Are you thinking of moving to Australia? If so, you’ve probably heard some rumors about just how expensive it is to live there. The bad news is that these rumors aren’t just nonsense. According to Numbeo, Australia is the 12th most expensive nation on Earth. It’s more expensive than other nations like Sweden and Austria, but that doesn’t mean your wallet has to suffer.
There are so many benefits to moving to Australia that many travelers and expats are heading there anyway. Luckily, not all cities are as expensive as the rumors lead you to believe. In this guide, we’ll share the 5 most affordable Australian cities to move to so you can start packing your bags with confidence.
1. Adelaide
The first city on our list is Adelaide. With a median house price under $465,000, it’s already strides ahead of Sydney where there are no homes in the suburbs for under that price.
There’s also so much to love about Adelaide that you’ll be glad you made the move. With world-class wineries and a stunning city centre, you won’t feel like you’re missing anything from the bigger cities.
2. Newcastle
While Newcastle might not have been anyone’s top pick a few decades ago, it’s undergone a recent resurgence in the past ten years. Now, there’s so much to do here. With a vibrant cultural scene, hip nightlife, and some of the best beaches, you can’t skip on Newcastle.
Better yet, Newcastle is a much more affordable alternative compared to other large cities. It’s 20% cheaper than Sydney, making it an easy option.
3. Wollongong
If you’re hoping to escape the big city life in favor of a slower beach town, look no further than Wollongong. Similar to Newcastle, this city has undergone a lot of changes recently. It used to be an old mining town, but now it’s much more than that.
With lots of rugged coastline and a charming downtown, it’s easy to see why so many city slickers are heading south for this seaside paradise. Plus, your wallet will thank you.
4. Brisbane
Another affordable spot that might surprise you is Brisbane. While Brisbane is undoubtedly one of the more expensive places in Australia, it still have a lot of affordable housing along with career opportunities.
With some of the best dining, shopping, and sights in all of Australia, you can have the best of both worlds in Brisbane. Check here for more financial advice for moving from Sydney to Brisbane.
5. Gold Coast
Finally, in the sunny South East Queensland, the Gold Coast’s 66km of coastline is a great place to call home. Deemed to be 20% more affordable than Sydney, you can still enjoy the best attractions, nightlife, and beaches without worrying about breaking the bank.
This part of Australia is known for it’s exciting surf culture and laid-back lifestyle. If you’re looking to chill out and kick back in your day-to-day life, it’s time to call the Gold Coast home.
Make the Move
Are you ready to make the move to Australia? Don’t let the news about rising costs scare you from this gorgeous place. If you choose one of these locations above, you won’t have to worry about the costs being too extravagant.
It’s amazing how you don’t have to compromise when it comes to Australian cities. You don’t have to choose between big city living and living affordably. Are you ready to take the plunge?
