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7 best cities in Australia to live and work for expats

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7 best cities in Australia to live and work for expats

Are you planning to emigrate to Australia, but don't know which city to choose for your residence? Australia is famous for its sunny climate and is a popular destination for expats. Find out more about the best cities to live and work in Australia 2023-2024

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Australia is one of the most progressive and immigrant-friendly countries in the world. As of 2023, slightly less than 30% of the country's population was born abroad. Around 1 million expats immigrated from the UK and over 700,000 people moved from India.

Australia is generally considered one of the best places in the world to live. The state has a powerful social sphere, a rich culture and numerous prospects for employment.

Also, thanks to the large territory, every new resident will be able to find a place in Australia that will perfectly meet his requirements, because the country has both megacities and wonderful rural towns.

Which cities in Australia are the best to live and work in? The ranking is then based on the popularity of Australian destinations among expats.


Sydney, New South Wales


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,650-2,000;

- Top employers in Sydney: Deloitte, IBM, PwC, Accenture, Amazon, Apple, Oracle.


Sydney is Australia's most famous city, which is often mistaken for the state's capital. It is here that the symbol of the country is located - the famous Opera House. Sydney also impresses visitors with its fabulous blue harbor.

The city is the largest in Australia by population, about 5 million people live here. Sydney is also recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in the world with a very low crime rate. Sydney has a well-developed public transport system, and there is always something to do: sports, music, food. If you are planning to move to a metropolis in Australia - Sydney will be the best option.

The city offers many opportunities for employment, both for several years on a temporary visa, and when moving to permanent residence. The most popular industries in Sydney are financial services, information services and banking.

 

Melbourne, Victoria


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,100-$1,300;

- Top employers in Melbourne: Deloitte, PwC, EY, IBM, Apple, Chevron.


Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, which stands out for its hospitality. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with beautiful architecture, museums and shops.

With a thriving economy, Melbourne is home to many of Australia's leading firms, as well as national organizations such as the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions. This factor makes the city even more attractive for those moving to Australia to build a career. The unemployment rate in the city is minimal.

The most popular industries in Melbourne are information technology, retail and financial services. Also, many brands of clothes, shoes and cosmetics are based here. This means that Melbourne is the best place in Australia to work in the fashion industry.

  Melbourne is recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world. It is distinguished by its system of education, health care, entertainment, sports and tourism. Melbourne also ranks 15th in the ranking of global financial centers.


Perth, Western Australia


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,200-$1,500;

- Top employers in Perth: Apple, Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, IBM, Chevron, BHP.


Perth is a major center for the mining, oil and gas industries. It is currently the fourth most populous city in Australia and one of the safest cities in the country. One of the reasons why Perth is Australia's best city to live in is the relatively affordable cost of living here. Weekends in Perth are a time for beaches, barbecues and beer.

Due to its proximity to Asia, most expats living in the city have close ties to this continent.


Brisbane, Queensland


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,350-$1,500;

- Top employers in Brisbane: Suncorp, Domino's pizza, Aurizon Holdings, Star Entertainment Group.


Brisbane is one of Australia's oldest cities and has been listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world by Rough Guides due to its magnificent architecture, abundance of green spaces and the beautiful Brisbane River that runs through it.

The city is a good choice for job seekers as it is very hospitable to foreigners who want to contribute to the country's economic growth. Brisbane has a strong job market, particularly in healthcare and hospitality. Good salaries, lower rents than the Australian average and affordable property values make it a good place to live.


Adelaide, South Australia


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,200-$1,400;

- Top employers in Adelaide: Westpac Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Deloitte, Hewlett Packard Enterprise.


Adelaide in South Australia is known as the Garden City, as it is designed around central gardens and green belt. The city also has a warm climate, beautiful beaches and low cost of living. Expats looking for a peaceful family life will find it here, because even in the central part of the city there is a harmonious atmosphere.

On weekends and holidays, expats can take part in cultural celebrations, festivals, visit wine tasting centers or dine in award-winning restaurants.


Canberra, Australian Capital Territory


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,200-$1,300;

- Top employers in Canberra: Accenture, Deloitte, PwC, IBM, Australian Taxation Office.


The capital of Australia has several arguments for expats who plan to settle here. After all, first of all, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country, 25% of Canberra residents were born outside of Australia. It is also considered the safest city in the country. Thousands of international visitors travel to Canberra each year to study or work. It's a reasonably priced city, especially compared to bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Consulting and information services are among the most popular professions in this city.

Many attractions are concentrated in Canberra - the Black Mountain Tower, the memorial to Captain James Cook, the man-made lake in the center of the city, etc. One of the capital's most popular events is the annual Barassi international youth Australian rules football tournament.


Hobart, Tasmania


- Cost of accommodation per month (per person): $1,200-$1,300;

- Top employers in Hobart: TPG Telecom, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Deloitte, BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil


Australia as a whole is known for its scenic beauty, but Tasmania is simply unbelievably beautiful. Hobart is one of the best places to live in Australia thanks to its great weather, minimal pollution, cheap rent and excellent transport system.

The city is famous for the Museum of Old and New Art, as well as the Winter Solstice Festival, which usually attracts half a million visitors.


Australia is a good place for expats to live and work. Therefore, to find the perfect place to live in the country, it is best to visit the state before moving.





Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World


To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Australia;

Legal advice on business issues in Australia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Australia;

Medical insurance around the world.




We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.

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