The 7 Cheapest Places To Live In Australia

Australia’s most affordable cities include Adelaide (median $556,000), Hobart, and Perth, where you’ll pay far less than in Sydney or Melbourne. Regional gems like Bunbury and Rockhampton offer median house prices as low as $345,000 with strong growth potential. Fast-growing suburbs such as Andrews Farm (20% annual growth) and Munno Para West (24%) provide excellent value. Beyond cheaper housing, these locations offer diverse job markets and lifestyle amenities that rival their pricier counterparts.

Adelaide: South Australia’s Budget-Friendly Capital

While major Australian cities strain your wallet, Adelaide emerges as a particularly affordable option. A single person can expect monthly expenses around $4,156 AUD, while a family of four averages $7,398 AUD—considerably less than Sydney or Melbourne.

You’ll find housing particularly reasonable, with both rental and purchase prices ranking among Australia’s most affordable. Compared to major global cities, Adelaide offers 71.4% lower rent than places like New York. Though salaries tend to be lower than in larger cities, the cost-benefit ratio works in your favor.

Adelaide doesn’t sacrifice quality for affordability. You’ll access excellent healthcare facilities and reputable educational institutions without breaking the bank. For those planning to explore beyond the city, Adelaide offers convenient access to geothermal attractions similar to those found in international destinations like Rotorua.

The stable economy offers diverse job opportunities across healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.

The city balances budget-conscious living with quality lifestyle—featuring vibrant cultural events, outdoor activities, and a thriving food scene throughout the year.

Hobart: Affordable Living With Artistic Flair in Tasmania

Looking for Australia’s most affordable capital city? Hobart should top your list. At around AUD 1,790 monthly for a single person including rent, it’s markedly cheaper than mainland capitals while offering a unique blend of metropolitan amenities and small-town charm.

You’ll find one-bedroom apartments ranging from AUD 1,700-3,500 monthly, depending on location and quality. Despite Tasmania’s economy projected to contract slightly in 2024/25, housing remains reasonably stable.

The city’s artistic vibe—highlighted by MONA and Salamanca Market—provides cultural abundance without big-city prices. Dining out remains accessible with mid-range restaurant meals for two costing around AUD 130.

A family of four can manage on about AUD 6,031 monthly (excluding rent).

Hobart’s appeal lies in its perfect balance: affordability, safety, and access to arts, food, and nature—all at a pace that prioritizes quality of life. For outdoor enthusiasts considering relocation, it’s worth noting that Tasmania has fewer venomous snakes than mainland Australia, making hiking and bushwalking somewhat safer.

Perth: Western Australia’s Economical Hub

Perth stands as Western Australia’s financial sweet spot, offering a compelling alternative to Hobart with its unique economic advantages. While the median house price sits around $730,000, affordable options exist in suburbs like Baldivis and Ellenbrook starting from $450,000.

You’ll find monthly expenses manageable, with single-person costs (excluding rent) averaging $1,539 AUD. First-time buyers can leverage the First Home Owner Grant to make purchasing more feasible.

The diversifying job market spans mining, technology, healthcare and education sectors, providing varied employment opportunities. As a full-time worker, you can expect to earn approximately 80,000 annually on average.

For families, entertainment costs run about $70 monthly, while public transport will set you back approximately $180. With quality public schools, universities like UWA, and abundant recreational activities, Perth delivers substantial value while maintaining a lower cost profile than many Australian competitors. Many Perth residents enjoy taking day trips to experience local attractions similar to those found in tourist hotspots like Queenstown.

Bunbury: Coastal Living Without the Price Tag

Nestled 175 kilometers south of Perth, Bunbury offers coastal living that won’t decimate your savings. With around 75,000 residents, this growing urban center ranks among Australia’s most affordable cities.

You’ll spend approximately $1,643 monthly as a single person, markedly less than in major capitals. Housing costs shine brightest in Bunbury’s affordability crown, with lower median house prices and rental rates than Sydney or Melbourne.

Your dollar stretches further here with cheaper food prices and utilities. Dining out is reasonable with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around 25.00A$ on average. For $80 monthly, you’ll get a public transport pass to navigate the city.

Beyond affordability, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches, cultural events, quality healthcare, and education. While the lifestyle differs from Melbourne’s culture scene, Bunbury offers its own unique charm without the high urban costs.

The strong job market in mining, agriculture, and tourism means you won’t sacrifice career opportunities for this budget-friendly coastal lifestyle.

Rockhampton: Queensland’s Affordable Beef Capital

While Bunbury offers coastal affordability in Western Australia, Rockhampton stands as Queensland’s budget-friendly gem with an affluent cattle heritage. This “beef capital” boasts a median house price of just $345,000, putting homeownership within reach for average earners.

You’ll find rents equally reasonable, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $900 monthly. For locals and visitors alike, dining options remain affordable with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing only about 28 Australian dollars. A family of four can live comfortably on about $5,700 per month, while the average after-tax salary sits around $5,955.

Despite its affordability, Rockhampton’s property market shows impressive 48% year-on-year growth. The strong local economy, driven by cattle, fishing, defence, and mining sectors, creates stable employment opportunities. Its location provides residents with easy access to sailing adventures along Queensland’s stunning coastline.

Unlike major cities, Rocky delivers affordability without sacrificing lifestyle, offering parks, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, and a unique rural-urban atmosphere.

Affordable Suburbs Worth Considering Across Australia

Looking beyond specific cities, Australia offers numerous affordable suburbs that provide excellent value for budget-conscious homebuyers and renters.

Andrews Farm in South Australia distinguishes itself with a median house price of $556,000 and impressive 20% year-on-year growth.

Glenorchy in Tasmania offers similar pricing but boasts an extraordinary 129% ten-year growth rate.

For rapid appreciation, consider Munno Para West (SA) with its 24% annual increase.

Rockhampton in Queensland stands out with a median house price of $345,000 and exceptional 48% annual growth, making it one of Australia’s last major areas with sub-$500,000 median prices.

Renters will find Hobart the most budget-friendly capital, with weekly rents around $556, followed by Melbourne ($606) and Adelaide ($610).

For lifestyle balance, suburbs like Coburg and Blackburn in Melbourne deliver affordability alongside amenities. Those considering international options might find New Zealand offers comparable affordable living alternatives with a similar quality of life.

Meanwhile, Sydney’s Enmore and Matraville provide cultural venues and beach access without the premium price tag.

Cost Comparison: Housing, Food, and Transportation in Budget-Friendly Cities

Understanding how costs compare across Australia’s budget-friendly cities helps you make informed decisions about where to settle. Adelaide distinguishes itself as the overall cheapest option, balancing low housing costs (median $556,000) with affordable food and transport expenses.

Adelaide stands out as Australia’s most affordable city, offering the perfect balance of low housing, food, and transport costs.

Hobart offers comparable housing prices ($557,500) with impressive long-term growth (129% over 10 years), though transportation costs are higher due to limited public transit. Adelaide features a unique blend of cultural sophistication with its relaxed living atmosphere, providing excellent value beyond just affordability.

While Canberra’s housing is pricier, it’s offset by reasonable food costs and efficient public transport.

Darwin presents a mixed picture – cheaper housing but higher food prices due to its remote location.

Perth and Wollongong offer moderate costs across all categories, with Perth providing good value for first homebuyers and Wollongong benefiting from Sydney’s proximity without the premium price tag. Australia offers several affordable locations for those looking to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses of major metropolitan areas.

Last Words

Australia’s affordable cities give you practical options without breaking the bank. Surprisingly, Hobart’s average rent sits 43% lower than Sydney’s, making Tasmania’s capital a standout bargain. Whether you’re drawn to Adelaide’s value, Perth’s balanced economy, or Rockhampton’s low-cost living, your dollars stretch further in these budget-friendly locations. Do your research, compare local costs, and you’ll find a comfortable Australian lifestyle that won’t empty your wallet.