In Australia, you can live in many different ways, as prices for housing vary widely from city to city. Though life in Australia is generally expensive, there are places in the cities where you can stay without having to spend much. If you’re considering a move to Australia or relocating within the country, finding the cheapest city in Australia can help you stretch your budget further while still enjoying the Australian lifestyle.
By reading this guide, you will be able to choose from the most affordable cities in 2025, as it helps you consider your finances before deciding where to live.
The Most Recent Information And Updates On Budget-Friendly Cities In Australia 2025
Significant changes in the Australian housing market in 2025 are affecting the affordability of homes in several locations.
- House prices in Australia look set to decrease in 2025, making it easier for people to buy in various cities.
- The government is working on expanding housing in major cities to improve affordability for people.
- Thanks to remote work, more people are attracted to more affordable cities.
- You can find homes in Adelaide that are much less expensive than those in Sydney.
- The Gold Coast is listed as having the top score on the affordability factor (32.5) among international students, as described in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report
- Hobart is currently Australia’s cheapest city in Australia to live in, offering beautiful landscapes and a unique art scene
- More efforts are being made in sustainable urban growth to ensure access to affordable cities that are comfortable to live in.
Top 10 Least Expensive Places in Australia in 2025
1. Adelaide is famous for its affordable festival events
Many times, Adelaide has been singled out as a very affordable and one of the Cheapest city in Australia, with urban life and calm living side by side. Since median house prices are approximately 40% less in Brisbane, you can enjoy great value for your dollar. The city offers plenty of cultural events, beautiful parks, and an inexpensive way of life.
- Living Cost: Rental in the city center is much less in Adelaide compared to the first two, where a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately AUD 1,200 per month. A person will usually spend AUD 320 each month on utilities and around AUD 100 per week on groceries.
- Key Industries: Adelaide offers many jobs in healthcare, medical research, education, technology, and manufacturing. Because the city is home to many medical institutions, it provides people with reliable and consistent jobs.
Whether you are starting your career, raising a family, or enjoying retirement, Adelaide provides both city and peace. Because everything is close together in the city, travel is cheap, and as Australia’s food and wine capital, dining at restaurants won’t cost much.
2. Hobart is the affordable capital city of Tasmania
Hobart is admired for its lovely nature and relatively low prices, one of the Cheapest city in Australia. Apartment prices and rents in Hobart are 35% and 30% lower than in Melbourne, respectively. Since the city is quite compact, it is cheaper to travel, and the availability of nearby farms helps keep prices for groceries low.
- Cost Comparison: It is much cheaper to live in Hobart than in Sydney, with living costs there being up to 20% lower. Renting a one-bedroom apartment will set you back around AUD 1,000 per month, while you can expect your utilities bill to be close to AUD 350.
- Different Features: The city of Hobart is celebrated for its lovely nature, ancient buildings, and a rising food and wine culture, with a strong economy and an excellent standard of living. You can freely enjoy the natural surroundings, including Mount Wellington and the waterfront, which help make Hobart affordable.
Nature lovers, artists, and people interested in a close-knit environment will enjoy living in Hobart the most. People in the city can find jobs in the tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors.
3. Perth acts as the economic center for Western Australia
As a large city with both facilities and items, Perth is known for its cost-effective goods and services, one of the Cheapest city in Australia. According to the rankings in QS Best Student Cities 2025, it is the second most affordable place for overseas students.
- Covering basic needs: The expenses are lower in Perth since the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about AUD 1,500. A person living in Australia can expect to spend about AUD 450 on utilities every month and roughly AUD 160 on groceries every week.
- Experience benefits: You will enjoy having access to beaches, fresh air, and exciting cultural events, all at a generally more affordable rate. Because of the mild weather all year long, the public doesn’t need to rely on shows and clubs.
Mining, along with oil and gas and technology, drives the Perth economy and offers lots of jobs. Many people interested in balancing their work and living expenses prefer to relocate to the city.
4. In Brisbane, both the weather and the budget are pleasant
Brisbane’s good weather and inexpensive lodging appeal to both students and those working there, making it one of the Cheapest city in Australia. Canberra has a range of universities, along with more job opportunities, while also scoring fifth for low costs for international students at 23.8.
- Housing Affordability: Buying or renting in Brisbane is more affordable than it is in Sydney or Melbourne. On average, one-bedroom apartments in the city center cost AUD 1,700 per month to rent.
- Career Opportunities: There are jobs available in agriculture, education, health services, and technology within Brisbane. Public administration and government jobs are among the employment alternatives in the city, giving people reliable work.
Because of the nearby sun and nature, Brisbane tends to attract individuals looking for a city where they can enjoy life without spending a lot. Because of the well-managed public transport system, people living here can reduce their transportation costs.
5. Canberra: An Unexpected Bargain
Despite Canberra being the capital of Australia, you can find considerable affordability because the average salary and employment for government roles are so high there. Since its affordability index is 26.1, Melbourne features among the top four places in Australia that are affordable for international students, one of the Cheapest city in Australia.
- Value Proposition: There are cheaper travel options in Canberra and many free culture-based attractions, which opposite the higher housing expenses. Typically, one needs to pay AUD 1,600 every month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
Employment Sectors: The three main industries in Canada that offer stable job prospects are the public service, education, research, and information technology. Due to many jobs in the public sector, workers often earn more money, so it becomes easier for them to afford rent.
Canberra is an excellent place for officials in the public sector, university staff, and families who want the best for their children’s education. Due to its reputable schools and excellent way of life, families with kids are drawn to the city.
6. Gold Coast: A Coast in Queensland That Won’t Break the Bank
According to the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report, the Gold Coast tops the country for affordability, with a score of 32.5. You can enjoy city living and outdoor beaches at a lower cost than in Sydney or Melbourne, one of the Cheapest city in Australia.
- Housing Options: There is a variety of housing available in the Gold Coast at better prices than in other coastal cities. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs AUD 1,800 every month.
- Lifestyle Benefits: You get to explore lovely beaches, plenty of sports, and an expanding culture, but without paying the high prices found in big cities. In the Gold Coast, individuals appreciate the flawless educational system, flourishing café scene, and amazing natural sites.
The Gold Coast is especially liked by students since both Griffith University and Southern Cross University have cheap educational programs. It is easy for university students to find work in tourism and hospitality since there are many jobs available in the sector.
7. Darwin is far from us, yet it makes perfect sense
Darwin is much more affordable, one of the Cheapest city in Australia to live in, than Sydney and other big Australian cities, because rent is considerably less expensive. Tropical areas cost less to live in than southern states, and this attracts those looking for something distinct.
- Climate Advantage: Since it is always warm in Darwin, there is less need for heaters, and most outdoor activities are possible year-round. Being in the South gives Texans the ability to spend less on heating during winter, unlike those living in colder regions.
- Employment Sectors: The key businesses in Darwin include government and public administration, hospitality/tourism, and construction/energy. Nursing, health, teaching, and construction jobs are generally very strong in the city.
People looking for adventures, young workers, and those who want a tropical life will feel right at home in Darwin. The city is in a unique area, giving people the chance to see beautiful nature and live an exclusive way of life compared to other parts of Australia.
8. Wollongong is known for being Sydney’s most affordable location
Wollongong, situated near Sydney, allows you to enjoy the coast for a more affordable price, one of the Cheapest city in Australia. Homes cost at least 30% less in Canberra than they do in Sydney, with the same effective transportation links. Therefore, this city is perfect for people who visit Sydney occasionally and want to live on a budget.
- Commuter Advantage: Residents in Wollongong can easily reach Sydney when necessary while enjoying a lower cost of living. It only takes 90 minutes for a train to arrive in Sydney, so commuting is easy.
- Industry Strengths: Wollongong has strong industries in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, which provide various jobs for locals. The University of Wollongong creates educational and work opportunities for the city’s residents.
Beautiful beaches, a comfortable lifestyle, and proximity to cities encourage people to move to Wollongong for an affordable location that is still connected.
9. Bunbury: An Affordable Region by the Western Australian Coast
Bunbury is an inexpensive city by the sea, while business activities are on the rise there, one of the Cheapest city in Australia. Having the coast nearby is possible for much less than it would cost in Perth or bigger cities.
- Living Costs: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bunbury averages close to $1,000 each month, making it one of the more economical cities along the coast. Most people spend around AUD 320 every month on utility costs and about AUD 100 every week on groceries.
- Local Economy: The main sectors for employment in Aruba are mining, agriculture, and retail, since they make up the local economy. Because of its position in the region, the city is now a major center for business and prosperity.
Bunbury has beaches, water sports, and a laid-back mood, which are key reasons people choose this city for a cheaper ocean lifestyle.
10. Rockhampton is known in Queensland for being an affordable place to buy beef
You can find an affordable way of life with a unique rural milieu here in Rockhampton. Being the beef capital of Australia, it has settled prices and develops a great sense of community life.
- Cost of Living: The monthly rent for an apartment with one bedroom in Rockhampton usually requires less money than you would pay in the big city centers. On average, you will pay about AUD 300 per month for utilities and about AUD 100 every week for groceries.
- Employment Opportunities: Most people in Rockhampton get work in the fields of agriculture, education, or health services. Being a regional center, the city provides more openings for employment than many rural locations do.
If you love the outdoors but still want to be in a town, Rockhampton is the perfect place, one of the Cheapest city in Australia. Thanks to its thriving farming sector, the area sees many job opportunities and develops its own distinct culture.
An Overview of Prices in Different Australian Cities in 2025
Being aware of the differences in living costs among Australian cities allows you to choose the right place to live. Here are some major ways in which living costs in the USA differ.
| City | Monthly Rent (1BR) | Utilities | Groceries | Transportation |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,200 | AUD 400 | AUD 150 | AUD 200 |
| Hobart | AUD 1,000 | AUD 350 | AUD 100 | AUD 180 |
| Perth | AUD 1,500 | AUD 450 | AUD 160 | AUD 220 |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,700 | AUD 470 | AUD 150 | AUD 230 |
| Canberra | AUD 1,600 | AUD 460 | AUD 160 | AUD 220 |
| Sydney | AUD 2,200 | AUD 400 | AUD 150 | AUD 220 |
| Melbourne | AUD 1,800 | AUD 380 | AUD 130 | AUD 200 |
| Gold Coast | AUD 1,800 | AUD 480 | AUD 140 | AUD 210 |
| Bunbury | AUD 1,000 | AUD 320 | AUD 100 | AUD 170 |
| Rockhampton | AUD 900 | AUD 300 | AUD 100 | AUD 160 |
The table reveals that the cities of Rockhampton, Bunbury, and Hobart have the most reasonable living costs, compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
Why Australian Cities Are Becoming Affordable in 2025?
The affordability of cities in Australia is affected by many important factors, which lead to diverse living costs in different parts of the country.
Trends in the housing market
More people have found renting and buying property more affordable in cities across Australia, thanks to a slowdown in the housing market. Programs launched by governments to increase housing supply have stopped costs from rising fast in many city areas where prices had been rising quickly.
The cheapest city in Australia for housing often changes based on market conditions, but smaller regional centers consistently offer better value than major metropolitan areas. When cities are not confined, they are able to provide more inexpensive housing.
Geographic Location
In general, the further you go from the eastern seaboard, the less it costs to live in a city. Because they are far from the main population centers, the value in Western Australian and Tasmanian cities is often much higher. Because of this, Perth and Hobart appear at the top of many affordability lists as one of the Cheapest city in Australia.
You usually have to pay a high price for living in city coastal areas, but there are secondary places like Bunbury and Wollongong, where you can still enjoy the beach without having to pay as much as you would in Sydney’s east or Melbourne’s bayside districts.
Economic Base
Those cities without only one type of economic base often experience better affordability. Adelaide is more stable in offering opportunities because it does not rely solely on one type of industry.
The cost of living in Western Australia can vary widely based on the cycles of the commodities its economy depends on. During peak mining times, the prices at these places rise fast, yet during tougher times, they may become very affordable.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Widespread public transportation often makes it possible for citizens to reduce their expenses on getting to work. It makes Adelaide and Hobart less expensive, one of the Cheapest city in Australia to live in, as people own fewer cars due to the close-knit construction of the cities.
The price of living is influenced by the standard and availability of infrastructure. Overall, cities with well-organized services are considered more worthy, even if some services are not cheap individually.
Ideas for Enjoying a Modest Budget in Australian Towns in 2025
Australians should carefully manage their money while continuing to lead a good life in affordable cities.
Housing Strategies
Stay in a place with another person at the start, as this can halve your living expenses. Renting or purchasing near the city, but not right in its center, could help you save a lot of money.
In the cheapest city in Australia, housing still represents the largest expense for most residents. Selecting up-and-coming areas can help people save a lot, provided they move in before everyone else discovers them.
Transportation Options
If you use public transport instead of owning a car, you could save around $200 every month. Several budget-friendly cities are progressively adding more cycling options for travelers.
Having a house close to a major transport center in an affordable city gives you low housing rates and cheaper travel. Because public transport coverage is strong for the size of Adelaide and Hobart, this method is effective there.
Buying food at the grocery store
Shopping at nearby markets instead of the supermarket may help you save 15-30% on your groceries. You can find fresh produce at farmers’ markets in many inexpensive cities.
Though choosing home cooking to save cash is a global strategy, it works especially well in Australia because restaurants are usually more expensive there. In cities with plenty of local agriculture, you can usually get the finest produce at attractive prices.
Utility Management
If we watch our energy and water use, our bills will likely be much cheaper. In Australia, various cheap places to live have programs aimed at helping individuals improve how much energy their homes use.
Because each region in Australia has a different climate, utility expenses differ across the country. To keep them comfortable, Darwin buildings require lots of cooling but little heating, compared to Hobart, which is the opposite. Analyzing these patterns may assist in picking the best place to live according to what matters to you.
Top Suburbs With Low Living Costs in Australian Cities in 2025
Some suburbs in each affordable city offer a great deal for your money, since they are both affordable and offer ideal amenities.
Find out what areas in Adelaide offer the most value.
Houses in Elizabeth North offer the lowest range of prices at $482,000, which reflects an increase of 28% in the area last year. Port Augusta is another amiable Adelaide suburb that has a median house value of $250,000, ranking ninth in the country’s listing of affordable suburbs.
The region in Adelaide’s north is usually the least expensive and one of the Cheapest city in Australia, and is accessible to the city by using public transportation. As they are getting improved gradually, these are becoming appealing for young people interested in owning a home and investors alike.
Affordable Places to Live in Perth
Orelia is where you will find Perth’s most budget-friendly units, one of the Cheapest city in Australia, since their median value is $346,000. With apartment prices in Orelia increasing by 43%, the suburb nonetheless gives great value when compared with other Perth suburbs.
The outer suburbs of Perth are very affordable, certainly in the southeastern sector. Since the homes found here are spacious and the prices are lower, they appeal to family buyers looking for extra room at a lower cost.
Living on a Budget in Melbourne
Houses in Melton are the cheapest in Melbourne, with an average price of $472,000. The least costly units you can find in Melbourne are in Travancore ($360,000), Melton South ($365,000), and Melton ($383,000).
The western areas of Melbourne are still the most advantageous, as new improvements make them more appealing to buyers and renters. Budget-minded buyers should consider these areas because they are much less expensive than Melbourne’s eastern and northern suburbs.
Sydney’s Prize Sites
Houses in San Remo on the Central Coast, part of Sydney, are the most affordable in the city at $694,000. In Sydney, Carramar offers the most affordable accommodation option for a unit at $420,000.
While life in Sydney can be pricey, the Central Coast and southwestern parts of the city are still more affordable. These areas take much longer to reach the city center, but apartments and houses there are less expensive.
Conclusion
Other Australian cities offer a high standard of living at a price lower than what you would find in Sydney and Melbourne. Because Adelaide offers culture, Hobart has nature, and Perth is sunny, these areas prove great options for affordable living in Australia.
The cheapest city in Australia in 2025 offers diverse options for different lifestyles and preferences. Wherever you want to live in Australia, whether near the sea, in a cit,y or in the country, you can find an affordable city for you.
If any of these places sounds appealing, think about both the low living costs and the jobs, lifestyle, and personal interests you can find there. Depending on a person’s needs, what makes a city affordable can be different; however, this guide helps explain Australia’s most affordable options.
If you spend some time in an inexpensive part of Australia and use wise spending tips, you don’t have to worry much about the cost of living.
FAQS( Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is the most economical place to live in the capital cities of Australia?
Hobart is currently Australia’s cheapest city in Australia to live in, followed closely by Adelaide. It is much cheaper to get housing in Perth and Hobart compared to Melbourne and Sydney, since a place there will cost you around 35% less than in Melbourne.
Q2. Is it possible to find affordable coastal cities in Australia?
Some coastal cities are affordable places to live. The Gold Coast is the most affordable among all the coastal cities, with Wollongong and Bunbury coming next. Having a beach lifestyle in these cities is more affordable than it is in Sydney’s coast.
Q3. Is it less costly to fly to Adelaide when compared to Sydney?
The cost of housing in Adelaide is nearly 40% less than what you would pay in Sydney. You can expect to pay around AUD 1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Adelaide, but the price in Sydney is around AUD 2,200.
Q4. Where in Australia can visitors find an affordable place with good employment options?
In Canberra, people can find good jobs in the government and public sectors while also enjoying a reasonable cost of living. In Adelaide, people can find work in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, and at the same time enjoy a low cost of living.
Q5. Which Australian cities are the least expensive for international students?
The QS Best Student Cities 2025 report indicates that international students have some of the lowest living costs in Australia in Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane, with a rating of 32.5, 30.2, 28.1, 26.1, and 23.8, respectively.
Q6. How can I find the cheapest city in Australia that suits my lifestyle?
To find the cheapest city in Australia that matches your lifestyle preferences, consider factors like climate preferences, desired proximity to nature or urban amenities, and career opportunities in your field. Search for the parts of affordable cities that meet your needs and are friendly to your budget.
