Where to Live
Melbourne
Melbourne: Best for Culture, Cafés and Public Transport
Melbourne is the best city for renters who want a vibrant, cultural lifestyle with excellent public transport. It’s regularly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities and is known for its café culture, laneways, arts scene and sport.
Inner suburbs such as Fitzroy, Richmond and South Yarra suit young professionals, while leafy areas such as Hawthorn, Kew and Brighton are popular with families. Melbourne’s tram network is one of the largest in the world, so car-free living is realistic in many inner areas.
Best for: Professionals, students and families
Popular suburbs: Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, Hawthorn, Kew, Brighton
Getting around: Trams, trains and buses; many inner areas don’t need a car
Things to consider: The weather is changeable, and well-located rentals are highly competitive
Sydney
Sydney: Best for Harbour Living and Career Opportunities
Sydney is the best city for renters who want beaches, harbour views and Australia’s largest job market. It combines a global business centre with an outdoor lifestyle.
Suburbs such as Surry Hills, Newtown and Balmain offer inner-city character, while the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches appeal to those wanting coastal living. Trains, ferries, light rail and buses connect most major areas to the CBD.
Best for: Career movers and beach lovers
Popular suburbs: Surry Hills, Newtown, Balmain, Bondi, Coogee, Manly
Getting around: Trains, ferries, light rail and buses
Things to consider: Sydney is Australia’s most expensive rental market, and space comes at a premium
Brisbane
Brisbane: Best for a Relaxed, Subtropical Lifestyle
Brisbane is the best city for renters who want a relaxed, warm-weather lifestyle with more space for their money. It has a growing economy, a riverside CBD and easy access to both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Inner suburbs such as New Farm, Paddington and West End are popular with professionals, while areas such as Ascot, Bulimba and Indooroopilly suit families.
Best for: Families and professionals wanting more space
Popular suburbs: New Farm, Paddington, West End, Ascot, Bulimba, Indooroopilly
Getting around: Trains, buses and river ferries
Things to consider: Rental demand has grown strongly, and summers are hot and humid
Adelaide
Adelaide: Best for Value and Short Commutes
Adelaide is the best city for renters who want an easy pace of life, short commutes and good value. It’s known for world-class food and wine regions, heritage homes and a compact, easy-to-navigate layout.
Suburbs such as North Adelaide, Norwood and Unley offer heritage homes and village-style shopping strips, while beachside areas such as Glenelg and Henley Beach are popular year-round.
Best for: Families and those wanting value and short commutes
Popular suburbs: North Adelaide, Norwood, Unley, Glenelg, Henley Beach
Getting around: Compact city with trams, trains and buses
Things to consider: The rental market is tight, and well-presented homes lease quickly
Perth
Perth: Best for Sunshine, Beaches and a Strong Economy
Perth is the best city for renters who want sunshine, beaches and an outdoor lifestyle backed by a strong economy, driven largely by the resources sector.
Suburbs such as Subiaco, Mount Lawley and Leederville suit those wanting cafés and city access, while Cottesloe, Scarborough and Fremantle appeal to beach lovers.
Best for: Resources professionals and outdoor lovers
Popular suburbs: Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Leederville, Cottesloe, Scarborough, Fremantle
Getting around: Trains north and south of the CBD, plus buses
Things to consider: Perth is a long way from the eastern states, and its rental market has been one of the most competitive in the country
Gold Coast
Gold Coast: Best for Beach and Surf Lifestyle
The Gold Coast is the best place for renters who want to live by the beach, with surf, sunshine and an outdoor lifestyle. It also offers a growing range of employment, education and health facilities.
Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach and Palm Beach are popular with professionals and families alike, while Southport offers more urban living and light rail access.
Best for: Beach lifestyle seekers and families
Popular suburbs: Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Palm Beach, Southport
Getting around: Light rail along the coastal strip; most areas are car-dependent
Things to consider: Rents have risen, particularly in beachside suburbs
Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast: Best for a Quieter Coastal Lifestyle
The Sunshine Coast is the best place for renters who want a slower pace of life by the beach, with hinterland towns and national parks nearby. It’s ideal for people who work remotely or locally.
Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra are the best-known areas, while suburbs such as Buderim suit families looking for more space.
Best for: Remote workers and those wanting a slower pace
Popular suburbs: Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Buderim
Getting around: Limited public transport; a car is essential
Things to consider: The rental market is small, and good properties are taken quickly
Other Locations
Other Places to Live in Australia
Looking beyond the major cities? Australia’s smaller cities offer a great lifestyle, often with more space and a slower pace.
Canberra suits public servants and families, with great schools and short commutes. Hobart offers nature, food and a relaxed lifestyle. Darwin suits those wanting tropical living and a multicultural community. Newcastle and Geelong offer beach living within reach of Sydney and Melbourne.
Not sure where to live? Speak to us. We’ll help you find the right area and secure your new rental home, wherever you’re moving.
