10 Best Places to Live in Australia: Top Picks of 2025!

Australia, the ‘land down under,’ offers a myriad of enticing places to call home. However, finding the best place to live in Australia can be challenging. That’s why we have crafted this comprehensive blog on the best places to live in Australia to help you make the right choice. From breathtaking natural wonders to vibrant urban centres, Australia boasts a diverse array of environments. Add to that a rich history, modern lifestyle, and some of the world’s renowned and top-ranking universities, and you have a country that truly has it all. Let's explore the best cities to live in Australia that offer the ideal blend of opportunity, culture, and lifestyle for students.

Why Live in Australia?

With its world-class universities, English-speaking environment, and job opportunities, Australia stands out as a premier destination for students from around the world. Living in Australia means being part of a vibrant, multicultural society that fosters global perspectives and personal growth. Beyond the classroom, students in the best cities to live in Australia can explore the country’s natural wonders and high quality of life, offering a perfect blend of adventure and comfort.

10 Best Places to Live in Australia in 2024

In this blog, we will hop on a voyage to find the best places to live in Australia. Australia is dotted with the world's most mesmerising places, and selecting ten out of them all is quite a task. But you will be glad to know that we managed! Below is the list of the best places to live in Australia: 

1. Adelaide

Best For: Foods & Drinks
Tourist Attractions: Adelaide Botanic Garden, South Australian Museum, & State Library of South Australia
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,987 - AU$1,990 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Norwood & Adelaide Hills
Top Universities: The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, & University of South Australia

The beautiful city of Adelaide is considered the best city to live in Australia. Founded in 1836, the city is named after Queen Adelaide. Home to the popular and research-intensive University of Adelaide, the city provides ample job opportunities to students studying here. Adelaide is famous for its low-key, pretty cafes, vibrant restaurants, and unbeatable nightlife. Often, people are attracted to this place because of its chill vibe, beautiful view, and the many cultural celebrations and festivals. Another thing that makes Adelaide one of the best places to live in Australia is its easy access to green spaces such as botanical gardens and more. 

2. Melbourne

Best For: Culture
Tourist Attractions: Queen Victoria Market, Block Arcade, & Melbourne Skydeck
Average Cost of Living: AU$4,495 - AU$4,500 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: South Yarra & Toorak
Top Universities: The University of Melbourne, Monash University, & La Trobe University

While looking for the best places to live in Australia, Melbourne tops the list. The land of the beaches, Melbourne is known for its quality of life and the fun it offers to its students. Founded in 1835, Melbourne offers a myriad of job and business opportunities for students coming here.

It is the second-largest city in Australia and is known for its culture and creativity. Coffee lovers will also enjoy the city, as it is known for the best Melbourne coffee. Plus, you will find most of the extraordinary beaches in Australia in Melbourne.

3. Perth

Best For: Climate
Tourist Attractions: Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Elizabeth Quay, & The Bell Tower
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,842 - AU$1,990 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Cottesloe & Subiaco
Top Universities: The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, & Murdoch University

Home to the best educational system and a booming economy, Perth is considered one of the top places to live in Australia. Founded in 1829 by Captain James Stirling, the city offers warm weather and gorgeous city parks for students to live in. White-sand beaches, art galleries, and historic neighbourhoods in perth are sure to please you. If you venture a little out of Perth, you will find beautiful wineries and wildlife. Perth is well-prepared and developed to cater to the growing educational needs and is attracting students from across the world every year. No wonder Perth is considered the best city to live in Australia. Remember, moving to your dream city can be scary, especially as a student. But, don't let that hold you back. Make sure you get help from one of the top local removalists in Australia to make the move as stress-free as possible– so that you can focus on the important stuff, like making new friends.

4. Sydney

Best For: Job Opportunities
Tourist Attractions: Sydney Harbour, Queen Victoria Building, & Art Gallery of New South Wales
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,806 - AU$3,500 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Paddington & Rose Bay
Top Universities: The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales, & Macquarie University

Known for its famous opera house, architectural marvels, and some of the best institutions of knowledge, like the University of Sydney, the city is one of the 10 best places to live in Australia. For around 45,000 years, Aborigines inhabited the area, until Captain Cook discovered the Sydney continent in 1770. It took 18 years to form the first European settlement in 1788. Students seeking skilled work visa or a working holiday visa will find several options here. A city with a meagre crime rate, Sydney is home to more than 100 beaches, theatre experiences, and exceptional restaurants. One will get the chance to experience different cultures as the people of Sydney belong to diverse backgrounds. With a handcrafted Sydney city guide, you can explore an array of things to do. We are sure you will now have your reasons to award Australia as the best Australian city to live in. By providing travel-friendly student offers, Sydney transportation has become more accommodating for students.

5. Brisbane

Best For: Nature
Tourist Attractions: South Bank Parklands, The Brisbane River, & City Botanic Gardens
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,849 - AU$2,500 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Indooroopilly & South Brisbane
Top Universities: The University of Queensland, Griffith University, & Queensland University of Technology

Brisbane is considered a more affordable city compared to Melbourne and Sydney. It is developing in various sectors, and its economy is booming daily in the hospitality, health, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Brisbane is the third-largest city and one of the best places to live in Australia for students as it offers quality education and affordable tuition fees. The green suburbs balance out the warm weather of the city. People are known for being the warmest, which makes it the ideal place to settle and one of the best places to live in Australia. 

6. Canberra

Best For: Families
Tourist Attractions: Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, & Lake Burley Griffin
Average Cost of Living: AU$2,000 - AU&2,355 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: South Canberra & North Canberra
Top Universities: University of Canberra & Australian National University

Blessed with the most intriguing wonders of nature and trail-blazing institutions, Canberra is Australia’s best city to live in for students. Canberra is the Inland capital of the nation and is also a top destination for international students. With the pretty tree-lined-up streets, bushlands, and the amalgamation of various cultures, the city is the perfect abode for students and families alike. People of Brisbane like to go out in the sunny weather for picnics, and one can easily find people indulging in outdoor activities. Another thing that distinguishes Canberra from other cities is its people's civic spirit, making it the best place in Australia to live for students. 

‍7. Hobart

Best For: Affordable Place
Tourist Attractions: Mount Wellington, Mona Ferry, & Mount Nelson Lookout
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,466 - AU$2,200 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Battery Point & Sandy Bay
Top Universities: The University of Tasmania, Australian International University, & Hobart Business School

Hobart is considered the most affordable and one of the best cities to live in Australia for students. Situated on the banks of the Derwent River, Hobart is the second oldest city in the country. Pleasant weather, low pollution, an efficient transportation system, and budget-friendly Hobart student accommodation make it a top choice for students. It is also popularly called the safest place to live in Australia, with a very low crime rate. Another good thing about Hobart is the rapidly growing employment market, which attracts students from across the world.

8. Wellington

Best For: Most Livable
Tourist Attractions: Old St. Paul's Church, Wellington Museum, Oriental Bay, & Cuba Street
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,115 - AU$2455 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Oriental Bay & Mount Victoria
Top Universities: University of Auckland, Lincoln University, and University of Canterbury

Wellington, a small town in New South Wales of Australia to live in, is a living testimony of a healthy and balanced lifestyle thriving in the melting pot of global culture. The city is named by John Oxley, an explorer, who was unable to cross the Lachlan River because of dense reeds. He then climbed Mount Arthur in 1817 and named the landscape Wellington Valley. While we search for the best places to live in Australia, Wellington tops the list with its beauty, vibrancy, and top-ranking universities, among other things. Wellington is also popular for its pretty cafes and restaurants, leafy bylanes, conveniences, and the ever-growing job market suitable for international students.

9. Gold Coast

Best For: Affordable Place
Tourist Attractions: Sea World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, & Snapper Rocks
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,206 - AU$3,000 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Surfers Paradise & Mermaid Beach
Top Universities: Bond University, Griffith University, & Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus

A haven for surfers and explorers, the city of Gold Coast is a dream destination for people across the world. Gold Coast has grown to be one of the most vibrant and best places to live in Australia. The city is very well known for the diversity of its international population, world-renowned institutions and, of course, the most stunning coastlines in the world. If you have reached here in the list of the 10 best places to live in Australia, you can keep Gold Coast on your shortlist. 

10. Lismore

Best For: Prime Location
Tourist Attractions: Lismore Gallery, Lismore Library, & Broadway National Park
Average Cost of Living: AU$1,400 - AU$ 1,500 per person
Best Neighbourhoods: Caniaba & East Lismore
Top Universities: Southern Cross University

Foremost, Lismore is synonymous with what we call a vibe. Surrounded and adorned by nature's wonders, the city leads you to a life you always wanted for yourself. Apart from being one of the best places to live in Australia, Lismore has grown to become a favourite destination for international students. With an ideal cost of living and a vibrant lifestyle, Lismore is going to be as postcard-perfect as you wish it to be. 

This was our list of the 10 best and most beautiful places to live in Australia. The nation has an amalgamation of various cultures, diversity, and heritage that gives its people a chance to experience different lifestyles and further amp up their quality of life. Moving to the other side of the world can be a tiresome job with different questions revolving around it. However, if you do your homework right, then you can find your perfect home away from home. If you’re planning to attend the best universities in Australia, we hope this blog helps you find the safest and best place to live in Australia.