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Australia continues to rank among the top countries globally for quality of life, healthcare, education, and economic stability. If you are researching the best places to live in Australia, whether as a migrant, expat, student, or family, this comprehensive 2026 guide compares 20 cities using updated housing data, rental trends, salary benchmarks, and employment statistics. If you are exploring the best places to move to in Australia, wondering whether Australia is a good place to live, or searching for the best city to live in Australia, this guide provides practical insights.
Note: Updated for 2026, data in this guide is based on the latest updates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), CoreLogic Housing Market Reports 2025–2026, Domain Property Reports, SQM Research, and Jobs and Skills Australia.
Sydney remains one of the best places to live in Australia for career-driven professionals and high-income earners. As the country’s largest city and economic powerhouse, it offers unmatched job opportunities, global connectivity, and lifestyle appeal.
According to CoreLogic’s 2026 Housing Market Report and ABS earnings data, Sydney continues to lead the country in both property values and average salaries.
Largest job market in Australia
Strong finance, IT, healthcare, and legal sectors
Headquarters of multinational companies
Excellent public transport and infrastructure
High-quality healthcare and education system
Beautiful coastal lifestyle with iconic beaches
Sydney offers the highest earning potential in Australia, which helps offset its higher cost of living.
Sydney is ideal for:
High-income professionals
Skilled migrants in finance and tech
International expats
Entrepreneurs
If your goal is rapid career growth and global exposure, Sydney remains one of the best places to move to in Australia in 2026.
Melbourne is widely regarded as the best place in Australia to live for families, thanks to its strong education system, healthcare infrastructure, and balanced lifestyle. As Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne offers diverse employment opportunities while maintaining a strong community atmosphere.
It consistently ranks high for livability due to its public transport network, cultural scene, and richest suburbs of Melbourne.
Excellent public and private schools
World-class universities and research institutions
Strong healthcare system with major hospitals
Diverse job market (finance, healthcare, education, tech)
Well-developed tram, train, and bus networks
Multicultural and inclusive communities
Melbourne combines economic opportunity with lifestyle quality, making it one of the top places to live in Australia for long-term settlement.
Melbourne is known for:
Vibrant arts, music, and food culture
Sporting events and festivals year-round
Family-friendly suburbs like Hawthorn, Glen Waverley, and Essendon
Parks, gardens, and community spaces
It offers both urban energy and suburban comfort — a major reason why many consider it the best city to live in Australia for families.
Melbourne is ideal for:
Families seeking high-quality schooling
Students and international graduates
Healthcare and education professionals
Long-term migrants
If you’re looking for a balanced lifestyle with strong infrastructure and career options, Melbourne remains one of the best places to move to in Australia in 2026.
Brisbane has become one of the fastest-growing places to live in Australia, attracting interstate migrants, skilled workers, and families seeking a better work-life balance. With strong population growth and expanding infrastructure, Brisbane is now firmly positioned among the best places to live in Australia in 2026.
Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane offers more affordable housing while still providing solid career opportunities and urban convenience.
Lower housing costs compared to major capitals
Strong population and economic growth
Expanding infrastructure and transport projects
Warm, subtropical climate year-round
Growing industries in healthcare, technology, construction, and education
Relaxed lifestyle with riverfront and outdoor culture
Brisbane’s balance of affordability and opportunity makes it one of the most attractive best places to move to in Australia for migrants and young professionals.
Brisbane offers:
Modern apartment living near the CBD
Spacious suburban homes for families
Outdoor activities along the Brisbane River
Short drives to Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches
Less traffic congestion than Sydney and Melbourne
Its warmer climate and slower pace make it one of the most comfortable places to live in Australia for those prioritizing lifestyle.
Brisbane is ideal for:
Families seeking affordability
Skilled migrants in healthcare and tech
Young professionals
Lifestyle-focused residents
If you're looking for one of the best cities to live in Australia that combines career opportunity with relaxed living, Brisbane is a top contender in 2026.
Perth is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in Australia for those who value a relaxed coastal lifestyle combined with strong earning potential. Located on the west coast, Perth offers beautiful beaches, spacious suburbs, and a thriving resource-based economy.
With steady property growth and lower congestion compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Perth has become one of the most attractive places to live in Australia for professionals seeking balance.
Strong mining, engineering, and construction industries
Growing healthcare and education sectors
Less traffic and lower population density
Stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle
Expanding infrastructure projects
Perth’s economy is heavily supported by Western Australia’s mining and resource sector, which drives higher-than-average salaries in engineering and technical fields.
Perth is one of the most beautiful places to live in Australia, offering:
Long stretches of coastline and sunset beaches
Large family homes with more land space
Outdoor activities year-round
Clean air and lower urban congestion
Compared to east coast capitals, Perth provides a slower pace of life with better work-life balance.
Perth is ideal for:
Mining and engineering professionals
Skilled migrants in resource industries
Families seeking larger homes
Coastal lifestyle seekers
For those prioritizing space, salary potential, and scenic living, Perth remains one of the best places to move to in Australia in 2026.
Adelaide remains one of the most affordable capital cities and is increasingly recognised as one of the best places to live in Australia for families, retirees, and budget-conscious migrants. Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide offers significantly lower housing costs while maintaining strong infrastructure, healthcare, and education standards.
For those prioritising affordability without sacrificing quality of life, Adelaide stands out among the most practical places to live in Australia.
More affordable housing market
Less traffic congestion and shorter commute times
Strong healthcare system and public hospitals
Renowned universities and quality schooling
Mediterranean climate with warm summers
Famous wine regions and coastal lifestyle
Adelaide’s balanced cost structure makes it a good place to live in Australia if you want home ownership without extreme financial pressure.
Adelaide offers:
Relaxed and community-focused neighbourhoods
Beautiful beaches like Glenelg
Easy access to Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale
Large green spaces and parks
Family-friendly suburbs with good schooling options
It is considered one of the more peaceful and manageable beautiful places to live in Australia, especially for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Adelaide is ideal for:
Families looking for affordable home ownership
Retirees seeking peaceful living
Skilled migrants prioritising lifestyle over high salaries
Students seeking lower accommodation costs
If affordability is your main priority, Adelaide remains one of the best places to move to in Australia in 2026.
Canberra is one of the most stable and structured places to live in Australia, especially for professionals working in government, defense, education, and public administration. As the nation’s capital, it offers high average incomes, low unemployment, and excellent infrastructure.
Canberra consistently records one of the highest median household incomes in Australia, along with strong employment stability due to its large public-sector workforce.
Highest median income levels nationally
Stable government and defense sector jobs
Excellent public schools and universities
Clean, well-planned city layout
Low crime rate and safe neighborhoods
High-quality healthcare facilities
Canberra offers economic stability that many other cities cannot match, making it one of the best places to move to in Australia for professionals seeking long-term security.
Canberra combines city convenience with natural surroundings:
Lake Burley Griffin recreational areas
Nearby national parks and hiking trails
Organized suburban communities
Short commute times compared to major capitals
The city is less crowded than Sydney or Melbourne, which contributes to a higher quality of life and less daily stress.
Canberra is ideal for:
Government and defense professionals
Policy advisors and public administrators
Academics and researchers
Families seeking safety and stability
For professionals prioritizing job security and high income, Canberra remains one of the best places to live in Australia in 2026.
The Gold Coast is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Australia to live, offering a unique mix of city infrastructure and beachside relaxation. Known for its skyline, surf beaches, and vibrant nightlife, it has become increasingly popular among migrants and remote workers.
The city continues to see strong interstate migration due to lifestyle appeal and expanding business opportunities.
Stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle
Strong tourism and hospitality economy
Growing tech and startup ecosystem
Expanding infrastructure and transport upgrades
Warm climate year-round
The Gold Coast is increasingly seen as one of the best places to move to in Australia for those prioritizing lifestyle over corporate intensity.
Digital nomads
Entrepreneurs
Hospitality professionals
Lifestyle-focused families
If you’re searching for beautiful places to live in Australia with strong lifestyle appeal, Gold Coast stands out in 2026.
Hobart offers a calm and scenic alternative to mainland capitals. It is one of the quieter places to live in Australia, known for clean air, stunning landscapes, and strong community culture.
As Tasmania’s capital, Hobart has seen gradual growth due to affordability compared to major cities.
Slower-paced lifestyle
Lower housing prices compared to Sydney or Melbourne
Strong tourism-driven economy
Access to national parks and outdoor recreation
Close-knit community environment
Hobart is often ranked among the most beautiful places to live in Australia due to its natural surroundings.
Nature lovers
Retirees
Remote workers
Families seeking peaceful living
If you value space, nature, and affordability, Hobart is a strong contender among the best places to live in Australia.
Newcastle offers coastal living with lower housing costs compared to Sydney, while still being within commuting distance. It has evolved into a strong regional hub with growing employment opportunities.
Coastal lifestyle with city amenities
Growing healthcare and mining sectors
Lower property prices than Sydney
Expanding infrastructure and development
Vibrant arts and café culture
Newcastle is increasingly popular among families and professionals looking for balance between affordability and beachside living.
Professionals wanting coastal life near Sydney
Families seeking affordability
Healthcare and mining workers
Newcastle continues to emerge as one of the smartest places to live in Australia in 2026 for those seeking lifestyle plus economic stability.
Wollongong is one of the most practical places to live in Australia for families who want coastal lifestyle benefits while staying within commuting distance of Sydney. Located about 80 km south of Sydney, it offers lower housing costs and a more relaxed pace of life.
Coastal city with beaches and escarpment views
Strong education and health industries
Growing local economy
Lower property prices compared to Sydney
Family-friendly suburbs with good schools
Wollongong offers a balance between affordability and opportunity, making it one of the best places to move to in Australia for families who still need access to Sydney’s job market.
Families commuting to Sydney
Healthcare and education professionals
Buyers priced out of Sydney property market
Wollongong stands out as a smart alternative among the best places to live in Australia in 2026.
Geelong has become one of the fastest-growing regional cities in Victoria and is a strong contender among the best places to live in Australia for those seeking affordability near Melbourne.
Located about one hour from Melbourne, Geelong provides city conveniences without Melbourne-level property prices.
Expanding healthcare and education sectors
Strong regional infrastructure investment
Waterfront lifestyle along Corio Bay
Growing employment hubs
Family-friendly suburbs
Geelong offers the benefits of regional living with access to Melbourne’s broader economy, making it a practical choice among places to live in Australia.
Families seeking regional affordability
First-home buyers
Professionals commuting to Melbourne
Geelong continues to rise as one of the best places to move to in Australia for balanced regional living.
The Sunshine Coast ranks among the most beautiful places to live in Australia, offering pristine beaches, hinterland landscapes, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
It has experienced steady population growth as more families relocate from major cities seeking better work-life balance.
Coastal lifestyle with beaches and national parks
Expanding healthcare and tourism sectors
Strong community environment
Lower congestion compared to major capitals
Attractive for remote workers
The Sunshine Coast combines natural beauty with growing economic opportunities, making it one of the most desirable beautiful places in Australia to live.
Lifestyle-focused families
Remote workers
Healthcare professionals
Sea-change migrants
For those prioritizing scenery and work-life balance, the Sunshine Coast remains one of the best places to live in Australia in 2026.
Cairns is one of the most unique and beautiful places to live in Australia, known for its tropical climate, relaxed pace of life, and strong tourism-driven economy. Located in Far North Queensland, Cairns serves as the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
For those seeking affordable coastal living with a strong hospitality sector, Cairns is one of the underrated places to live in Australia.
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Strong tourism and hospitality economy
Lower property prices compared to Brisbane or Sydney
Warm tropical climate year-round
Growing healthcare and education services
Cairns offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle and remains one of the most beautiful places in Australia to live, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cairns is ideal for:
Tourism and hospitality workers
Marine and environmental professionals
Lifestyle-focused residents
Remote workers seeking coastal living
If lifestyle and affordability matter more than corporate career growth, Cairns is one of the best places to move to in Australia.
Townsville is emerging as one of the most affordable and stable places to live in Australia. With a strong presence in mining, defense, healthcare, and education, Townsville offers economic diversity rarely seen in regional cities.
It provides lower housing costs while maintaining solid employment options.
Strong mining and defense presence
Affordable housing compared to capitals
Growing healthcare and education sectors
Coastal lifestyle with less congestion
Access to the Great Barrier Reef
Townsville balances affordability and job security, making it attractive for professionals who want value for money.
Townsville is best suited for:
Budget-conscious professionals
Mining and defense employees
Families seeking affordable housing
Regional migrants
It remains one of the most practical and affordable places to live in Australia in 2026.
Launceston offers a peaceful lifestyle combined with affordability and natural beauty. It is one of Tasmania’s key regional hubs and is increasingly recognized among the best places to live in Australia for those seeking lower living costs and strong community atmosphere.
Affordable property market
Surrounded by natural landscapes and national parks
Growing tourism industry
Strong agricultural and food production sector
Safe and community-oriented lifestyle
Launceston is among the most beautiful places to live in Australia, particularly for nature lovers and families seeking quieter environments.
Launceston is ideal for:
Regional living seekers
Retirees
Families wanting lower housing costs
Agriculture and tourism professionals
For those prioritizing affordability and lifestyle over fast-paced city living, Launceston stands out among the best places to move to in Australia.
Bendigo is increasingly recognized as one of the most attractive regional places to live in Australia. Located about 150 km from Melbourne, it offers historical charm, lower housing costs, and steady economic growth.
Affordable housing compared to capital cities
Expanding healthcare and hospital services
Growing education sector
Relaxed lifestyle with less congestion
Strong community atmosphere
Bendigo offers financial relief while maintaining essential services, making it a strong choice among regional best places to move to in Australia.
Families seeking quieter suburban life
First-home buyers
Professionals working remotely
Regional lifestyle seekers
Ballarat is one of the fastest-growing regional cities in Victoria and increasingly ranks among the practical best places to live in Australia for affordability and connectivity.
Affordable housing
Strong train connection to Melbourne
Growing education institutions
Historic charm and community feel
Expanding infrastructure projects
Ballarat is especially appealing for those who work in Melbourne but prefer affordable regional living.
Families
Retirees
Melbourne commuters
First-time property buyers
Toowoomba is one of Queensland’s most underrated places to live in Australia, offering affordability and a strong agricultural economy.
Affordable property market
Strong education institutions
Agricultural and logistics growth
Friendly, tight-knit community
Four-season climate
Toowoomba offers a balanced and affordable lifestyle, making it a smart regional alternative among the best places to live in Australia.
Families seeking affordability
Regional professionals
Remote workers
Budget-conscious migrants
Rockhampton combines regional affordability with a strong agricultural and mining-driven economy.
Affordable housing options
Growing infrastructure improvements
Access to coastal and rural lifestyle
Stable mining and cattle industry
Rockhampton is one of the most affordable places to live in Australia for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Rural lifestyle seekers
Mining sector workers
Families preferring smaller cities
Budget-focused buyers
Darwin offers a unique tropical lifestyle and strong government presence, making it one of the most distinct places to live in Australia.
Strong government and defense employment
Mining and energy sector opportunities
Tropical outdoor lifestyle
Less crowded than major cities
Close access to national parks
Darwin appeals to professionals seeking adventure and strong earning potential in northern Australia.
Government professionals
Mining sector workers
Adventurous expats
Individuals seeking tropical climate
There is no single answer to which city is the Australia best place to live, because the right choice depends on your income goals, lifestyle preferences, and family needs. For some, Sydney may be the best option for career growth, while others may prefer Adelaide or Brisbane for affordability.
Overall, Australia is a good place to live for migrants, families, and professionals due to its economic stability, high average wages, healthcare system, and safe communities. Whether you are searching for the best places to live in Australia for families, exploring beautiful places to live in Australia, or comparing the best places to move to in Australia for work opportunities, each city offers unique advantages.
From global business hubs to relaxed coastal regions, Australia continues to provide diverse options for long-term settlement. Carefully compare housing costs, employment markets, and lifestyle benefits before choosing your ideal destination.
