Australia is an incredible country bursting with character – no wonder it’s such a popular country among expats worldwide.
Of course, every expat is different, but Oz has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure or affordability, a peaceful place to retire or an exciting career, here are the five best places to live in Australia.
1. Melbourne – best for culture
Melbourne scooped the award for ‘Most Liveable City in the World’ seven times running from 2011 to 2017, and came an impressive third on the list (below Vienna and Copenhagen) in 2023.
The city is known as the country’s cultural capital (although some Sydneysiders might disagree). It’s a multicultural melting pot, with a colourful expat community, a vibrant creative scene, and a global sporting reputation.
Music, theatre, comedy, art, food, film and sports – Melbourne has everything. Visit the eccentric coffee houses, browse the galleries and museums, and celebrate the city’s many world-renowned festivals.
If you want culture, creativity and entertainment, Melbourne is the city for you.
2. Sydney – best for careers
Sydney, Australia’s most populous city, comes top of the list for those seeking exciting job opportunities.
It has the largest economy in Australia, thanks largely to its status as a leading financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s home to both the Australian stock exchange and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
The city also has huge tourism and retail industries, along with trading, manufacturing, education and distribution, so there are career opportunities for a wide range of professions.
The trade-off is that this comes with a higher cost of living, but don’t let this deter you – Sydney’s a wonderful place to live. It came a close fourth behind Melbourne in the ‘Most Liveable City in the World’ 2023.
3. Adelaide – best for retirees
The most affordable among Australia’s major cities, Adelaide is perfect for retirees. Work opportunities for expats are slim here, and the suburban areas have a small-town feel away from the bustle of the city.
While the pace of life is a little slower in Adelaide, there’s still plenty to do. There’s a wealth of excellent eateries, along with a lively theatre and music scene.
You can also enjoy the outdoors exploring the region’s diverse landscape. The city stretches from the Mount Lofty Ranges to the St Vincent Gulf coast, so you can lounge on the beaches or hike through the forested foothills.
4. The Blue Mountains – best for adventure
For thrill-seekers, the Blue Mountains takes the top spot. This sandstone plateau undulates with peaks and valleys, with eucalyptus forests stretching to the blue-hazed horizon.
Go canyoning down creeks and waterfalls, rock climb at one of the many crags, or explore the cave systems, from the prehistoric Jenolan Caves to the glow worm-studded caverns of Cataract Falls.
If cycling’s more your thing, there are plenty of trails to try, ranging from leisurely jaunts to more challenging terrain. There are also bushwalks and hikes for all abilities, as well as rivers and lakes to canoe and kayak.
When looking at where to live in the Blue Mountains, there are a scattering of towns to choose from. House prices here are more affordable than in the big cities, although work opportunities may be slimmer.
5. Hobart – best for affordability
The capital city of island state Tasmania, Hobart is something of a hidden gem. House prices here are around 25% lower than the Australian average, and some properties can be up to 60% cheaper than in Melbourne or Sydney.
Along with more affordable housing, the city has a lower general cost of living, although rents can be disproportionately high. Therefore, if you’re looking to rent a home then you may want to consider the outskirts.
Tasmania itself is a spectacular island, known to be clean, quiet and safe. Rest assured, there’s plenty of culture and creativity to keep you entertained, along with rugged landscapes and natural wonders to discover.
Other great places to live in Australia
Some locations didn’t quite make the list but still deserve a mention. Over in Western Australia, Perth is an affordable, open city with a massive expat community. Head south 400km and you’ll find the port of Albany nestled along a coastline of granite cliffs and sandy coves.
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal locations. However, the Gold Coast boasts some of the country’s finest shoreline.
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