Australia has become a highly sought-after destination for expats thanks to its high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education systems, and low crime rates. If you’ve got your heart set on moving to the land down under, deciding where exactly to settle down is your next big decision.
At Remitly, we’re all about supporting your global goals, so we’ve prepared this guide on the top cities for expats in Australia. It will compare different key factors like job markets, cost of living, community support, and lifestyle benefits. With all of this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about where to call home.
What makes a city great for expats?
You could move to any city in any foreign country and have an expat experience. But what is it about certain cities that draws expats to them like bees to a flower?
There are a few key factors that matter most to international residents:
- Practical considerations like job opportunities and healthcare access are always important to expats. School systems and educational opportunities are key factors for families with children.
- Lifestyle factors, such as recreational activities, green areas, restaurants, and cultural spaces like libraries and theatres, can contribute to a higher quality of life.
- Community aspects make a big difference: a feeling of cultural acceptance or diversity can help make a new place feel like home. Expat networks or ethnic affinity groups can help support new immigrants.
With these facets in mind, we’ll highlight some of the biggest draws of Australia’s top cities for expats. Will one of these places be the next place you call home?
Sydney: Australia’s global gateway
It’s no surprise that Sydney comes first on our list of expat-friendly cities in Australia. This is Australia’s largest city and an economic hub for all types of industries. If you want to be in the middle of it all, Sydney could be for you.
Job opportunities
A city as big as Sydney is home to a competitive job market. There are job opportunities available across different industries, particularly finance, tech, and tourism.
Because of the large concentration of people in Sydney, there are also many opportunities for anyone working in healthcare or construction. Across the city, there are also plenty of retail and service jobs to be had.
Higher cost of living
Sydney has a higher cost of living than other cities on this list. Depending on your lifestyle, your monthly budget should be around $3,000 to $4,000 AUD. The main costs for most people living in Sydney are housing and food.
Although Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia, salaries in Sydney are also typically higher than in other cities and commensurate with the cost of living. If you are able to afford Sydney, you’ll also gain lifestyle benefits such as a multicultural community, access to great schools, healthcare access, and public transport.
Multicultural community
Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Close to 40% of the population of greater Sydney was born overseas. Suffice to say, you won’t be the only expat in the community!
Although English is the dominant language, you’ll also hear Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, and Greek on the streets of Sydney. You’ll also have plenty of different food options throughout the city.
The community of Sydney is supported by cultural attractions, harbourfront living, and beaches. This is a place where people are always out and about.
If you’re interested in Sydney’s beach culture, consider the Bondi or Manly neighbourhoods. Surry Hill is a popular neighbourhood for young professionals. Mosman and Lane Cove are top picks for families who are prioritizing safety and school options.
Melbourne: the cultural capital
If you’re into arts and culture, Melbourne is the Australian city for you. Dotted with trendy cafes and cozy restaurants, Melbourne boasts an almost European feel that is appealing to expats.
Top industries
Melbourne is home to a vibrant job market and fair pay, which contributes to its reputation for having a good work-life balance. Although there are plenty of jobs across different industries, some of Melbourne’s most in-demand jobs are related to construction, clean energy, and manufacturing.
As a large city, Melbourne hosts many visitors and tourists. This translates to many jobs in retail, tourism, and hospitality.
Expat-friendly
A large portion of Melbourne’s residents were born overseas. This contributes not only to a diverse population, but also to a welcoming environment. Melbourne is a very inclusive city that is friendly towards expats.
Melbourne is also easy to get around, boasting a reliable public transportation system and easily accessible taxis. Most neighbourhoods are very walkable, making Melbourne a great place to explore and live.
Four distinct seasons
When you think of life in Australia, you might not be thinking of cold weather. But if you consider settling in Melbourne, know that you’ll witness four distinct seasons. The cold, rainy months can be a draw for expats who prefer seasonal variety—or it can be a deal-breaker for those looking to escape dreary winters.
Just remember, summer and winter are at opposite ends of the year to those back in Canada, so you can still celebrate Christmas at the beach here.
Brisbane: subtropical comfort
If you’re looking for a more affordable city than Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane could be the answer you’re seeking. Although Brisbane’s popularity has resulted in rising costs, especially in terms of the rental market, it still remains cheaper than other big cities. About $2,000 AUD per month or $500 per week is a decent budget for life in Brisbane.
In terms of weather, Brisbane offers a sort of endless summer. Boasting a humid subtropical climate, Brisbane has hot, wet summers and mild, pleasant winters. This presents many opportunities for outdoor activities and sports in every month of the year.
Growing job opportunities
Brisbane has low unemployment thanks to a thriving job market. The foundational industries in Brisbane’s economy are healthcare, social assistance, science and technical services, and education and training.
If you’re looking to take advantage of the warm climate and work with the land, mining and agriculture present job opportunities in Brisbane. If you prefer sitting in an air-conditioned office, tech is also a growing industry.
Laid-back Aussie vibes
Brisbane has a relatively relaxed pace of life. The vibrant cultural scene is balanced by natural escapes along the river or in parks. There’s a friendly local community in Brisbane that makes it a great place for all expats and anyone settling in with a family.
Perth: western opportunities
Over on Australia’s west coast, Perth presents unique opportunities for expats in mining, energy, and other related industries. Perth is the central hub for Australia’s mining industry. Although the mines themselves may be in other western locations, most of the corporate mining work is done out of Perth.
Lucrative professional opportunities
Compared to other salaries in Western Australia, Perth’s average salaries are quite high. Figures can vary based on occupation and experience, but in general, the average salary in Perth is around $86,000 AUD per year.
An additional perk is that Perth is in the same time zone (GMT+8) as 60% of the world’s population. For those working in international companies who need to stay in contact with China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, being in the same time zone will make things easier.
Isolation as a community driver
Perth is sort of in the middle of nowhere, on the extreme western coast of Australia. It’s as far from the hubbub of the Gold Coast as you can get. While this isolation can create some challenges in terms of national travel, it also curates a close-knit community. The local government supports a range of cultural activities, and a growing food and wine scene in Perth helps curate community, too.
There are also plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, as Perth is close to the ocean and surrounded by green spaces. The city offers a mild Mediterranean climate, calling residents outdoors all year long.
Adelaide: a hidden gem for expats
Adelaide is a lower-cost Australian city that still has a lot to offer expats. Its comfortable climate, relaxed lifestyle, and growing economy contribute to its high livability.
As a medium-sized city, Adelaide is easy to navigate, making it an ideal place for expats who are looking to get involved with the local community. There’s a growing arts and festival scene in Adelaide that presents opportunities to connect with locals. Although the expat community in Adelaide is smaller than in other Australian cities, it’s intimate and supportive.
Reliable industries for jobs
Adelaide’s job market is supported by strong healthcare, public administration, and technical services industries. Growing industries with high demand include data science, AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, manufacturing, and digital health.
Raise a glass to Adelaide
Adelaide is home to world-class wine regions and an exciting food culture. Regardless of what your palate favours, Adelaide has something for everyone. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc grow in the Adelaide Hills. Cabernet and Merlot thrive in Coonawarra.
Practical considerations for your decision
If you’re still not sure which city to call home, here are some key factors to focus on as you make your decision.
Make-or-break factors
Some factors rise to the top as most important. Among these are the cost of living, average salaries, and housing costs.
Explore the job opportunities in potential cities to ensure that you’d be a competitive candidate in the job market. Look for information on LinkedIn and local job boards.
Use sites like realestate.com.au and Domain to explore different housing options in the cities you’re considering. If you’re building a budget, use information about salaries and housing costs to see if a new city would suit your needs and lifestyle.
Healthcare and education
If you’re a temporary visa holder, you’ll have to contract private insurance as part of your visa application process. Explore different healthcare provider options on your insurance portal. This will ensure that you have access to the medical professionals you need in the cities that you’re considering moving to.
Anyone moving to Australia with children or looking to further their own education should also consider the academic opportunities in different cities. Public or government schools in Australia are free for permanent residents, but temporary residents are required to pay tuition fees.
Location, climate, and distance to home
Australia is a large and varied country. Depending on where you live, the climate can be very different. Consider how comfortable you would be in different weather conditions.
You might also consider transportation options when considering what city to choose. Access to international airports could be a worthwhile consideration if you’ll be travelling to your home country regularly.
Making your move: next steps
As you start to compare the best cities for expats in Australia, remember to factor in your own personal priorities, like career, lifestyle, and budget. You can deepen your understanding of different cities to better inform yourself by taking any of the following next steps:
- Research job markets
- Connect with expat communities online
- Take a temporary visit if possible
Whether your plan is to move to Australia for work or for special interests, there are plenty of support services for expats. Regardless of where you choose to settle in Australia, you’ll enjoy high quality of life—and the adventure of a lifetime.
FAQs
Which Australian city is the cheapest for expats?
Hobart, Tasmania, is frequently cited as one of the cheapest cities for expats in Australia. Hobart has the lowest median rental prices of any of Australia’s capital cities.
What’s the best Australian city for English-speaking expats?
Although Australia has no legally recognized official language, English is widely spoken throughout the country and used for all official government functions. Any of the cities on our list would be suitable for English speakers!