Are you curious to know how it feels to live in another part of the world, such as Australia?
Or maybe you’re wondering what it would be like to be a part of a location that provides ample opportunities due to its thriving economy.
Australia is a perfect place to live, as it is full of diverse cultures and much more.
But besides diversity, you’re probably anxious to know the cheapest places to live in Australia.
This guide was put together to provide you with a list of the most affordable cities in Australia to help you along your journey.
14 Cheapest Places to Live in Australia
1. Adelaide
First on the list for offering affordable living in Australia is Adelaide.
Adelaide is a town that is full of entertainment, rich culture, and flavor.
Adelaide is known as the food and wine capital of Australia.
About 1.3 million people are living in Adelaide, it’s known as the fifth-largest city in Australia.
The overall cost of living in Adelaide is $1,378 per month.
In addition, residents who move here can count on various work opportunities.
There are various things to do in Adelaide, including the Adelaide Zoo, the Adelaide Central Market, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
2. Cairns
Cairns is next on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Australia.
It’s located just north of Adelaide and is known for being home to the Great Barrier Reef.
The population of Cairns is about 150,000. Cairns is surrounded by rainforest and the Coral Sea.
That means that it’s the perfect location for those who enjoy snorkeling or diving.
The overall cost of living in Cairns is around $1,395 per month, excluding rent.
There are also several things to do in Cairns, including the Cairns Aquarium, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and Crystal Cascades, just to name a few.
3. Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast also made the list of affordable living in Australia.
Sunshine Coast is located north of Brisbane and is known for being the ninth-largest urban town in the country.
Sunshine Coast is home to more than 300,000 residents.
The overall cost of living is around $1,427 per month.
It’s also one of the most popular areas for residents relocating from another country.
Sunshine Coast offers a variety of amenities and things to do around the city.
So if you decide to make Sunshine Coast your home, consider visiting Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, Noosa Farmers Market, and Noosa National Park.
4. Geelong
Geelong is also worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Australia.
It’s home to the Aussie Rules team and a perfect location for sports fans.
If you love the waterfront, you’ll love living in Geelong, as there are plenty of easy-access beaches and even a marina.
The overall cost of living in Geelong is $1,427 per month.
So, if you’re looking for a smaller town with a lot of flavor, Geelong is the perfect place to live.
There are many things to do in Geelong, including the National Wool Museum, the Geelong Gallery, and the Eastern Beach Reserve.
5. Perth
Perth is a well-known town in Australia and also one of the most affordable to live in.
Perth is surrounded by plenty of beautiful beaches.
It’s also considered a quiet and isolated town.
The overall cost of living in Perth is around $1,444 per month.
Residents living in Perth pay an average of $630 per week on rent.
There are many things to do in Perth, including Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Bell Tower, and Fremantle Markets.
6. Coober Pedy
Located in the southern part of the country is Coober Pedy.
It’s one of the best places to consider living in terms of affordability.
For example, the average rent price in Coober Pedy is around $180 per week.
Moreover, the average sale price of a home is $72,000.
Coober Pedy is known as a popular tourist attraction as well.
There are also plenty of things to do in Coober Pedy, so you’ll never have to worry about getting bored.
The top attractions to check out in Coober Pedy are Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, Tom’s Opal Mine, and Old Timers Mine & Museum.
7. Peterborough
Peterborough also made the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Australia, and for very good reason.
The median sale price of a home in Peterborough is $101,000.
Peterborough is considered a country town, with a population of $1,428.
If you’re curious about entertainment options in Peterborough, there’s a lot to enjoy.
For example, you’ll love Steamtown Heritage Railroad Museum, Greg Duggan Nature Reserve, and Peterborough Motorcycle Museum.
8. Port Pirie West
Port Pirie West is also known as a city of friendly people.
It’s a wonderful town that offers a lot for both residents and tourists.
It is also an appealing town in terms of affordability, as it offers a highly relaxed lifestyle.
The average cost of a home in Port Pirie West is $116,000.
If you prefer to rent, the average rent paid is about $1,000 per month or $250 per week.
Nearly 18,000 people live here as it is both inexpensive and safe.
Notable attractions in the city include the Port Pirie RSL Museum, John Pirie Bridge, and Weronna Island.
9. Tara, Queensland
Tara, Queensland, is a rather rural town located in the Western Downs Region of Australia and is highly regarded for its affordable living.
It’s also well known for its sheep grazing and cattle.
It’s only home to 3,000 people.
The average sale price of a home in Tara, Queensland, is $125,000.
In addition, the property market continues to expand throughout the city.
Moreover, there are plenty of top-rated schools and healthcare facilities in Tara.
Just because Tara is a smaller community doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have much to offer in terms of entertainment.
Several places worth checking out include Tara Lagoon, Walk of Remembrance Gardens, and Settlers Park.
10. Queenstown, Tasmania
Queenstown, Tasmania, is another small town on the list, with a population of only 2,000.
However, it’s also one of the cheapest places to live in Australia.
The city is well-known for its mining.
It’s situated along the west side of Mount Owen.
The median sale price of a home in Queenstown is $170,000.
Renting is also relatively cheap here.
You will pay around $250 per week for rent or $1,000 per month.
Top sights in Queenstown include Horsetail Falls, The Paragon Theater, and Spion Kopf Lookout.
11. Casterton, Victoria
Also worth mentioning is Casterton, Victoria.
It’s one of the most affordable places to live in Australia.
It is well known for the Glenelg River.
It’s also known for being home to the Kelpie breed.
The median home price in Casterton is around $300,000.
The average rent paid is about $500 per week in the city, depending on where you stay.
There are also several things to do throughout the city, including the Australian Kelpie Center, Ess Lagoon, and Mickle Lookout.
12. Coonamble, New South Wales
Coonamble is known for its wool production, sheep rearing, and wheat growing.
It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in the country, as it is only home to around 3,000 residents.
The average sale price of a home here is roughly $127,000.
Renting is also cheap, as many residents pay an average of $800 per month.
Coonamble offers plenty of country pubs and much more.
Several attractions to check out include the Nakadoo Museum and Free Camp, Warrumbungle National Park, and Gulargambone Bowling Club.
13. Manunda, Queensland
Also affordable and worth adding to your list is Manunda, Queensland in Australia.
To this day, the town of Manunda remains affordable, with average home prices around $386,000.
Rent is also cheap, with the average being $1,880 per month.
Manunda is home to 5,400 residents, so it isn’t that big of a city.
However, it still has a lot to offer those who live here.
It’s a preferred location for young families since there are plenty of high-quality schools and daycares in the area.
Things to do around the city include Tusa Reef Tours, Cairns Reef Fishing, and Kuranda Scenic Railway.
14. Charleville, Queensland
Last on the list for offering affordability in Australia is Charleville, Queensland.
3,000 residents call Charleville home and for very good reasons.
It’s only an eight-hour drive from Brisbane.
The average sale price of a home in the city is only $75,000.
The average rent paid is about $920 per month or $230 per week.
An interesting fact about Charleville is that the airport in the city was used as a secret base during World War II.
Top sights in Charleville include Charleville Cosmos Center, WWII Secret Base & Tour, and Graham Andrews Parkland.
Australia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Australia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in Australia compared to the U.S.?
It’s not cheaper to live in Australia than in the U.S.
The cost of living in Australia is 9% higher than the cost of living in the United States.
Australia is number 12 on the list for having the highest cost of living in the entire world.
However, it’s 10% cheaper compared to London.
What city or cities in Australia have the highest cost of living?
The most expensive city in Australia is Sydney.
If you live in Sydney, you’ll end up paying at least a quarter more in living expenses compared to Melbourne or Darwin.
What is the overall cost of living in Australia?
For a single person living in Australia, it costs about $5,082 per month.
In addition, a family of four living in Australia costs around $8,896 per month, not including rent.
