Australia is a vast country of multiple states and territories, each offering a different climate and lifestyle. When it comes to taxes and healthcare, these are managed at a federal level, so you’ll likely be making your relocation decision based more on lifestyle factors and work opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for cosmopolitan cities or small towns, coastal living or countryside, this state-by-state guide will help you discover the best places to live in Australia in 2024.
8 Best Places to Live in Australia
1. New South Wales
Great for: Sunshine seekers wanting a vibrant mix of city life and natural escapes, with opportunities in a thriving tech sector. There’s easy access to a diverse cultural and gastronomic scene in one of the most connected states in Australia.
About the state
Often classed as the best place to live in Australia, Sydney is home to more than 8 million residents and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per-year. 6 million of those New South Wales residents call Sydney home, so work-wise, you will likely be based within reach of the city. There’s also Newcastle, the main city in the winemaking Hunter region, or bohemian Byron Bay in the north of the state.
Sydney itself has plenty to offer beyond its dramatic architecture and grand harbours. There is a rich cultural mix and a fantastic foodie scene, a buzzing business district and a strong cultural offering. You can opt to live a city lifestyle, or head to Bondi or Manly for a more laid-back beach vibe. And to get away from the hustle and bustle, weekends can be spent exploring the coast and the Blue Mountains, just 100km north-west of Sydney.
Location
Set on the south-east coast, this state is incredibly well connected, not just internationally, but also with other key cities around Australia. As well as short flights across the country, it’s easy to take a meandering road trip over just a few days down to Melbourne or up to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Employment
There is a successful tech sector on the rise in New South Wales, employing more than 100,000 people. Jobs in mining, finance, health and engineering are often available in this region, with average weekly earnings reaching AU$1,200 (£642).
Education
Home to Australia’s first university, New South Wales has a strong education sector, with 11 universities in total. Its Department of Education is also the largest in Australia, and whether you’re looking for early years education or vocational training you’ll find plenty of opportunities in this state.
Cost of Living
As you might expect, with many people living in or near Sydney, New South Wales is one of the more expensive states. The average monthly cost of living is AU$3,450 (£1,846), with your average monthly grocery shop clocking in at AU$300 (£160).
Housing & Rent
Looking to rent? The average weekly rent for a house is AU$600 (£321), but on the plus side, salaries are often higher to compensate. Buying allows you more permanency, with the average three-bedroom house setting you back AU$460,000 (£246,261).
Transportation
There is an extensive network of trains and highways stretching across New South Wales to take you where you need to go. Sydney Airport is the hub for Australia’s national airline, Qantas, and it is a main destination for many other long-haul airlines.
Best Cities to Live in New South Wales, Australia?
- Sydney: As the state capital and the largest city in Australia, Sydney offers a vibrant lifestyle with its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and abundant job opportunities, particularly in finance, tech, and tourism.
- Newcastle: Known for its beautiful coastline, Newcastle also has a strong economy with sectors such as health, retail, and manufacturing providing employment.
2. Northern Territory
Great for: Those desiring a laid-back lifestyle and a deep cultural immersion in the Aboriginal heritage, all set amidst stunning natural beauty and tropical climate, while residing in a young, multicultural city.
About the state
You can find incredible natural beauty in the Northern Territory, which, compared to New South Wales, is sparsely populated with just 250,000 residents. Around 150,000 of those live in the state capital Darwin, which has a young and multicultural population, access to a harbour and a near-tropical climate.
There is also a strong Aboriginal culture here, offering the chance to explore the riches of the oldest continuously living culture on Earth, in the city of Darwin, on the Tiwi Islands just off the coast and in the many national parks.
The state is famous for its laid-back attitude to life, which is just as well when the weather can be hot and sticky! If you feel like venturing out of Darwin, you can also find Uluru, or Ayers Rock, in the Northern Territory – the sandstone monolith that is an important Indigenous site and one of the most recognisable symbols of Australia.
Location
The Northern Territory is vast enough to stretch from the northern coast to the heart of Australia, called the ‘Red Centre’. This is considered the heart of Australia’s outback, consisting of extraordinary mountain ranges, gorges and some of the most sacred sites for Aboriginal Australians. The Northern Territory is, in practical terms, also not far from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and shows the cultural influences of both.
Employment
In such a sparsely populated state, work opportunities can be found in Darwin, unless you work in the tourist sector. Of course, the possibility of finding a job varies with the sector and industry. However, Darwin has been named one of the best places in Australia to job-hunt, with opportunities in everything from public infrastructure to education.
Education
Charles Darwin University is often ranked as one of the best in Australia and Darwin is a youthful city with plenty of suburbs and good public and private schools, making it a great place to raise a family. Beyond the city, communities are smaller and schooling options may be more restricted, so it is worth investigating if you are looking to move to a more remote area.
Cost of Living
How Much Does It Cost to Live in the Northern Territory?
Because Darwin is relatively isolated from the rest of the country – around four hours by plane from another state capital – the cost of living can be higher than you might expect. The average cost of living is AU$1,645 (£880) per month. There are more expensive Australian cities, but a host of cheaper ones too.
Housing & Rent
There are plenty of great, family-friendly suburbs to settle down in Darwin. House prices can be more expensive than you might expect, with the median house price about AU$560,000 (£300,000) and rents at about $611 (£327) a week. But they are generally still lower than the other state and territory capitals of Australia.
Transportation
How Convenient is Transportation in New South Wales?
Darwin is a walkable city. Cycling is a popular way to get around, and there are frequent bus services and a ferry to cross the harbour. The Northern Territory has a road network, though take extra care on some of the single-lane dirt roads! And with such vast distances, often a short flight is preferred.
Best Cities to Live in the Northern Territory, Australia?
- Darwin: As the territorial capital, Darwin offers a unique lifestyle with a multicultural population, beautiful natural surroundings, and jobs in public administration, healthcare, and education.
- Alice Springs: Famous for its Aboriginal art scene, Alice Springs is the service hub for the Red Centre and offers opportunities in healthcare, education, and tourism.
3. Queensland
Great for: Adventurers and nature lovers, keen on exploring the world’s largest coral reef system and stunning national parks, while enjoying a lower cost of living in Australia’s fastest-growing city with diverse job opportunities.
About the state
Australia’s second-largest state is seven times larger than the UK and has the country’s third-largest economy. Arguably one of the best places to live in Australia, it is home to the Q1 Tower, Australia’s tallest building, and the famous Great Barrier Reef which lies off the coast.
As the largest coral reef system on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef has come to symbolise the incredible wildlife and stunning natural beauty of Australia. In many ways, Queensland represents what you might have heard about Australia. You can find five of Australia’s 11 World Natural Heritage areas here – as well as the reef, there are tropical islands, beaches and more than 200 national parks.
The state capital, Brisbane, is cosmopolitan and Australia’s fastest-growing city. It’s likely to be your base, although both Gold Coast to the south and Sunshine Coast to the north are vibrant hubs, too. Beyond that, you have the northern city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and more tourism-based destinations such as Airlie Beach.
Location
In the north-east of the country, Queensland is vast, but the towns and cities dotted along the 7,000km coast mean that its urban centres are well connected. Tourism has played a significant role in the development of Queensland, as one of the three most-visited states in the country. Inland, there are more vast areas of remote wilderness, with significant differences in climate from the more sub-tropical coast.
Employment
Almost half of Queensland’s total job growth is accounted for by Brisbane, which has a thriving job market. It is reportedly Australia’s fastest-growing city for employment, outdoing Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The diverse number of sectors and industries means opportunities abound in tourism, as well as thriving science, IT and creative industries. Outside of Brisbane, there are jobs in mining and agriculture.
Education
The University of Queensland is often ranked as one of the top 50 in the world and the second best in Australia. There is an array of major universities in the state, and a significant number of international students centred on Brisbane.
Cost of Living
Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, a move to Brisbane can help you save on the cost of living. Weekly rent is cheaper by a significant degree, while the average cost of living per week varies from AU$400 (£214) to AU$750 (£401).
Housing & Rent
Homes generally cost less in exchange for more space compared to Sydney and Melbourne (about AU$526, or £282, per week). Whether you want to buy a family home or make a smart investment, Brisbane is an attractive proposition with a three-bedroom house costing, on average, AU$350,000 (£187,320). In terms of rent, you could find a two-bedroom house for a monthly average of AU$2,400 (£1,284).
Transportation
Queensland Rail provides train services across the state, while Brisbane Airport is in a great location for travel across Australia and beyond. There are four international airports in total in Queensland, due to its extensive tourism, which ensures the state is very well-connected both nationally and internationally.
Best Cities to Live in Queensland, Australia?
- Brisbane: The state’s capital is known for its sunny weather, outdoor lifestyle, and strong job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and public administration.
- Gold Coast: With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and thriving tourism industry, Gold Coast offers a unique coastal city lifestyle.
4. South Australia
Great for: Enthusiasts of relaxed lifestyle and wine, with a love for nature, the arts, and sports, seeking a cost-effective cosmopolitan experience in the ‘Festival State’ of Australia.
About the state
Promising a relaxed, friendly lifestyle, South Australia is also home to incredible nature. You can discover the outback here, with vast tracts of land as far as the eye can see. The region is also famous for its wine production, so if you feel the urge to visit the vineyards and try out some delicious wine tasting, you’ll find a great opportunity here for both work or simply to enhance your lifestyle with vineyard visits.
South Australia is a very centralised region, as almost 80 per cent (1.3 million people) of the state’s population lives in coastal Adelaide. Away from the heat of the outback, you can find a pleasant Mediterranean climate in the capital, with a sophisticated art and cultural scene, leading to South Australia’s nickname of ‘The Festival State’. Adelaide offers great gastronomy, a wonderful coastline and a love of sport, especially Australian rules football.
Location
The size of South Australia means that it meets the Northern Territory in the heart of the country, forming the ‘Red Centre’ region. In the state, you can enjoy coast, mountains and outback galore, and it’s also within quite easy reach of Melbourne (about an eight-hour drive).
Employment
Adelaide is renowned for a great work-life balance, but its desirability means that it’s also well-known for being a difficult and competitive environment to find a job, especially for graduates looking to get on the career ladder.
Education
There are several well-established universities in South Australia, with the University of Adelaide leading the pack as one of the top 100 in the world. As with the rest of Australia, the academic year runs from late January to mid-December.
Cost of Living
How Much Does It Cost to Live in the Northern Territory?
You can enjoy the Adelaide foodie scene for less than you would pay in the other big five cities of Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane) with a cheaper cost of living. Adelaide can be expensive in the centre, but it favourably compares to other cities that offer a similar cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Housing & Rent
Whether you buy or rent an apartment or a house, you’re more likely to be based out in the eastern suburbs or by the coast than in the city centre to save on costs. The average weekly price to rent a house is AU$480 (£257), with AU$300,000 (£160,650) to commit to buying a three-bedroom house.
Transportation
Public transport in Adelaide, via a network of buses and trains, is extensive. Driving is a good way to get around the city and to its neighbouring vineyards, but distances can be long outside of Adelaide. Adelaide Airport connects the state with the rest of the country and is an international hub as well.
Best Cities to Live in South Australia, Australia?
- Adelaide: Known as the “20-minute city” because of its easy commute, Adelaide offers a relaxed lifestyle, with a growing job market in healthcare, social assistance, and education.
- Mount Gambier: This regional city is known for its stunning natural attractions and slower pace of life, with key industries in retail, healthcare, and education.
5. Tasmania
Great for: Nature enthusiasts and solitude seekers, looking for clean air, world heritage wildlife sites, and a lower cost of living in Australia’s only island state with a vibrant port city serving as the hub.
About the state
The island state of Tasmania is one of Australia’s smallest by population, with just over half a million residents. It lies off the coast of Victoria, with a great proportion of land either dedicated to agriculture or to national park preservation. Around 40 per cent of Tasmania’s entire land area is protected in reserves, demonstrating its natural beauty and importance.
Home to an abundance of wonderful wildlife (not least the famous Tasmanian devil!) it promises the country’s cleanest air, remote beauty spots and world heritage wildlife sites.
The state capital, Hobart, boasts the famous Salamanca Market and plenty of green spaces, including parks and hiking trails around the city. Hobart is twice as large as the second city of Tasmania, Launceston, in the north, making it your main hub on the island
Location
Lying about 460km off the coast of Victoria, Tasmania is Australia’s only island state and its southernmost one. It is one of the last areas of inhabited land before crossing the vast expanse of sea to reach Antarctica, 2,500 kilometres south. It is sometimes possible to see the Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, and the island has a rugged geography, peaking in the middle with the Central Highlands and Mount Ossa, the second-highest mountain in Australia.
Employment
Hobart represents a home port for ships passing through the Antarctic and processes thousands of tonnes of Antarctic cargo each year, providing plenty of jobs. Tourism and agriculture are also two hubs for employment in Tasmania.
Education
The Tasmanian education system differs from the rest of Australia in that it has a three-tier system that covers primary, high school and then college for older students before they move on to university. This is different to the regular two-tier system in other states. The University of Tasmania also has an excellent research reputation.
Cost of Living
Being more provincial than, for example, Victoria and New South Wales, Tasmania enjoys a lower cost of living than most Australian states, ensuring that you will pay less for accommodation, transport, eating out and grocery shopping.
Housing & Rent
Rents have risen in Tasmania, and today if you’re looking to rent a two-bedroom townhouse you can expect to pay AU$440 (£235) a week, on average. A recent housing market boom means the median house price is around AU$610,000 (£327,000).
Transportation
Hobart is home to a major airport that provides flights to the mainland and beyond. Shipping is a leading industry here – there are mostly cargo ships but some passenger ferry lines still operate. While the flight time to the mainland is just one hour and 20 minutes, the ferry journey to Melbourne from Hobart takes around 11 hours.
Best Cities to Live in Tasmania, Australia?
- Hobart: Combining natural beauty with cultural attractions like the Salamanca Market, Hobart has a growing job market in healthcare, social assistance, and public administration.
- Launceston: Known for its high quality of life, Launceston offers a mix of city amenities and beautiful natural surroundings, with a job market focused on healthcare, retail, and education.
6. Victoria
Great for: Urbanites and culture enthusiasts who appreciate Melbourne’s sports, arts, and diverse food scenes. Ideal for those in tech, health sciences, and clean energy sectors looking for job opportunities, although it’s worth noting that the cost of living is on the higher side in this state.
About the state
Despite being the second-smallest state in Australia, Victoria is one of the most populated. This is largely thanks to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural and sports capital and a major transport hub, where five million of the state’s 6.6 million inhabitants live.
Melbourne enjoys an oceanic climate, which means you generally have all four seasons, unlike its northern neighbours, and is famous for sometimes delivering all those seasons in one day. Referred to as the ‘cultural capital’, the city is a sporting hub and regularly hosts major global events, such as the Australian Open in tennis, Ashes test matches and the Australian Grand Prix. It’s known as one of the world’s most liveable cities – and for good reason.
Outside of Melbourne, Victoria is a state of natural beauty, offering everything from vineyards and its so-called spa country to mountains, lush forests and the sweeping beaches of the Great Ocean Road.
Location
You can find Victoria on the south coast, and thanks to its smaller size and the transport links of Melbourne, it is extremely well-connected. It is a culturally diverse state and the most urbanised in the country, as it contains four of Australia’s 20 biggest cities. You can take flights to other major cities around Australia and there are plenty of road trips to enjoy as well, mainly thanks to its bijou size.
Employment
Set to become Australia’s biggest city soon, Melbourne has become an innovative tech capital with substantial investment and urban renewal. Known as an economic powerhouse, its diversified economy also takes in health and life sciences, clean energy and research and development, providing plenty of employment opportunities.
Education
Several of Australia’s best-performing high schools and educational institutions are in Melbourne, while the University of Melbourne itself often ranks as the country’s best and in the top 40 in the world.
Cost of Living
Melbourne’s attractiveness as a place to live is well-known, meaning the cost of living has increased significantly. You can expect the cost of consumer goods, groceries, mobile phone and internet plans to rival London for high prices. However, it is still second to Sydney in cost of living expenses.
Housing & Rent
The amazing opportunities of city life in Melbourne do not come cheap. You can expect an average of AU$480 (£257) per week, which is higher than Sydney, and to buy, the median house price is a punchy $1,023,000 (£548,000).
Transportation
Public transport is key, with the world’s largest tram network a historic feature of the city. Melbourne Airport is the second-busiest airport in Australia. However, roads tend to dominate when it comes to Melbourne transport.
Best Cities to Live in Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne: Often ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is celebrated for its rich cultural scene, diverse culinary offerings, and strong education and job sectors.
- Geelong: Close to both Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, Geelong combines city amenities with access to outstanding natural beauty. It’s also known for its growing healthcare and social assistance sectors.
7. Western Australia
Great for: Those seeking a balanced life of adventure and work in its vast biodiverse landscapes, affordable city life, and thriving job market.
About the state
First of all, Western Australia is vast. Even by typical Australian standards. If Western Australia were a country, it would be the 10th-largest country in the world. This region has incredible biodiversity, covering rainforests, deserts, national parks, lakes, lagoons, beaches, bays, forests and more. In the south, there is a Mediterranean climate, similar to California. In the north, you can find subtropical temperatures and humidity.
Despite that, the Wildflower State is only home to 11 per cent of Australia’s population. A large amount of those people reside in the city of Perth, one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Here, you can enjoy the beaches, parks and gardens that the city offers. Perth is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene and has plenty of opportunities for new arrivals. If you’re relocating to live in Western Australia, it is highly likely that Perth will be where you settle.
Location
Famously, Perth is closer to Singapore than Sydney, and a vast expanse of desert separates it from the rest of the country. The nearest other state capital to Perth is Adelaide, at 2,131 kilometres away. The best way to traverse this vast region is by plane, and there are plenty of international and national flight connections available.
Employment
Like much of Western Australia, Perth’s economy is driven by tourism, mining, manufacturing and construction. There is also a thriving tech scene, meaning a diverse range of jobs are available here.
Education
Western Australia is home to five universities, and many international students choose to study in Perth, seeking a laid-back lifestyle optimal for study, amazing weather and vibrant nightlife.
Cost of Living
Perth’s desirability has played a role in a recent rise in the cost of living. Essentially, the city is not as cheap as it used to be, although you can still expect to live for less than in Sydney and Melbourne. Perth is, on average, 20 per cent cheaper than Sydney meaning you can have a comfortable city life for less.
Housing & Rent
The average rent for a house in Perth is AU$530 (£283) per week, a number which has seen a 15 per cent increase year-on-year, the highest of all Australia’s capitals. It’s important to research which suburbs will ensure better value for money. To buy, the median house price is AU$672,177 (£360,000).
Transportation
Perth is served by Perth Airport, which will certainly come in useful considering the city’s remote location. There are rail connections to Adelaide and Sydney but only via a tourist travel company, so you’ll likely be travelling by plane or, possibly, taking road trips within the state (the wine region of Margaret River is just a three-hour drive south). Within the city itself, there are extensive bus services and a light rail to the suburbs.
Best Cities to Live in Western Australia, Australia
- Perth: Despite its remote location, Perth provides a high standard of living with its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and robust job market.
- Fremantle: A port city known for its well-preserved architectural heritage, Fremantle has a strong tourism industry and a laid-back lifestyle.
8. Capital Territory
Great for: Those who appreciate a slower pace of life and are drawn to the great outdoors. Ideal for individuals or families in the mining, construction, manufacturing, or burgeoning tech industries. Be aware that despite the comparatively lower cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne, recent years have seen an increase in living expenses. Nevertheless, it offers a unique lifestyle with a mix of city conveniences and unspoiled natural beauty.
About the territory
This tiny territory essentially comprises the city of Canberra, the capital city of Australia.
Due to its main function and the fact it only became a city in 1913, Canberra naturally has major Australian political and civic institutions, including the Australian Parliament. Its seasonal climate might make you feel less homesick after relocating from the UK, with warm summers and cool winters. The city is affectionately known as ‘the Bush capital’ for its amazing mountain ranges and nature reserves.
In Canberra, you can find fine international cuisine and memorable monuments to Australian culture and history, including war memorials, the National Museum and National Gallery.
Location
Canberra has the unique distinction of being the only major Australian city not on the coast. It was built specifically to be the nation’s capital city. It is located near the Brindabella Ranges, part of the snow-capped Australian Alps, and across wide plains. The changing seasons bring beautiful displays of autumn and spring foliage. The oceanic climate of Canberra, identical to that of Northern Europe including the UK, is quite rare in Australia.
Employment
As Canberra is the national capital, many jobs here have a higher salary. Anyone looking for job opportunities in the public sector, especially in local and federal government, should at least consider Canberra.
Education
With a selection of high-performing public and private schools, the Capital Territory has one of the strongest education systems in Australia. The University of Canberra is frequently ranked as one of the best ‘young’ universities in the world, a rating that only considers universities that have been established for less than 50 years.
Cost of Living
Happily, Canberra tends to have a lower cost of living than many other state capitals. It lacks the desirability of Melbourne and Sydney but you can still take advantage of the array of wonderful amenities that the ‘Bush Capital’ offers.
Housing & Rent
An expensive place to live, a two-bedroom house will set you back AU$690 (£369) a week, while Canberra is a famously expensive national capital city for house prices. Housing prices have increased by 28.8 per cent since 2021, a rise comparable with Sydney.
Transportation
Cars dominate in Canberra, as the city is laid out in grid-style roads ideal for them. There are bus services and limited light rail, while Canberra Airport provides international travel connections.
Best Cities to Live in Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Canberra: As Australia’s capital city, Canberra provides a high quality of life with its abundance of green spaces, robust job market, particularly in public service and education, and strong educational institutions.
External Territories
Australia has several External Territories that come under Australian law. Most of them are located in the Indian Ocean or Pacific Ocean.
The biggest, Norfolk Island, has a population of just 2,600 people, so if you’re planning how to emigrate to Australia from the UK, you’re not likely to consider the External Territories.
As well as Norfolk Island, there is Christmas Island, the Cocos Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, Coral Sea Islands, Ashmore and Cartier Islands and Heard Island and McDonald Islands, taking in everything from a tropical paradise to some of the most remote locations on earth.
Ready to make your move?
A move to Australia is a life-changing prospect, with a lot to think about. You need to consider living expenses in Australia, education, healthcare, transport, housing and how to find work. Making a decision on where you want to live is a big step towards resolving the rest of those questions, and we hope that our tips for moving to Australia have helped you.
At 1st Move International, we don’t only offer friendly guides. We provide a full furniture shipping service to Australia. Our innovative approach maximises the safety and security of your items, while offering the convenience of a fully insured door-to-door move. When you choose us, you are choosing peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to request a free quote for your removals to Australia today.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and insurance for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international removals UK to Australia service here.
