The 8 Most Affordable Suburbs in Sydney

Australia has long existed as a safe haven for the most diverse groups of people. From families looking for better lifestyles to international students looking to make a name for themselves, the Land Down Under has welcomed all with open arms. The question arises. Which are the most affordable suburbs in Sydney? It is key that international students know the cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent when deciding to move there for further education. 

In this blog, we will provide students with the definitive answers to the questions surrounding living in Sydney at the most affordable prices possible.

Why choose the most affordable suburbs in Sydney?

As a student coming into a new country, there can exist a whole host of reasons why you would want to live in the best suburbs in Sydney, which are on a cheaper scale. It could be inflated costs in the business centers or perhaps you just prefer living in peace and quiet. Well, some common reasons why you should opt for the most affordable suburbs in Sydney include:

1. Savings: Living in the cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent directly equates to more ka-ching! 
2. Community Living: The cheaper living areas in Sydney are often known for their close-knit community living. Socialise!
3. Student-friendly environment: It is quite likely that other students like you have chosen to stay in the most affordable suburbs in Sydney, too, something that can help you feel more at home.
4. Part-time work: There can be more opportunities to find part-time work that doesn’t cause you too much stress and can be more of a leisure activity.
5. Quality of life: The suburbs tend to be more relaxed compared to the hustle-bustle of the city. Sit back and relish!

Most affordable suburbs in Sydney

Finally, the bone of contention: what are the best suburbs to live in Sydney that don’t burn a hole in your pocket? Browse through and research our list of the top 8 cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent. Note that this list isn’t ranked. All of the suburbs mentioned have their own pros and cons.

1. Faulconbridge

Population: About 4.16k+

Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University, The University of Notre Dame

Known for: Blue Mountains National Park

Faulconbridge is a small village town located a bit away from the central business district of Sydney. The quiet village of Faulconbridge is known for being one of the most affordable suburbs in Sydney. Check out the amazing heritage sites left behind by indigenous Australians in areas such as Ticehurst Park and the Norman Lindsay Crescent.

2. Lurnea

Population: About 10.1k+

Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University (Liverpool campus), University of Wollongong (Liverpool campus)

Known for: The Lurnea Community Hub

Lurnea is one of the cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent and is located just 35 kilometres from the central business district. Connected well to the rest of Australia via its bus transit lines and the main Hoxton Park road, its connectivity makes Lurnea one of the best suburbs in Sydney. Wondering how to navigate the public transport in the city? Learn all about public transport in Sydney! The suburb oozes culture and history as it was originally home to the Cabrogal people, who spoke the Darug language. You can still find a few people who still speak the language!

3. Bradbury

Population: About 9.4k+

Nearby Universities: Australian College of Finance, Western Sydney University - School of Law

Known for: Its streets named after native Australian trees, Greenery

Bradbury is one of the most affordable suburbs in Sydney and is located 54 kilometres from the central business district. Previously known as Sherwood hills, Bradbury has emerged as one of the best suburbs to live in Sydney. Have fun travelling through Stingybark Place, Jacaranda Avenue, and Bottlebrush Avenue. Do the names sound fun? Well, they are named after well-known native Australian tree species found in the area!

4. Minto

Population: About 14k+

Nearby Universities: University of Wollongong (Liverpool campus), Western Sydney University (Liverpool campus)

Known for: Home ground for the Macarthur Heat basketball team

Minto is one of the cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent in and is located 50 kilometres from the central business district. Residents enjoy immense connectivity with the Minto railway station and numerous bus transit lines. It is one of the best Sydney suburbs due to its great community living and great accessibility with the help of places such as the Minto malls.

5. Mount Druitt

Population: About 16.9k+

Nearby Universities: University of New England (Parramatta), University of Wollongong (Liverpool campus)

Known for: The Manse and the Great Western Highway

Located just 43 kilometres from the central business district, Mount Druitt is definitely a notable suburb people can call home. As one of the most affordable suburbs in Sydney, Mount Druitt has become a major favourite of the Chinese and Filipino communities due to its affordability, excellent connectivity and great school and commercial areas. Students can take the train with access to the Mount Druitt railway station, making it one of the best suburbs in Sydney.

6. Rooty Hill

Population: About 16.1k+

Nearby Universities: University of New England (Parramatta), Western Sydney University (Westmead Precinct)

Known for: Blacktown International Sportspark and Kimberley Park

Just like Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill is also part of the Great Western Sydney region and is located just 42 kilometres from the central business district. Students can enjoy amazing connectivity via the Rooty Hill railway station, numerous bus lines, and Rooty Hill Road (North and South), making it not only one of the best suburbs to live in Sydney but also one of the most affordable suburbs in Sydney. Sports fans moving here can rejoice knowing that the area is home to the massive multi-sports Blacktown International Sportspark, which contains remarkable sports facilities.

7. Rosemeadow

Population: About 8k+

Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University (Campbelltown campus), University of Wollongong (Liverpool campus)

Known for: Japanese Garden and Tea House, Australian Botanic Garden

Situated in the local government area of the City of Campbelltown, Rosemeadow is a serene suburb located a brief drive from the central business district of Sydney. The Rosemeadow Marketplace provides residents with an avenue for all their shopping needs, while the connectivity to the rest of the city via Transit systems buses makes Rosemeadow one of the most affordable suburbs to live in Sydney. Enjoy the cheaper cost of living here without compromising on comfort.

8. Burwood

Population: About 16k+

Nearby Universities: Victory University (VU Sydney Campus), University of New England (Parramatta)

Known for: host of heritage listings

Located a mere 10 kilometres away from the central business district, Burwood is one of the most affordable suburbs in Sydney. The area is home to some of the finest works of architecture with its beautiful Victorian and Federation-style buildings. This picturesque suburb has many commercial areas along with great connectivity via the Burwood railway station as well as numerous bus transit lines. Not only cheap, this is one the best suburbs in Sydney in terms of recreation and scenic views.

If you are planning on pursuing a life in one of these suburbs in the city? It is important that you are well-equipped right before you move. Browse through our Student City Guide: Sydney. While deciding which suburb is the best for you, this guide is great to familiarise yourself with which suburb is the most affordable for you.