The cost of living has been rising steadily in Australia, and it continues to do so in 2025. Despite some relief from falling electricity and fuel prices, the overall trend remains upwards. Many Australians feel financially worse off compared to previous years, leading to cautious spending habits.
This brings about the importance of finding budget-friendly cities in Australia to migrate to, as it’s crucial for maintaining affordability and quality of life. These cities offer lower living costs, allowing its residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without financial strain, providing access to essential services, affordable recreational activities, and community support- enhancing overall well-being.
If you are planning on migrating to Australia, then the article below will work as a guideline on how to select a budget-friendly city, as well as give you a general idea about the top 5 affordable and cheapest cities in Australia to live in and migrate to. Make sure to consult agents such as IMM Consult to help you navigate the migration process and provide assistance with relocation to the cost-effective cities below and job procurement.
What are the Criteria for Selecting Budget-Friendly cities to migrate to in 2025?
· Cost of Living - evaluate housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs per month.
· Employment opportunities - Cities with strong job markets and diverse industries provide a certain financial security and peace of mind.
· Quality of Life - access to healthcare, education and recreational facilities.
· Public Transport - consider the availability and affordability of public transport to cut down on transportation costs.
· Safety - Check crime rates and overall safety of the city.
· Climate - Factor in the city’s climate and how it aligns with your preferences.
· Community Support - Cities with established migrant communities and support services tend to make life as a migrant more pleasant.
The Cheapest Cities in Australia in 2025.
01. Adelaide
Known for its Mediterranean climate, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, Adelaide offers a high quality of life that is both nature friendly and urban. The cost of living per person is approximately AU$ 4,058 per month, including housing, food and transport.
Key attractions of Adelaide include the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Oval, and the South Australian Museum. The city also boasts of beautiful beaches and many cultural hubs.
Employment opportunities in Adelaide span various sectors, including healthcare, education, and retail. The city is also the home to prestigious educational institutes like the University of Adelaide and TAFE SA.
02. Hobart
A charming city known for its rich history, Hobart is also well known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural beauty. Hobart also offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. The monthly cost of living in Hobart per person is approximately AU$2,265, including housing, rent and transport.
Key attractions in the city include the iconic Museum of Old and New Art, the historic Salamanca Market, and the summit of Mount Wellington. In addition to this, visitors of Hobart also enjoy its beautiful waterfronts and a thriving food and wine scene.
Hobart offers various job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education and tourism. The city is also the home to the University of Tasmania.
03. Canberra
With a rich cultural heritage and vibrant community, Canberra offers its citizens a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The monthly cost of living per person is approximately AU$2,393, including housing, food and transport.
Canberra’s most famous attractions include the Australian War Memorial, New Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and Lake Burley Griffin.
Employment opportunities in the city extend to sectors including government, education and healthcare. In addition to this, Canberra is also the home to the Australian National University and the University of Canberra.
04. Newcastle
A vibrant coastal city with stunning beaches and an illustrious history, Newcastle experiences mild winters and warm summers. The monthly cost of living in the city per person is approximately AU$1,833, including housing, food and transport.
Key attractions of the area include the iconic Merewether Ocean Baths, the historic Fort Scratchley, and the scenic Newcastle Museum; however, tourists are also known to enjoy the beautiful beaches in the city and the cultural hubs as well.
Employment opportunities in Newcastle are in abundance, in a variety of sectors including healthcare, education and retail. In addition to this, the city is also the home to the University of Newcastle.
05. Geelong
A bustling port city that has a thriving art scene and an equally colorful history, Geelong also has stunning waterfronts. The cost of living for a single person monthly is approximately AU$1,892, including housing, food and transport.
Tourist favorites from the city include the Easter Beach Reserve, the National Wool Museum and the Geelong Botanical Gardens. Geelong also offers lively cultural scenes and picturesque beaches.
Employment opportunities in Geelong span various sectors, including Healthcare, Education and Manufacturing. In addition to this, this city is also the home to the prestigious Deakin University.
From day one, the correct budget-friendly city can change your entire migrating experience. Not only does it make your day-to-day life easier to navigate, with the right steps, it can also help you save for your future. Migration agents like IMM Consult play a tremendous role in the process of migration, simplifying the entire experience with their expert guidance. Take your first steps towards migration confidently with IMM Consult by booking your first appointment, today!
