Cheapest Places To Live In Australia

Australia is full of rich culture, a strong economy, and beautiful landscapes, making it a popular place for international students and skilled workers. Additionally, the country boasts a world-class education system, attracting students from all over the globe who seek high-quality academic opportunities.

However, without proper guidance, many of these individuals often end up choosing expensive cities, straining their budgets. That’s why it’s crucial to select the right city before moving to Australia, ensuring a balance between affordability and the lifestyle you desire.

In this article, we’ve listed the cheapest places to live in Australia. You’ll find all the essential information on these areas here.

Factors Affecting Cost of Living

Australia’s vast geography means that living costs can vary significantly from one region to another. So, several facts impact the cost of living in Australia. Here are some major ones:

Housing Affordability

Housing costs, including rent and purchase prices, can cost you a lot. But, the further you move from major metropolitan areas, the more affordable housing becomes. Suburbs and regional towns often provide more bang for your buck.

Utility Costs

Electricity, water, and internet expenses can also add up, depending on your location. Regional areas might have lower utility costs due to less demand and government subsidies.

Transportation Expenses

Transportation costs can differ based on whether you rely on public transit or own a car. Cities with well-developed public transport networks can save you money on car ownership. But more remote areas might require a personal vehicle, adding to your overall expenses.

Grocery and Daily Living Expenses

The cost of groceries and everyday necessities also varies depending on where you live. Regional areas might have slightly higher grocery prices due to transportation costs. Local markets and smaller shops, however, can offer fresh, affordable produce.

Healthcare and Education Costs

Australia’s public healthcare is available everywhere, but some regional places might have fewer specialists. Education costs, like school fees or uniforms, are usually cheaper outside of the big cities.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Rent in Australia

Renting is a popular option for many Australians. It’s particularly affordable for those who want flexibility or are not yet ready to commit to home ownership. Recent trends in the rental market show that prices in major cities have surged. But, several regional areas and smaller cities remain highly affordable.

Here is our list of the affordable cities to rent in Australia:

1. Adelaide

Adelaide is one of the cheapest big cities in Australia, making it a great choice for international students. Even though it’s the fifth-largest city in the country, it has a calm and friendly vibe. This “City of Festivals” has so many fun events happening all year round.

The city’s economy is strong, with jobs available in areas like healthcare, education, and retail. There are also many universities and research centres offering plenty of opportunities for students and skilled workers.

Average Rental Price: AUD 2,260 per month.

Key Attractions: Glenelg Beach, Adelaide Hills, Aberfoyle Park, Belair, Banksia Park.

2. Hobart

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and is full of historic charm and natural beauty. It’s one of the most affordable places, especially for nature lovers who prefer a quiet life. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains and rivers.

Hobart is also famous for its fresh seafood and local produce. The city has a small but close-knit community, and it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Jobs are available in tourism, agriculture, the arts, local shops, and businesses.

Average Rental Price: AUD 1,946 per month.

Key Attractions: Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington, historic sites, and natural parks.

3. Darwin

Another budget-friendly place to live in Australia is Darwin. This tropical city in the Northern Territory has a warm climate all year round. It’s also close to some of the country’s most famous natural wonders.

Darwin is a multicultural city, with people from all over the world calling it home. There are job opportunities in different industries, making it a good choice for both students and professionals.

Average Rental Price: AUD 2,400 per month

Key Attractions: Kakadu National Park, Mindil Beach, multicultural festivals.

4. Launceston

Launceston is a small city in Tasmania that is popular for its peaceful environment. It’s also an affordable city in Australia, with an average rental price of AUD 380 per week.

Launceston has a strong sense of community and is a great place for families. Job opportunities are huge. The availability of educational and healthcare centres is also good.

Average Rental Price: AUD 1,800 per month

Key Attractions: Cataract Gorge, Tamar Valley, Local parks.

5. Toowoomba

Toowoomba is another cheapest place to live in Australia. It’s a city in Queensland known for its lovely gardens and friendly atmosphere. It has a good balance of city life and nature. Carnival of Flowers is one of its popular events that attracts visitors from all over the country.

The city has a lot of green spaces, parks, and walking trails. Toowoomba also has a growing economy, with jobs available in education, healthcare, and retail. Plus, it has easy access to big cities like Brisbane.

Average Rental Price: AUD 1,980 per month

Key Attractions: Carnival of Flowers, Queen’s Park.

6. Cairns

Another tropical city in Queensland that’s very affordable is Cairns. It’s well-known for being close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Additionally, there are many jobs in the tourism industry, as well as in healthcare and education.

Cairns has a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle with plenty of natural exploration opportunities. The overall cost of living is lower compared to bigger cities.

Average Rental Price: AUD 1,690 per month

Key Attractions: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Tropical beaches.

7. Bendigo

Located in Victoria, Bendigo is a historic city. It has a gold rush history and beautiful old buildings. It will provide you with a mix of culture, history, and affordability. The city has a strong arts scene, with galleries, museums, and theatres.

Bendigo is also home to many festivals and community events throughout the year. The economy is supported by industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. It’s a good choice for those who want a small-town feel with all the amenities of a city.

Average Rental Price: AUD 1,760 per month

Key Attractions: Bendigo Art Gallery, Goldfields region, historic buildings

8. Ballarat

Ballarat is another historic city in Victoria, famous for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. This city is also an affordable place to live, with a strong sense of community. You’ll get a rich cultural experience with its museums, galleries, and theatres.

Average Rental Price: AUD 1,660 per month

Key Attractions: Sovereign Hill, Lake Wendouree, Victorian architecture

9. Wollongong

If you’re looking for the cheapest places to live in Australia near the beach, Wollongong can be a good one. It’s a coastal city in South Wales and one of the more affordable cities near Sydney.

The city is also home to a major university like the University of Wollongong, making it a popular choice for students. There are job opportunities in different fields. You’ll have a relaxed lifestyle in Wollongong with easy access to the big city.

Average Rental Price: AUD 2,200 per month

Key Attractions: Wollongong Botanic Garden, Beaches, coastal walks

10. Geelong

Geelong is a coastal city in Victoria, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. It’s a popular choice for living in Australia, especially because of its close distance to a major city. Geelong has a stunning waterfront lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. Best of all, the cost of living here is much lower than in Melbourne.

Average Rental Price: AUD 2,000 per month.

Key Attractions: Eastern Beach, Geelong Waterfront, and local museums.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Own a Home in Australia

While renting is a temporary solution, owning a home is a significant milestone. Housing prices in major cities like Melbourne or Sydney have skyrocketed. But there are still plenty of affordable options in other parts of the country. Additionally, for those looking to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia, investing in property in these cities might align well with their long-term goals.

Here is a list of the top 10 affordable cities to own a home in Australia:

1. Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane is a lively place in Queensland with a warm and sunny climate. It’s affordable for buying a home while offering a mix of city excitement and natural beauty. The city has a growing real estate market but still keeps home prices reasonable.

Average Home Price: AUD 590,000

Key Attractions: South Bank Parklands, Brisbane River, Story Bridge.

Quality of Life: One can enjoy a sunny climate, lots of parks, and a lively cultural scene.

2. Perth, Western Australia

Moving on to Western Australia, Perth provides a relaxed lifestyle and beautiful natural surroundings. It has plenty of space, great beaches, and a variety of housing options.

Average Home Price: AUD 465,000

Key Attractions: Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle.

Quality of Life: Offers spacious living, a great outdoor lifestyle, and beautiful beaches.

3. Broken Hill, New South Wales

With a strong mining history, Broken Hill is a unique city that offers very affordable housing. It’s known for its outback setting and artistic vibe.

Average Home Price: AUD 290,000

Key Attractions: Silverton Ghost Town and local art galleries.

Quality of Life: Offers a distinctive outback experience with affordable living and a strong local community.

4. Whyalla, South Australia

A small city with very affordable housing, Whyalla is popular for its friendly community. This city has two stunning beaches.

Average Home Price: AUD 305,000

Key Attractions: Whyalla Maritime Museum and local beaches.

Quality of Life: Features a close-knit community and coastal living.

5. Kalgoorlie, Western Australia

Kalgoorlie is also a mining town and one of the cheapest places to live in Western Australia. It has a rich history and provides affordable real estate.

Average Home Price: AUD 320,000

Key Attractions: Super Pit Gold Mine, local museums

Quality of Life: Provides an affordable lifestyle with a rich history and strong community ties.

6. Shepparton, Victoria

A very welcoming city, Shepparton is also a popular choice for its affordable home prices. Plus, there are lots of local produce and outdoor activities.

Average Home Price: AUD 330,000

Key Attractions: Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton Art Museum.

Quality of Life: Features a friendly community, good schools, and a peaceful environment with lots of local produce and outdoor activities.

7. Mildura, Victoria

Mildura, another city in Victoria, is a pleasant place with affordable housing and a sunny climate. It’s known for its agriculture and relaxed lifestyle.

Average Home Price: AUD 350,000

Key Attractions: Murray River, Mildura Arts Centre

Quality of Life: Offers a warm climate, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere.

8. Rockhampton, Queensland

Another affordable place in Queensland is Rockhampton. It’s known for its historic buildings and lovely parks. The city has a low cost of living but offers a great balance of city and country life.

Average Home Price: AUD 375,000

Key Attractions: Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

Quality of Life: Enjoys a laid-back atmosphere, warm climate, and beautiful natural spots.

9. Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

Located in New South Wales, Wagga Wagga is another city with a low cost of housing. It’s known for its parks, gardens, and friendly community.

Average Home Price: AUD 400,000

Key Attractions: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, local festivals

Quality of Life: Enjoys a mix of city conveniences and country charm with plenty of green spaces.

10. Goulburn, New South Wales

Goulburn is a historic city with many affordable homes and a welcoming community. Known for its charming architecture, Goulburn offers a peaceful lifestyle with good amenities.

Average Home Price: AUD 420,000

Key Attractions: Goulburn Historic Waterworks, Belmore Park

Quality of Life: Features historic charm, a friendly community, and a relaxed pace of life.

Comparison Of Rental and Home Prices in Australia

Here’s a comparison of the top 10 cities for renting versus owning a home in Australia. This table highlights the affordable cities comparison for rental and home prices.

Benefits of Living in Affordable Cities

Choosing to live in one of Australia’s cheaper cities can offer a lot more than just saving money. Here’s why moving to a more affordable place might be a great idea:

Save More Money

When you live in a city where costs are lower, you pay less for rent or your mortgage. This means you can save more money or use it for other things like education, travelling, or starting a new hobby or business. It gives you more freedom with your finances.

Better Quality of Life

Affordable cities often have less stress. With lower costs, you might have shorter commutes, less traffic, and more free time. You can enjoy local parks and community events or just have time to relax and do what you love. A lower cost of living can make everyday life more enjoyable.

Access to Important Services

Even in cheaper cities, you can still find good healthcare, schools, and public transport. So, you don’t have to give up on important services just because you’re living in a more affordable area.

Easier to Buy a Home

With lower property prices, buying a home becomes a realistic goal sooner. This means you can build your own place and start building equity over time, leading to better financial security.

Tips for Moving to a New City

Moving to a new city, especially one that’s more affordable, can be exciting. But challenges are there as well. Here are some tips to take on:

Research the City

Before making a move, research the city thoroughly. Understand its culture, climate, job market, and the availability of amenities. Check out local news sources and visit community forums.

Plan Your Budget

Relocating involves several costs, from moving services to setting up utilities in your new home. So, better you create a budget list first that includes these expenses so that you’ll have some flexibility as unexpected costs can arise.

Find Housing

Start your housing search early. Whether you’re renting or buying, take the time to explore different neighbourhoods, understand the local real estate market, and make sure the property suits your needs and lifestyle.

Understand Transportation Options

Check out the city’s public transportation network, or plan your commute if you’ll be driving. Understanding how you’ll get around in your new city is crucial for daily living and budgeting.

Explore Local Amenities and Services

Once you’ve moved, explore your surroundings and get to know more about the city. Find out where the nearest grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools, and recreational areas are.

Conclusion

Living in one of the cheapest places to live in Australia doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort. Whether you’re renting or buying, many affordable cities offer great living conditions. Australia’s budget-friendly cities have a lot to offer, from the historic charm to the sunny beaches.