Top 10 Budget Friendly Suburbs for Expats Across Australian Cities

Looking to call Australia home without breaking the bank? Choosing the right suburb to live in is like finding the perfect flat white – it’s all about balance. You want somewhere that’s affordable, but also allows you to enjoy those aspects of Australian life most suited to your wants and wishes. Maybe it’s surf and sand, perhaps it’s cosmopolitan living, or simply a warm family-friendly environment. 

With living costs skyrocketing faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline, expats just like you are hunting for suburbs that offer more bang for their buck. Places that blend wallet-friendly living with great amenities, access to transport, and that quintessential laid-back Aussie lifestyle.

Here you will find a list of the most affordable suburbs across Australia’s major cities. Each one has been carefully selected for its sweet spot; it’s affordable, accessible but doesn’t compromise on the essential elements that make a place feel like home.

Affordability Matters to Expats in Australia

While Australian migration levels have slowed over the past few years (partly due to visa changes to address skills shortages and enhance immigration integrity), government budget papers still forecast a 260,000 net overseas migration figure across the 2024-2025 financial year. That’s quite a few expats looking for an affordable Aussie suburb to call home!

If you’re one of these thousands, the first question you likely need to answer is which city best suits your needs and wants. Once you’ve narrowed that down (or perhaps your work or educational institution decides for you), it’s time to get to the nitty gritty of which suburbs are the most affordable. 

Now affordability is a pretty nuanced topic; it’s a tightrope walk between economics and liveability. For example, are you willing to do a 45 minute commute from the city, or sacrifice a vibrant social scene, for cheaper rent? Is rent price more important to you, or the suburb’s family friendliness?

Given these complexities, we’ve had to make some calls in how we determine the two top most affordable suburbs in each city. We’ve drawn them from the REA Group’s ‘Hot 100 for 2025’; a company comprising some of Australia’s biggest real estate chains, buyer’s agents and property economists). They’re all less than 20kms from their parent city, and in very close proximity to amenities like public transport, schools, shops and green spaces. It’s important to note some of the choices we’ve made prioritise liveability over the cheapest rent. 

The Top 10 Most Affordable Suburbs in Australia By City

Coburg, Melbourne

  • Weekly rent: House $695 / Unit $500
  • Distance to CBD: 8kms

Inner-north Coburg is probably a great representation of Melbourne’s personality, offering a fusion of local and multicultural character, strong community, hipster leanings and a well-connected layout.

Only 8kms from the city, you can easily enjoy a blend of cosmopolitan and urban lifestyle, and take advantage of a plethora of restaurants, pubs and other entertainment options, as well as extensive local shops (two notables are Sydney Road and the Coburg Farmers’ Market) all an easy commute away.

On that note, there is fantastic public transport with two stations, bus and tram routes, plus there are a number of local schools to consider. Enjoy a wide variety of parklands, with the Merri Creek trails a standout.  Another interesting Coburg feature is the wide variety of housing options, with quite a bit more stock on the lower end than some of its nearby suburban counterparts. 

Blackburn, Melbourne

  • Weekly rent: House $650 / Unit $620
  • Distance to CBD: 16kms

Blackburn sits in a quiet pocket to the east of the city, and is often described as extremely ‘family-friendly’ due to its unique combination of urban convenience, strong sense of community and natural beauty

Public transport options abound with two train stations on the Belgrave/Lilydale line, as well as numerous bus routes that also connect to other parts of the city. Schools and shopping options feature prominently. There’s a good sprinkling of early childhood, primary and secondary schools, while shopping choices include Blackburn Station Village, North Blackburn Square Shopping Centre, and a short drive/commute to the popular Box Hill precinct. 

Enjoy a pick of green spaces with the 26 hectare Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, Blacks Walk, Kalang Park, and Furness Park, all offering wetlands, walking trails and picnic facilities. 

Enmore, Sydney 

  • Weekly rent: House $950 / Unit $530
  • Distance to CBD: 7kms

A mere 7kms from the Sydney CBD, Enmore has been a bit of a ‘sleeper’ suburb, slowly drawing attention away from its bigger neighbours like Stanmore. For expats, it offers a great sense of community and excellent amenities, plus a definite artistic vibe thanks to the local and iconic Enmore Theatre.

If you make Enmore your home, you’ll enjoy an abundance of bus routes, some that connect to the nearby Newtown train station and beyond. There’s a number of local schools and high ed options, including the popular Newtown High School of Performing Arts and the Sydney Institute’s Design Campus.

Enmore Park is the most notable green space, with shopping options including the substantial Marrickville Metro. If you like dining out, Enmore Road and nearby King Street in Newtown have an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and bars, with food to suit just about every taste. 

Matraville, Sydney 

  • Weekly rent: House $1200 / Unit $735 (Domain)
  • Distance to CBD: 13kms

If you’re seeking a taste of the surf, sand and sun lifestyle, Matraville may be a good choice. Situated around 13kms southeast of Sydney’s CBD, a mere five minute drive puts you at the beach, an ideal spot to unwind come work knock-off time. The area boasts a host of public transport, including easy connections to major roadways. Education is well-supported, with several primary schools and childcare facilities, as well as secondary schools in neighbouring suburbs.

There’s a number of local parks, including Matraville Park and the absolutely stunning Botany Bay National Park. As for those beaches, take your pick from Malabar/Long Bay, South Maroubra, Maroubra, Coogee, Bronte and Tamarama. The iconic Bondi beach is just shy of a 30 minute drive away.

Shopping needs are met by local retail options, including Matraville Village and nearby Eastgardens Shopping Centre. As for housing, it’s definitely in the higher affordability bracket but this is Sydney after all; one of the most expensive cities to live in the world. Given this, there’s a good mix of older homes and modern properties to pick from.

Cooparoo, Brisbane

  • Weekly rent: House $750 / Unit $550
  • Distance to CBD: 4kms

Located just 4kms from the centre of Brisbane, Cooparoo is known for its diverse housing, excellent amenities and café culture.

Public transport is exceptional, with a train station, multiple bus routes and road connectivity, plus the Brisbane Metro’s future expansion plans include potential routes through the suburb. Education is a standout feature, with multiple high-quality schools in both the private and public sphere. Shopping and dining centre around Coorparoo Square and Martha Street with a variety of restaurants, cafes and entertainment options. 

There are a number of parks, in addition to sporting facilities, playgrounds, and walking trails, with beautiful leafy streets offering respite during the warmer weather. Housing-wise, there’s a really good mix of apartments and heritage-style homes, making the area popular with professionals, families and retirees.

Fairfield, Brisbane

  • Weekly rent: House $833 / Unit $520
  • Distance to CBD: 7kms

Clayfield is a premium residential suburb situated a mere 7kms north-east of Brisbane’s CBD. Even though it’s deemed as a fairly affluent suburb, the rental prices remain reasonable when you compare it to Sydney!

Public transport is excellent, with two rail stations and multiple bus routes, plus great road connectivity. The area is renowned for its educational institutions, including quite a few private options, alongside heaps of shopping and dining choices (Sandgate Road and at Nundah Village and Toombul Shopping Centre). 

One of the real standouts of Clayfield is the wide and leafy streetscape and tropical climate, a real boon if you’re the outdoorsy type. Similarly, you’ll find plenty of wonderful outdoor green spaces both locally and a little further afield, for example, the expansive Botanic Gardens and Mount Coot-Tha National Forest are just 20 minutes’ drive away. 

East Victoria Park, Perth

  • Weekly rent: House $675 / Unit $580
  • Distance to CBD: 6kms

Hop in your car and your daily commute from East Victoria Park to Perth CBD is as little as 15 minutes. That’s just one of the perks of choosing East Vic Park as your home. It’s a pretty lively suburb known for its strong community vibe and accessibility, with numerous public transport options (both trains and buses) and road connectivity. 

There’s solid education choices across all spheres, from public to private and primary to secondary. You shop and eat up a storm at any number of spots along the Albany Highway, complemented by some lovely local markets on rotation. An outdoor lifestyle is a must given Perth’s stunning climate, and Vic Park provides with plenty of parks, well-established walking paths and playgrounds. 

Bassendean, Perth

  • Weekly rent: House $675 / Unit $530
  • Distance to CBD: 10kms

Bassendean offers an affordable, community-focused lifestyle and is just a short commute from Perth at just 10kms away. This makes it highly attractive to families and young professionals alike. With recent road infrastructure upgrades and solid public transport options (train, rail and bus), accessibility is through the roof.

There are a number of schools at all levels, as well as some great local dining and shopping picks including Bassendean Shopping Centre and Bassendean Square. The suburb features seven kilometres of stunning Swan River frontage with plenty of trees and outdoor community spaces. In addition, the suburb has an active arts scene with a number of galleries and regular cultural events.

Underale, Adelaide

  • Weekly rent: House $633 / Unit $440
  • Distance to CBD: 5kms

If you venture out just 5kms west of Adelaide, you’ll come upon the suburban gem of Underdale.

Accessible transport includes public bus routes and close proximity to major roads. There’s a fair few schools within the suburb and also some just a little way out. Education options include nearby schools in surrounding suburbs, with Underdale High School historically serving the local community. The area attracts a mix of young professionals and families.

Green spaces are limited but the River Torrens and vast Adelaide parklands are around 10 minutes’ drive.  Local shopping can be found in nearby suburbs like Hindmarsh and Mile End, but if you want something bigger, the central Rundle Mall is about 15 minutes away.

Largs North, Adelaide

  • Weekly rent: House $585 / Unit $450
  • Distance to CBD: 15kms

One of the real estate experts in the REA report aptly sums up Largs North when they describe it as “the best of both worlds: affordable living near the coast with easy access to the city and major amenities.” 

Situated on the Lefevre Peninsula, Largs North has direct public transport and road connections, making it an easy and pleasant office commute. There is a good smattering of schools at all levels, as well as plenty of shops around Port Adelaide and neighbouring suburbs.The suburb really excels when it comes to an outdoor lifestyle with Largs Beach, Semaphore Beach and park less than 10 minutes’ drive away, along with some stunning esplanade walks. 

There’s also plenty of affordable housing options, including a mix of older and newer style homes.

Take Your Pick

That covers just 10 of the most affordable suburbs across Australia factoring in proximity to their respective capital cities. It’s a good move to review the full Hot 100 Suburbs list as it contains a goldmine of further areas you can consider based on your unique needs and lifestyle.

Aside from working out where to live, another really important factor in expat life is your finances.  Recent research by a leading Australian bank found expats relocating to Australia face significant financial challenges, from outlays associated with setting up a new home to adapting to unfamiliar living costs. Almost half of these expats said they expected to have a cashflow crisis upon arrival, with the same amount saying they had no idea how to manage their finances between locations. 

This is a headache Remitly can help ease.  We specialise in international money transfers, ensuring you can conveniently send and receive money across borders at competitive rates to alleviate any immediate cash flow issues you face upon arrival. Find out more here.

About Renée Lunder

Renée Lunder is an Aussie freelance journalist and copywriter who covers jobs, immigration, and other topics for Remitly. With over a decade of experience across diverse industries, her natural curiosity and love of the written word fuels her literary creations, helping her bring complex stories to life with clarity, creativity and a journalist's keen eye.