The Best Cities in Australia to Live and Work: Top Employers, Universities, and Cost of Living

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Apr 25, 2023 08:53 AM

Australia is one of the most progressive and immigrant-friendly countries in the world. The high-quality Australian lifestyle, the joyful Australian Culture and the incredible job opportunities make Australia one of the best destinations in the world to live in. Here, we have listed some of the best cities in Australia to live and work in.

The Best Cities in Australia to Live and Work

Let us take a look at some of the best cities in Australia.

1. Adelaide, South Australia

Image Source: Jason Wagner, Pixabay

Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city located in South Australia’s province. The parkland city is the fifth most populous city in the country. One of the most research-intensive universities in the country, the University of Adelaide, is situated here. It is considered one of the best cities in Australia to work in, especially for graduates from Australian Universities. Its relatively small size makes getting around the city quick and more accessible.

You can also participate in cultural celebrations, festivals, visit wine tasting centres or dine at award-winning restaurants, during weekends or holidays.

Prestigious Universities in Adelaide

The University of Adelaide

Torrens University

University of South Australia

Flinders University

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide Botanic Garden

South Australian Museum

Adelaide Oval

Top employers in Adelaide

Apple

Westpac Group

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Deloitte

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cost of living per month: AU$1800-AU$2200

2. Brisbane, Queensland

Situated on the banks of river Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland- Brisbane. Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia and the most populous city in Queensland. Brisbane is a popular destination among international students due to the quality of education and affordable tuition fees. The city is an excellent choice for job seekers, as it is very welcoming to those who want to contribute to the nation’s economic growth. Brisbane has a high number of founder-led businesses like the Suncorp, Domino’s Pizza and Aurizon Holdings.

The city has many tourist attractions, restaurants that offer many mouthwatering foods and gorgeous destinations where you can get lost in nature.

Prestigious Universities in Brisbane

University of Queensland

Griffith University

Queensland University of Technology

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

South Bank Parklands

Sea World

Story Bridge

Glass House Mountains National Park

Top employers in Brisbane

Suncorp

Domino's pizza

Aurizon Holdings

Star Entertainment Group

Cost of living per month: AU$2100-AU$2300

3. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

There are several reasons why you would want to live in the Australian capital. 25% of the residents in Canberra are born outside Australia. It is considered one of the safest cities in the country. Thousands of international citizens come to Canberra every year, either for education or employment opportunities. It is an affordable city, especially compared to bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Although Canberra does not have beautiful beaches like most cities on this list, there are plenty of other places where you can enjoy yourself like parklands and recreational centres. If you are a fan of history, you will find several interesting places to visit here.

Prestigious Universities in Canberra

University of Canberra

Australian National University

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

Australian War Memorial

Parliament House

National Arboretum

Telstra Tower

National Museum of Australia

Top employers in Canberra

Accenture

Deloitte

Australian Taxation Office

Cost of living per month: AU$1700-AU$2000

4. Hobart, Tasmania

Australia as a whole is known for its scenic beauty; however, Tasmania is just breathtakingly beautiful. The city is blessed with fantastic weather, low pollution, affordable rent and an excellent transportation system, making Hobart one of the best cities in Australia to live in. The city, in general, is pretty safe and people are quite friendly.

Moreover, as fewer students are studying in Hobart, the competition for jobs and housing is less. International citizens graduating from Tasmanian universities may find it easier to apply for Permanent Residency to live and work in the State. You can visit some beautiful historical and natural attractions in and around the city.

Prestigious University in Hobart

University of Tasmania

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

Salamanca Market

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Cascade Brewery

Mount Wellington

Top employers in Hobart

TPG Telecom

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Deloitte

Coca-Cola Amatil

Cost of living per month: AU$1700-AU$1900

5. Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne is the second-most populous city in Australia. Expats love to move to Melbourne because it is one of Australia’s most diverse and welcoming cities. There is a massive availability of job opportunities, and the unemployment rate is meagre. The city is home to some of the world’s best universities. Melbourne is an excellent place for new entrepreneurs and fresh out of college graduates planning to start their own business due to the city’s location and financial benefits.

Melburnians are some of the happiest people in the world, and they love living in the city. Be it Indian, Mexican, Greek or Thai, you will always find a place to satisfy your food cravings. Coffee lovers will love Melbourne, as the city is known for its incredible one of a kind Melburnian coffee.

Prestigious Universities in Melbourne

University of Melbourne

Monash University

Deakin University

RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

La Trobe University

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

Queen Victoria Market

National Gallery of Victoria

Eureka Skydeck

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens

Melbourne Zoo

Top employers in Melbourne

Deloitte

Apple

Chevron

Cost of living per month: AU$1700-AU$1900

6. Perth, Western Australia

Image Source: Australia.com

Perth is a metropolitan city in Western Australia, that is known for its architectural heritage and lifestyle. The city’s refreshing and warm environment makes you feel like you are on vacation. It is currently the fourth populous city in Australia and one of the safest cities in the country. One of the reasons for Perth being the best cities in Australia to live in, is its comparatively affordable cost of living.

The east coast is mainly known for its quality education. The city is home to some of the best schools and universities; which means your kids will get the best education. Food lovers will enjoy Perth as it is the home to some of Australia’s best fine dining restaurants.

Prestigious Universities in Perth

University of Western Australia

Murdoch University

Curtin University

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

AQWA The Aquarium of Western Australia

Fremantle Markets

Perth Zoo

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

The Bell Tower

Top employers in Perth

Apple

Deloitte

Accenture

Chevron

Cost of living per month: AU$1900-AU$2200

7. Sydney, New South Wales

Nothing beats the Emerald city of Sydney. It is the largest city in Australia with a population of over 5 million. The city’s Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are iconic monuments, instantly recognizable to many people in the world. Thousands of people flock to Sydney in search of jobs; be it on a skilled work visa or a working holiday visa, you will have plenty of options to choose from.

With over 100 beaches, theatre experiences and award-winning restaurants, you will never be bored in Sydney. Although nicknamed as the sin city in the 20th century due to heightened underworld activities, the city is currently one of the world’s safest cities, having a very low crime rate for the last 40 years.

Prestigious Universities in Sydney

University of Sydney

University of New South Wales

Western Sydney University

Macquarie University

University of Technology, Sydney

Prominent Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Sydney Opera House

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Darling Harbor

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Top employers in Sydney

Deloitte

Accenture

Amazon

Apple

Oracle

Cost of living per month: AU$2500-AU$3000

Other Great Cities in Australia to Live and Work

City	State	Population
Darwin	Northern Territory	148,564
Gold Coast	Queensland	679,127
Wollongong	New South Wales	245,942
Newcastle	New South Wales	308,308
Alice Springs	Northern Territory	26,534
Cairns	Queensland	152,729

Conclusion

Australia is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the world. This article aims to introduce you to the best cities in Australia to Live and Work in by presenting the details about the cost of living, top employers, best universities in the city and more. Whether you wish to pursue MS in Australia or live or work there, this blog will help you choose the best cities in Australia.