Cheapest City to Live in Australia: Top Pick for Migrants 2025

Cheapest City to Live in Australia: Top Pick for Migrants 2025

Migrating to Australia Sounds Too Pricy in 2025? Look at These Cheapest Cities to Start Your Journey in Australia!

Australia is famous for its high standard of living; however, living in major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne can be costly. If you’re thinking about moving to Australia in 2025 and want to strike a balance between affordability and opportunities, you might be wondering where the cheapest city to live in Australia is.

In this article, we’ll look at the most affordable cities in Australia, what makes each one appealing, and why they’re great possibilities for new migrants like you!

Why should you consider the cheaper city to live in Australia in 2025?

As a new migrant, moving to a cost-effective city can benefit you in many ways, such as:

• Save on rent, groceries, and transportation.
• Experience a better work-life balance.
• Access regional migration incentives and permanent residency paths.
• Integrate with welcoming and growing communities.

Let’s look deeper at the top five cheap cities to live in Australia, and why they’re the perfect places to begin your Australian journey in 2025.

1. Adelaide, South Australia.

Adelaide consistently ranks as one of Australia’s most affordable capital cities. Adelaide’s rental prices are 30-50% lower than those in Sydney and Melbourne, making it perfect for singles and families.

Adelaide is popular among migrants for many reasons, like:

• Lower cost of living and lower population density compared to larger cities.
• Excellent educational system, which includes world-class universities like the University of Adelaide.
• Strong demand in the healthcare, trade, and IT sectors.
• Recognised as a regional area, providing additional points for skilled migration and PR opportunities.

The most in-demand jobs in Adelaide currently are:

• Registered Nurses and Aged Care Workers
• Software Developers and IT Support Specialists
• Electricians and Construction Workers
• Secondary School Teachers
• Mechanical Engineers

The economy in Adelaide is growing steadily, mainly in healthcare, technology, and education. These businesses continuously seek talented migrants, offering higher opportunities for employment and visa sponsorship for you with skills in these sectors.

Adelaide is also ideal for families, students, and skilled workers seeking long-term settlement opportunities.

2. Hobart, Tasmania.

Regarding day-to-day expenses like groceries, transport, and utility bills, Hobart – the capital city of Tasmania – offers the cheapest cost among other cities. Hobart is also known as a peaceful and scenic city. Hobart is getting more popular amongst migrants who seek a slower pace of life without sacrificing safety and comfort.

Here are some reasons why you should consider Hobart:

• Beautiful natural surroundings and a relaxed lifestyle
• Growing job opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and the health sector
• Less job competition
• Great migration pathway for those seeking the DAMA Program

The current most in-demand jobs in Hobart are:

• Chefs and Cooks
• Disability and Aged Care Workers
• Hospitality and Tourism Staff
• Agricultural Workers
• Early Childhood Educators

Hobart’s strong tourism and aged care sectors ensure steady employee demand. It’s a great choice if you’re searching for hands-on experience in community or hospitality services.

This makes Hobart perfect for nature lovers, hospitality professionals, and families seeking community support.

Read more: Best Australian State to Live in: 2025 Guide for You 

3. Darwin, Northern Territory.

Darwin provides a unique combination of job prospects, low living costs, and strong migrant support. Darwin has one of the lowest rental markets among Australian capital cities and a high demand for workers, despite being often overlooked.

Why you should consider Darwin:

• Government incentives can attract skilled migrants and workers.
• Strong demand for building, trades, and health services.
• Multicultural and welcoming community
• Accessibility to skilled migration schemes and regional visas

Currently, the most in-demand jobs in Darwin are:

• Civil and Structural Engineers
• Registered Nurses and Health Professionals
• Carpenters and Plumbers
• Truck Drivers and Logistics Coordinators
• Social Workers and Youth Support Workers

Darwin is an excellent choice for tradespeople and healthcare professionals as the city offers opportunities with multiple infrastructure projects and regional incentives.

Darwin is also perfect for you if you are seeking immediate employment.

4. Canberra, ACT.

While Canberra is Australia’s capital, it has a lower cost of living than Sydney. Canberra offers excellent value due to its lavish public-sector job possibilities and high average wage.

And here’s why you should consider Canberra:

• Numerous work opportunities in IT, public administration, and education.
• Clean, green environment with decent infrastructure.
• Increasing regional migration recognition
• A balanced lifestyle that combines cultural activity and natural beauty.

Most in-demand jobs in Canberra in 2025:

• Cybersecurity Specialists and Software Developers
• Policy Analysts and Public Sector Professionals
• Accountants and Financial Advisors
• Healthcare Professionals (especially mental health)
• Educators and Academic Researchers

As the capital of Australia, Canberra is continuously seeking skilled professionals in the government, tech, and healthcare sectors.

Canberra would be perfect for students and skilled migrants eager to advance their professions.

5. Launceston, Tasmania.

Launceston, a small city in Tasmania, is sometimes overlooked. Still, it’s one of the most affordable locations to live in Australia. With average weekly rents much lower than the national average, it’s an ideal place for migrants wishing to start fresh. Launceston is also appealing because:

• Launceston offers affordable rent and living costs.
• It has a rising demand for aged care, agriculture, and hospitality.
• The regional location makes it appealing for PR via Subclass 491 or 494 visas.
• Peaceful lifestyle, suitable for having a family or focusing on education.

The most in-demand jobs in Launceston in 2025 are:

• Aged Care and Disability Support Workers
• Food Processing and Agriculture Workers
• Mechanics and Diesel Fitters
• Retail Managers and Sales Assistants
• Childcare Workers

Launceston is perfect if you are open to hands-on roles with long-term stability, like in aged care, agriculture, and light industry. It’s also ideal for you if you’re looking for a quiet life and focusing on regional migration or establishing a small business.

Read more: Reason to Live and Work in Australian Regional Area – Complete Information

So, What’s the Best, Cheapest City to Live in Australia in 2025?

To find the best, cheapest city to live in Australia in 2025, you must review your preferred lifestyle, career goals, and migration pathway. Here’s a quick summary:

Choosing the cheapest city to live in Australia would be an excellent step for your migration journey to Australia in 2025. It could help you stretch your dollars, settle comfortably, and increase your chances of getting permanent residency through the regional visa pathways.

At ONEderland Consulting, we help migrants find the best states or cities that offer more benefits and how to get there legally and successfully. Whether you’re looking to apply for a skilled visa or reunite with your loved ones with the partner visa, we’ll assist you in achieving your goals with the best visa strategy.