Whether you’re already a national or you’re thinking of moving to Australia, this is a big country and deciding where to start your new life can be tricky.
There are lots of things you need to take into consideration before settling on your new home, money being one of the biggest aspects you need to think about.
The last few years have had a huge impact on the economy and the average cost of living, and with prices spiralling across the globe, it stands to reason that you want to find the most budget-friendly place to live.
And the great news is, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty, careers or lifestyle to find an affordable home because Australia has so many amazing cities you can live in.
To help you out, we’ve used data and comparison tools from Budget Direct to look at average living costs across Australia. Using this data, we’ve put together a list of the most affordable cities in Australia to guide your next move.
Newcastle
- Average salary – $5,636 a month
- Average rent (for a one-bedroom apartment) – $1,517 a month
- Average cost of utilities – $178 a month
- Average disposable income after bills – $3,764 a month
Newcastle was once viewed as a gritty mining port, located several hours away from Australia’s most desirable (and expensive) cities. However, it has undergone a major resurgence over the last 10 years or so, and lots of individuals have decided to trade in cities like Sydney for its up and coming neighbour.
Coal has been switched for coffee as Newcastle’s biggest industry which has led to a very vibrant and fun cultural scene emerging. The nightlife has become more energetic, there are lots of wonderful restaurants and places to go out, and it is home to some of Australia’s top beaches.
That, and the fact it is the most affordable Australian city right now, means it has found its way to the top of our list.
Perth
- Average salary – $5,417 a month
- Average rent (for a one-bedroom apartment) – $1,626 a month
- Average cost of utilities – $195 a month
- Average disposable income after bills – $3,457 a month
Located in Western Australia is Perth, a popular city full of sprawling suburbs and beautiful sandy beaches. The only slight downside to the city is that the remote location means it is quite isolated from other parts of the country, and you’d have to fly if you wanted to visit other cities.
However, the cost of living is relatively low, and as a major hub for arts, culture and music, the city more than makes up for this distance.
Some of Perth’s other huge selling points include the friendly locals and plenty of opportunities for work. The education system there is great, with lots of good schools, making it the ideal place to raise a family. Oh, and did we mention it is home to some of the country’s best wine regions? What other reason do you need to make the move!
Canberra
- Average salary – $5,481 a month
- Average rent (for a one-bedroom apartment) – $1,936 a month
- Average cost of utilities – $212 a month
- Average disposable income after bills – $3,273 a month
Less well-known than Sydney or Melbourne, Canberra is one of Australia’s most affordable top cities. It is also deemed to be one of the most educated cities in the country as well, thanks to the abundance of schools, colleges and universities there.
It is the political centre of the nation, and there you’ll find important institutions such as Parliament House and the High Court. This has made it a very diverse and multicultural hub, boasting exciting nightlife and a vibrant restaurant scene. More than this, Canberra offers lots of job opportunities, easy commutes, a good healthcare system, and it is one of Australia’s safest cities overall.
Hobart
- Average salary – $4,761 a month
- Average rent (for a one-bedroom apartment) – $1,556 a month
- Average cost of utilities – $306 a month
- Average disposable income after bills – $2,821 a month
If you want to live away from the mainland but still within a wonderful city, Hobart could be the place for you.
Located in Tasmania, the city has a very unique and interesting art and cultural scene. Plus, Tasmania and subsequently Hobart is a startlingly beautiful region and one which is restful, relaxed and perfect if you want to live the city life with less noise and crowding.
This is another of Australia’s safest cities and can be a great place to raise a family. It is fast becoming a hub for practical vocational education, ideal if you want to learn a new trade or boost your current skills and move your career forward.
As well as offering affordable living, the city is bursting with contemporary galleries and boasts plenty of unique food and drink experiences, which only enhances its appeal as a new home.
Adelaide
- Average salary – $5,023 a month
- Average rent (for a one-bedroom apartment) – $1,604 a month
- Average cost of utilities – $287 a month
- Average disposable income after bills – $3,026 a month
Last but certainly not least, we have Adelaide. Located in Southern Australia, this city offers the best of everything. From a diverse community and bustling bar scene to beautiful rural landscapes and historic cityscapes, there is something for everyone.
The city has been deemed ‘festival central’, but that doesn’t mean it’s always party all the time. Adelaide also has a very relaxed and calming presence, so you get all the benefits of a thriving city whilst also being refreshing laid-back and quiet at times.
There are plenty of exciting opportunities for internships and employment in the city, and it is home to some of Australia’s top educational institutions. Public transport around the city is accessible and convenient, making it easy to get about and commute to and from work.
Plus, the city is full of cultural activities that you can enjoy in your downtime, so this really is the place to live if you want to achieve the perfect balance.
