Compare Australia's main cities by cost of living, climate, work opportunities and lifestyle to find the destination that suits you best.
Australia is a huge country and every city offers a completely different experience.
Living in a big city like Sydney or Melbourne is nothing like living in a coastal spot like the Gold Coast or a quieter city like Adelaide.
The climate changes. So do the cost of living, the work opportunities, the student scene and even the pace of daily life.
That's why choosing your city well is one of the most important decisions before starting your Australian adventure.
In this guide we help you compare Australia's main cities so you can find the one that best fits your budget, your goals and the lifestyle you're after.
The four questions that will help you choose a city
There's no perfect city.
There's the city that fits you best.
Before you decide, we recommend answering these four questions.
1. What's your budget?
Accommodation will be, by far, your biggest expense during your stay.
If you want to keep the cost of living as low as possible, cities like Adelaide, Hobart, Cairns or Darwin usually offer more affordable rent than Sydney or Melbourne.
If, on the other hand, you'd rather live in a big city with a very wide choice of courses and jobs, a bigger budget may be worth it.
2. What kind of climate do you prefer?
Australia's climate varies a lot by region.
You can choose cities with four distinct seasons, like Melbourne or Hobart; enjoy a Mediterranean climate in Perth and Adelaide; or live with warm temperatures almost all year round in Brisbane, Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.
There are also tropical destinations, like Cairns and Darwin, where the climate and lifestyle are very different from the rest of the country.
3. What do you want to study?
English courses are available in most cities, but the range of other programmes varies by destination.
The big cities concentrate the widest choice of vocational training and universities, while other destinations have a smaller selection.
Choosing a city and choosing a course tend to be decisions that go hand in hand.
4. What kind of experience are you after?
Every city has a different personality.
Some people want the energy of a big city, others prefer living near the beach, and there are students who prioritise a lower cost of living or a calmer setting.
Thinking about what you want your day-to-day to look like will go a long way towards making the right decision.
Comparing Australia's main cities
Australian cities offer very different lifestyles.
In the table below you'll find a quick comparison of the climate, the approximate cost of accommodation and the type of student each destination tends to suit best.
Prices are indicative and can vary by neighbourhood, type of accommodation and time of year. Use this table as a reference to compare cities and plan your budget.
| If you're looking for… | Recommended cities |
|---|---|
| The biggest choice of schools and universities | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Best balance between cost and opportunities | Brisbane, Perth |
| Beach and surf life | Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay |
| Saving on accommodation | Adelaide, Hobart |
| Work in hospitality and tourism | Gold Coast, Cairns, Sunshine Coast |
| Tropical climate | Cairns, Darwin |
| A quiet atmosphere | Hobart, Adelaide |
| Big city and a big international scene | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Nature and a relaxed pace | Byron Bay, Hobart |
Australia's main cities
The big cities: Sydney and Melbourne
If you're after the widest choice of courses, a very broad job market and a large international community, Sydney and Melbourne are the most complete options.
They're also the cities with the highest cost of living, especially for accommodation, though in return they offer an enormous range of opportunities to both study and work.
The east coast: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay
These cities stand out for their warm climate, their outdoor lifestyle and a strong tourism industry.
Brisbane offers an excellent balance between quality of life and job opportunities, while Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are very popular with people looking for beach life and hospitality work.
Byron Bay, for its part, is a perfect option for people who prefer a more relaxed pace of life.
More affordable capitals: Perth, Adelaide and Hobart
These cities usually offer a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne without giving up an excellent quality of life.
They're a good option if you want to study in a quieter city, with more affordable rent and a less crowded feel.
The tropical north: Cairns and Darwin
If you're after a different kind of experience, Cairns and Darwin offer a tropical setting unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Tourism carries a lot of weight in the local economy, so there tend to be job opportunities in hospitality and services, especially during high season.
How Australian Way helps you
Choosing a city is one of the most important decisions before travelling to Australia.
It will shape not just your cost of living, but also the climate, the work opportunities, the student scene and the lifestyle you'll have during your experience.
That's why it all starts with a free call where we talk about your goals, your budget and the kind of experience you're after.
With that information, we'll help you identify the cities that fit you best and answer all your questions so you can decide with confidence.
Once you've chosen your city, we'll also be with you through choosing your study programme and the whole preparation for your trip.
And when you arrive in Australia, our team will be there to help you through your first days and make settling in much easier.
Frequently asked questions about Australia's cities
What's the cheapest city to study in?
In general, Adelaide, Hobart, Cairns and Darwin tend to offer a lower cost of living than the big cities, especially when it comes to accommodation.
What's the most expensive city?
Sydney and Melbourne have the highest cost of living, though they also offer the widest choice of courses and one of the broadest job markets in the country.
Where is it easiest to find work?
Cities with strong tourist activity, like Gold Coast, Cairns, Sunshine Coast or Byron Bay, tend to offer plenty of opportunities in hospitality and tourism.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, on the other hand, have a broader and more diverse job market.
Can I change cities during my stay?
Yes. If your plans change, you can continue your studies in another city as long as you meet the relevant requirements and arrange the change with your school.
Which city is best for surfing and beach life?
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay are among the favourite destinations for people who want a life built around the sea.
Perth also stands out for its beaches, while Cairns gives you access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Which city is best for university study?
Sydney and Melbourne concentrate the biggest university offering, though Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also have internationally recognised universities.
Ready to choose your city in Australia?
The city you choose will shape a big part of your experience.
If you're still not sure which destination is right for you, book a free call with our team.
We'll help you compare the options and find the city that best fits your goals, your budget and the lifestyle you're after.
Start preparing your Australian adventure today!
