Adelaide comes under the list of top 15 cities to live in the world
Perth
Perth is considered one of the top places to live in Australia. The warm weather, gorgeous city parks, and the white-sand beaches are sure to draw you in. There are even art galleries that you can visit.
Perth has top educational institutions and therefore, attracts students from all over the world. This makes it an ideal place for students, and families that prefer a relaxed and quiet environment. Fun fact: The Ningaloo Reef is located here. You can also find the happiest animal (quokka) in the world here.
| Pros | Cons |
| Culturally rich | Remote area |
| Picturesque landscape | Little public transport |
| Community living | |
| Mining jobs are available |
Monthly cost of Living in Perth: AUD 2,400–3,000
Top reason to live in Perth: Thriving job market, and low unemployment rates
Lismore
Where to live in Australia for a perfect blend of urbal and rural life? Lisbon is the answer. Lismore has a subtropical climate. That is, you can enjoy warm and sunny weather throughout the year.
The city is the economic and cultural capital of the Northern Rivers and has everything that a small city requires. That is, public hospitals, private and public educational institutions, and TAFE. Moreover, the Lismore regional airport would connect you to Sydney in an hour! The city also offers you excellent shopping places and eateries.
| Pros | Cons |
| Situated near rainforests and the coast | Limited job opportunities |
| Strong community feeling | Flooding occasionally. |
| Regular cultural events |
Monthly cost of Living in Lismore: AUD 2,000-2,600
Top Reason to Live in Lismore: Excellent healthcare and quality education
Canberra
Where to live in Australia for an excellent quality of life? Canberra is the place for you. Canberra is a region with a low crime rate and a strong community life The place has green places and effective public services.
Those who prefer a relaxed lifestyle often choose to live here. The cost of living in Canberra is moderate, compared to cities like Melbourne, and Sydney. Student housing is also affordable here. The city has a continental climate with 4 different seasons. To integrate to the community you can participate in local events, or join clubs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Healthcare and educational facilities are great | No nightlife |
| Low crime rate | Moderate cost of living |
| Gives you a small town feeling |
Monthly cost of living in Canberra: AUD 2,800-3,500
Top reason to live in Canberra: Low cost of living
Learn about the cost of living in Australia in detail
Wellington
Where to live in Australia for picturesque surroundings and a quiet lifestyle? Its Wellington! This small town in New South Wales is a great choice to escape the hustle and bustle of cities.
You can easily find gardens, and parks. Moreover, the community is also welcoming. Local events and activities are held in the region. Therefore, it is suitable for retirees and people who like a relaxed lifestyle. The town is affordable to live in. However, you will find limited employment opportunities.
| Pros | Cons |
| Relaxed lifestyle | Less job options |
| Strong sense of community | Limited amenities |
| Affordable |
Monthly cost of living in Wellington: AUD 1,800–2,400 (per month)
Top Reason to live in Wellington: Rated as one of the best cities in the world by Deutsche Bank.
Gold Coast
Are you seeking to live in a place with a laid back life? Then you will enjoy the warm weather, palm trees, and the beaches of Gold Coast. The pace of life is slow in this region compared to other major cities.
The city is multicultural and diverse, and plenty of tourists visit this area. 1 in every 3 residents are born outside Australia. The city has a reputation for having the best bars, restaurants, and live music venues. You can find world-class universities like Griffith University, and Bond University in this city. The transportation and employment opportunities are also decent.
| Pros | Cons |
| 300 sunny days every year | Reasonable cost of living |
| Laidback lifestyle | It is a crowded place to live in |
| Multiculturalism | |
| Lively night scene |
Monthly cost of living in Gold Coast: AUD 2,600–3,000
Top Reason to live in Gold Coast: Reasonable cost of living
Learn How to Find Accommodation in Australia for International Students
Hobart
Hobart is situated on an Island in Tasmania. Therefore, you will a mix of natural and historical charm. The Derwent River and Mount Wellington provide you with plenty of outdoor activities. The place is known for its delicious food, arts, and culture.
The Salamanca Place, and the Battery Point have several preserved buildings and markets. Therefore, this small city is a great choice for those who want a high quality of life. The city is moderately expensive and has a friendly community.
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful landscape | Weather is colder |
| Historic District | There are less work opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
Monthly cost of Living in Hobart: AUD 2,200–2,800 Monthly
Top Reason to live in Hobart: Laidback lifestyle of the place
FAQs
Sydney is the best Australian city to live in. The city is one of the best student cities in Australia. (QS Best Student Cities Ranking,2023). It is popular for its outdoor beach culture, natural green spaces, and employment opportunities.
The best city in Australia to obtain a PR is Perth. The reason is, that Perth offers excellent job opportunities for international students. Adelaide and Canberra are also good choices.
Brisbane offers the highest number of IT jobs in Australia. You will find Manufacturing, IT, Tourism, and Government are the top sectors in Brisbane.
We hope you got the answer to your question- Where to live in Australia? Now, that you are clear about that, why not check out, Fly Homes, to find the best accommodation in the city you want to live in?
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