9 Best Places To Live In Australia In 2025

For a country set at a distance from other countries, Australia has a lot to offer. It's an ideal place to travel and experience the culture and wildlife, but it's also a wonderful place to live. Looking further into it, Australia has high living standards, diverse communities and cities, and enough social programs and jobs that enable everyone to build a life or retire in Australia.

The only snag is that Australia doesn't make it easy to figure out which of its many cities to settle in. Many are close to nature and are generally safe places to live, but each has nuances in its cost of living, education, and healthcare. Regardless, the options below factor that in and offer the best experiences for anyone looking to move to Australia for any reason.

Sydney

One of the most iconic towns in Australia is Sydney, and it serves as a global financial hub. With major corporations and banks dwelling here, the cost of living is substantial compared to other areas. For perspective, the cost of a single person living in Sydney is roughly $3220 USD per month.

That said, if you can stomach the price, you'll be greatly rewarded. With Sydney being a financial hub, jobs in IT, finance, healthcare, and creative industries are plentiful. On top of that, travelling through the metropolitan area is easy, and the multiple community events make living great. On Mondays, there is Mahjong at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. By Cockle Bay, there is Latin Nights by the Bay nearly all year round. And of course, the iconic Sydney Opera House always has something new.

Hobart

For the more nature-inclined, Hobart is ideal. It's considered one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and it's clear to see why. Peace and closeness to nature give you opportunities to appreciate nature. You also have access to cleaner air and natural beauty through the coastal views and landscapes.

Affordability is also lower in terms of housing and everyday costs compared to major cities. Combined with a strong sense of community and a growing job market, Hobart is a solid pick for those wanting a slower and more peaceful life. Mount Wellington offers astounding views of the landscape that you can either cycle, walk, or drive up to. In December - Hobart's high season - there is a Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race too.

Darwin

Those who are more adventurous will love Darwin the most, as this city is built for the outback lifestyle. Even though it's further north, that only means it's closer to the equator, ensuring residents enjoy tropical weather all year round. This makes camping, hiking, and visiting national parks more opportune for people as well, something Darwin offers abundantly.

The culture is also rich with Aboriginal communities and has a growing economy in tourism, mining, and government sectors. Tourism is notable, especially as Darwin has a variety of museums such as the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and the Mason Art Gallery. Darwin is also a relatively small city with an average rent for a 900 sqft apartment in an expensive area costing approximately $1,742 USD, making it more affordable and with a lower population than other major cities.

Wollongong

A middle-ground location for those who want to live close to Sydney without having to pay Sydney prices is Wollongong. Wollongong has lower housing costs (monthly rental costs are approximately $1,500 - $2,000 USD), making it prime for starting a family. The schools are also excellent, with the most notable being the University of Wollongong.

The job market is also strong, with education, healthcare, and technology sectors looking for more workers. Outside of that, Wollongong has various parks and lookouts that capture the landscape, such as the Robertson Lookout and Byarong Park picnic area. There are even trains and roads that connect easily to Sydney.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a beautiful city but also one of the most expensive ones, ranking 73rd in the most expensive city in the world, according to Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking.

That said, the community and job market make it easier to live there. Melbourne residents are encouraged to rent out their homes, and this program instills this sense of community and closeness. In addition, it has also made the median house and rent prices some of the cheapest across Australia's capital cities. In their September quarter 2024 report, median rent in Melbourne came to approximately $570 USD per week when adjusting for currency exchange.

The City of Melbourne's website also offers ample opportunities for residents to succeed. Small business grants enable small local restaurants and cafés to survive, making Melbourne's coffee and dining cultures unbeatable. There is also a lot of culture, as Melbourne has multiple museums, music festivals, and art galleries. Some of these festivals include the Festival of Colors and the Festival of the Chariots.

Geelong

A mixture of coastal feel and city convenience, Geelong is similar to Wollongong in that it's cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. Their economy is growing further in sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing, and they have some of the top schools and universities in the area, such as Deakin University.

In addition, Geelong has a friendly community that promotes rich arts and sports cultures, such as Mexican Wrestling, making it an engaging place to raise a family and find things to do in town. Beyond that, Geelong offers multiple networking and Swap Meet events, allowing you to connect with the community more.

Adelaide

Excellent food, affordable housing, and a world-class wine culture are what Adelaide has to offer. Like other locations outside of Sydney and Melbourne, it's cheaper for a wide demographic, as families, retirees, and students can all find something they like about Adelaide.

The climate is not bad, with the summers warm and the winters mild. The main attractions are the multiple wine regions located in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Central Market, and Glenelg Beach.

Toowoomba

An underrated but no less crucial city is Toowoomba. With a 1-bedroom apartment in town costing an average $972 USD per month, housing is very affordable, making it ideal for professionals. And with a university like the University of Southern Queensland, it's excellent for students to learn from there too. That said, the local economy and pleasant climate make it great for retirees.

The local economy is currently expanding in health, education, and agriculture, making the quality of living much higher. Furthermore, this local economy also makes the community tighter-knit, making it a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for new residents, young and old. Toowoomba offers something for everyone, like the Carnival of Flowers and Mayoral Prayer Breakfasts.

Ballarat

Recognized for both historical significance and affordable living, Ballarat is ideal for those with families and for retirement. Ballarat is a peaceful city with a lot of scenery to explore and admire through its various lakes and botanical gardens. The community is also highly engaging thanks to numerous spaces for the community, like the Eureka Aquatic Center or community gardens that are organized by the Ballarat Local Food Coalition.

All the while, Ballarat retains its historical feel, as this was the town that played a significant role in Australia's gold rush.

Overall, the decision of where to go rests on your personal priorities and preferences. Regardless, Australia offers a diverse culture, a strong sense of community and connectivity, and a range of affordability. You can't go wrong with any of these options.