Top And Best Places to Live in Australia in 2024

Each of the cities in Australia has its distinct characteristics that may fit better for one than the others. The question is how do you make your pick: How do you know the best cities to live in Australia?

It always comes down to factors, and by assessing them, it’s a lot easier to list them down. With the respected ranking from the Global Liveability Index, evaluating the living cost, economy, life quality, and employment rates, these are the places we’ve gathered as the best cities to live in Australia. 

If you’re in for a new move to Australia, read between the lines and make a pick on the city that makes you feel loved, warm, secure, and happy to settle into Aussie life!

Where is the best place to live in Australia?

Melbourne

Top sights in Melbourne: National Gallery of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Skydeck, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Museum, etc

As one of the most liveable cities in Australia and third in the world index, it is everyone’s favorite pick! The student population thrives here as Melbourne is so multicultural and diverse creating a safe and secure environment making it the best place to live in Australia. The universities offer quality education in various courses. It is a cultural melting point combined with marvelous architecture and an art scene. The living expenses (Avg: AU$ 2,000/month) in Melbourne are 30.5% less expensive than in New York. The cost of living in Melbourne will include student accommodation in Melbourne, food, travel, and other expenses. 

Please bear in mind that this will not include your tuition fees. The cost of living expenses will also depend on your lifestyle altogether!

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne for Students:

• Carlton 
• Fitzroy 
• Parkville 
• Brunswick 
• South Yarra

Sydney 

Top sights in Sydney: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Art Gallery of New South Wales, etc

Sydney is not only the best city to live in Australia but an ideal study destination too. It’s known for its opera house, stunning architecture, and knowledge institutions like the University of Sydney. The economy thrives here with a focus on education, business centers, and providing job opportunities. It is also the safest city to live in the world which provides a safe and secure environment for residents. The living expenses in Sydney will range between (AU$ 1,900 to AU$ 2,216/month) which will include student accommodation in Sydney, food, travel, and other expenses. Please bear in mind that this will not include your tuition fees. The cost of living and spending in Sydney will also depend on your lifestyle. 

Where do most students live in Sydney?

• Darlington
• Haymarket
• Marrickville
• Randwick
• Chippendale

Brisbane

Top sights in Brisbane: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland, Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout, South Bank Parklands, etc

Brisbane is an affordable city and one of the best places to live in Australia. The people of Brisbane as warm as its weather make it such a welcoming destination to live and settle comfortably. It is one of the country’s growing economies developing in various sectors in tourism, hospitality, health, and a few other sectors. As the third largest city in the country, there’s an abundance of green spaces that balance out the warm weather. With its institutions, low living expenses ( AU$ 400 to AU$ 750/week), and amiable people, it’s a demanded place to stay in Australia.  The cost of your monthly expenses in Brisbane will include the rent of student accommodation in Brisbane, eating, transportation, and other expenses. Keep in mind that this will not cover your tuition fee. All the monthly expenses will depend on your lifestyle.

Best Student Neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia

• Toowong
• Kelvin Grove
• East Brisbane
• Woolloongabba
• New Farm
• Mount Gravatt
• West End

Adelaide

Top sights in Adelaide: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide Botanic Garden, Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, etc

The low living expenses of Adelaide put the city on a high bar as the best city in Australia compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The average cost of expenses in Adelaide is ( AU$ 350 and AU$ 700/week), and this will depend on your lifestyle.  Now, this will only cover the rental cost of student accommodation in Adelaide, the food cost, travel, and other miscellaneous expenses. You should know that this does not cover your tuition fees. The monthly cost of expenses in Adelaide will depend on your spending habits. Living in Adelaide allows anyone to enjoy the best of city and beach life as they are only stones thrown away! This city is also known for its chill budget friendly cafes, great food scene, and fun nightlife.  And, with so many green spaces, it offers a high quality of life to the residents. 

What is the best area to live in Adelaide?

• Unley
• Joe’s Henley Beach
• North Adelaide
• Aldgate
• Prospect

Perth

Top sights in Perth: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Elizabeth Quay, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Fremantle Markets, The Art Gallery of Western Australia, etc 

Perth is one of the best cities to live in Australia if you want to boost your career. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, the economy is thriving with huge job employment. In terms of living, it is a safe city, compact, easy to get around with a great and diverse community from across the world. There are many educational institutions with a huge student population. The best part about living in Perth is the low cost of everything, from food, student accommodation in Perth, transportation, and just a place to enjoy life. On average, the cost of living in Perth will range between (AU$ 1485 to AU$ 1773 per/month). This will not cover your tuition fees and it will vary and depend on your lifestyle.

Where do students live in Perth Australia?

• City Beach 
• Cottesloe 
• Crawley
• Fremantle 
• Northbridge