Why Move to Hobart?
Hobart’s cost of living is much cheaper than other major Australian cities, maintaining a high quality of life. The top industries in Hobart include tourism, brewing, shipbuilding and more recently wineries. Placing importance on local produce, it has an excellent food and wine scene. Although Hobart doesn’t have a large British expat community, it’s a welcoming location that offers a small-town feel with all the amenities of a big city.
Best Places to Live in Hobart
West Hobart is an ideal location for families, offering a community feel, great schools and lots of green space. Try North Hobart if you’re looking for a lively area with an abundance of trendy restaurants, bars and cafes. For those wanting to be around nature, the Mount Nelson area offers excellent views as well as being close to the city. To find out more, read our Moving to Australia guide.
Cost of Living in Hobart
The cost of living in Hobart is more affordable than the UK (London) by 28%. The average salary is $5,314.48 (£2.753.63), which is 26% less than London, but the overall cost of living and work-life balance outweighs this for many Brits. Hobart is cheaper than Melbourne and Sydney, but more expensive than Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
Below we compare the cost of living in Hobart with the UK by looking at London prices.
Cost of Living Comparison: Hobart vs. London
| Item |
Hobart |
UK (London) |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,466.67 (£1,278.07)
|
£2,170.83
|
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$10,342 (£5,358.58)
|
£13,403.96 |
| Monthly salary after tax |
$5,314.48 (£2,753.63)
|
£3,732 |
| 3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant |
$130 (£67.36)
|
£80 |
| 1 litre of milk |
$2.83 (£1.47)
|
£1.33 |
| 1kg chicken fillets |
$13.25 (£6.87)
|
£7.41 |
| Monthly travel pass |
$105 (£54.40)
|
£200 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment |
$422.22 (£218.77)
|
£281.33 |
| Monthly gym membership |
$66.25 (£34.33)
|
£45.33 |
| Monthly private preschool |
$2,600 (£1,347.16)
|
£1,815.85 |
Data taken from Numbeo.
Property Prices & Rent in Hobart
Property prices have decreased slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, which is good news for buyers. Rental prices are currently 54.5% cheaper in Hobart than in the UK and have seen a small rise due to demand. It’ll cost you 60% less to buy property in Hobart than in the UK too.
Below is a comparison of rental and buying prices in Hobart compared to London.
Property Prices & Rent in Hobart vs. London
| Item |
Hobart |
UK (London) |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,466.67 (£1,278.07)
|
£2,170.83 |
| Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
$1,766.6 (£915.03)
|
£1,630.26
|
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$10,342 (£5,358.58)
|
£13,403.96
|
| Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre |
$8,000 (£4,145.10)
|
£7,956.99
|
Data taken from Numbeo.
Education in Hobart
Unlike other Australian states, there is a 3-tiered education system in Hobart, Tasmania. In addition to primary and secondary school, students in Hobart must attend college in Years 11 and 12, with compulsory school ages being 5-18. Notable schools in Hobart include Hobart College, Taroona High School, Mount Nelson Primary School and the University of Tasmania.
Job Market in Hobart
Key sectors in Hobart include healthcare, retail, hospitality and technology. Hobart’s job market offers competitive salaries, with a range of roles on offer. There are also many job opportunities available in the Tasmanian Government, including with the local council. Overall, Hobart’s job market is diverse and experiencing economic growth.
