Why Move to Adelaide?
Adelaide boasts more affordable housing options for both buyers and renters than in other major cities. The cost of living is also generally lower and combined with its climate and lifestyle, we can see why thousands flock there each year.
Best Places to Live in Adelaide
Adelaide CBD (central business district) is an ideal location for those who want to be amongst the hustle of city living. Close to shops, public transport and nightlife, the CBD is however limited on green space. The Inner Suburbs such as North Adelaide, Norwood and Unley offer a combination of cafes, schools and parks so suitable for families. To find out more, read our
Moving to Australia guide.
Cost of Living in Adelaide
In 2024, the cost of living is 28.5% lower in Adelaide than in the UK (London). Grocery prices are higher in Adelaide than the UK and the average salary is lower too at $5,115.52 (£2,657.46). However, the overall cost of living and way of life tends to outweigh this for many British expats.
Below we compare the cost of living in Adelaide with the UK by looking at London prices.
Cost of Living Comparison: Adelaide vs. London
Item |
Adelaide |
UK (London) |
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,118.62 (£1,100.60)
|
£2,170.83
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$9,967 (£5,177.75)
|
£13,403.96 |
Monthly salary after tax |
$5,115.52 (£2,657.46)
|
£3,732 |
3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant |
$180 (£93.51)
|
£80 |
1 litre of milk |
$2.13 (£1.11)
|
£1.33 |
1kg chicken fillets |
$13.72 (£7.13)
|
£7.41 |
Monthly travel pass |
$115 (£59.74)
|
£200 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment |
$445.06 (£231.20)
|
£281.33 |
Monthly gym membership |
$58.13 (£30.21)
|
£45.33 |
Monthly private preschool |
$1,990.72 (£1,034.15)
|
£1,815.85 |
Data taken from Numbeo.
Property Prices & Rent in Adelaide
Buying and renting in Adelaide is significantly more affordable than the UK, with rental prices coming in at 53.8% cheaper . In 2024, it will cost 61.4% less to buy an apartment in the city centre of Adelaide than in London . Rental prices are higher in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, but it’ll be cheaper to buy property in Perth than in Adelaide.
Property Prices & Rent in Adelaide vs. London
Item |
Adelaide |
UK (London) |
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,118.62 (£1,100.60)
|
£2,170.83 |
Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
$1,605.64 (£834.11)
|
£1,630.26
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$9,967 (£5,177.75)
|
£13,403.96
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre |
$6,098 (£3,167.84)
|
£7,956.99
|
Data taken from Numbeo.
Education in Adelaide
Compulsory school age in Adelaide starts at 6 and ends at 17. As there is a shared language, it’s much easier for children of British expats to settle into a new school. The state schools in Adelaide follow the Australian Curriculum and study similar subjects to UK schools. The teaching of Humanities and Social Sciences in both primary and secondary school is the biggest difference. There is an importance placed on children learning about civics, citizenship, economics and business from primary school age.
Job Market in Adelaide
The healthcare and social assistance sector is the biggest employer in Adelaide, offering numerous roles in hospitals and care homes. Education forms a significant part of the Adelaide job market too, with universities such as the University of South Australia and Flinders University being top employers. Retail, Manufacturing, Defense and Aerospace are other popular industries.