Australia is a prime destination for professionals because it offers a robust economy and high standards of living. The country also offers diverse opportunities across various industries. Additionally, Australia’s commitment to work-life balance and its multicultural environment makes it an appealing place to live and work in.
Trying to select a city to migrate to in Australia can be a little overwhelming. To reduce the confusion and help you decide which is the best city to work in Australia for yourself, the following will include our city recommendations as well as additional information that you must consider before making your decision.
What makes a city ideal for work?
Since your priority is working, selecting a city based on this precedent ensures you’ll enjoy your work, and also consider it to be your future hometown. Some of the criteria that makes any city the best city to work in Australia are:
- Employment Opportunities – Strong employment opportunities contribute to a higher quality of life, as well as peace of mind, as you have the freedom of quitting if required without worrying about finding new work.
- Industry Strengths – Industry strengths are crucial when selecting a city because they determine the availability of job opportunities in your field. Such cities often attract skilled professionals, fostering a vibrant professional community and networking opportunities.
- Quality of Life – A city with good healthcare, education, and recreational facilities ensures a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Additionally, a high quality of life can reduce stress and improve productivity, making it easier to thrive and be satisfied both personally and professionally.
- Cost of Living – Cities with a high cost of living can strain your budget, making it harder to afford housing, transportation, and other essentials. On the contrary, a city with a reasonable cost of living allows you to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and save for the future.
- Work-Life Balance – A city that supports work-life balance allows you to enjoy personal time and reduce stress. This balance enhances productivity and job satisfaction, allowing you to thrive in both your career and personal life.
- Career Growth Potential – A city with growth opportunities offers promotions, skill enhancements, and diverse job roles. This potential ensures you can achieve your career goals and remain competitive in your field.
10 Best Cities for Work in Australia
Certain cities in Australia are more suitable for working than others. Here’s our recommendations for the best cities to work in Australia.
- Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is an economic powerhouse with many industries. The availability of leading schools, universities and healthcare facilities makes Sydney very family friendly, and the beautiful beaches, parks and vibrant culture scenes around the city complement this. It is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
· Cost of living : AU$ 6,240 (without rent).
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment:AU$ 3,291-AU$ 2,340.
The in-demand jobs in the city in: Technology, Healthcare, Construction and Education.
Leading Companies in the city: WiseTech Global, Commonwealth Bank, BHP and Telstra.
- Melbourne, Victoria
A major business hub and administrative center with a thriving professional services sector, Melbourne has excellent healthcare, education and infrastructure. It also offers a variety of leisure activities like beaches to parks.
· Cost of living: AU$ 4,771 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 1,800- AU$ 2,500.
In-Demand Job sectors: Healthcare, Technology, Construction, Education.
Leading Companies in the city: Airwallex, Canva, ANZ, Macquarie Group, CSL Limited, Coles Group.
- Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane has a comparatively lower cost of living and the availability of affordable housing makes it popular with migrant professionals. Brisbane is also close to the Golden coast and Sunshine Coast, making outdoor activities more attractive in this city.
· Cost of living: AU$ 4,865 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 3,231- AU$ 3,838.
In-demand jobs sectors: Healthcare, Technology, Construction, Education
Leading Companies in the city: NEXTDC, Over the Wire, Suncorp Group, Woollam Constructions, Epic Environmental.
- Perth, Western Australia
With beautiful beaches and many outdoor activities, Perth is known for its healthy work-life balance and low cost of living. It has strong job prospects due to growth in finance, insurance, professional services, public administration, mining, construction and healthcare.
· Cost of living: AU$ 1,649 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom: AU$ 1,464.
In-Demand Job sectors:
· Healthcare, Engineering & Construction, IT & Technical Services
Leading Companies in the city: Woodside Energy, Fortescue Metals Group, The Brand Agency. Healthengine , Wesfarmers, Karara Mining Ltd.
- Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide has high living standards, excellent healthcare and a laid-back lifestyle with more public holidays than in many other regions. It is home to some of the top educational institutions of the country, and has a growing job market in sectors like technology, defense, healthcare and education.
· Cost of living: AU$ 1,777 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 1,288.
In-Demand sectors: Healthcare, Manufacturing & Logistics, IT & Technical Services
Leading Companies: Santos, Beach Energy, Thomas Foods International, Peregrine Corporation, Argo Investments
- Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
With high to average wages and low employment rates, Canberra is a very promising city for professionals. Along with having excellent healthcare and living standards, the city is close to nature reserves and many outdoor activities, making it easy for residents to adapt to a healthy lifestyle.
· The cost of living for a single person per month: AU$ 1,914 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city per month: AU$ 1,634.
In-Demand Job sectors: Healthcare, IT & Technical Services, Public Sector
Leading Companies in the city: Australian Treasury, Department of Defense, Microsoft, Telstra, Bank Australia, Plateau Food Distributors
- Hobart, Tasmania
More affordable than other larger cities of the country, Hobarts has beautiful natural surroundings and plenty of outdoor activities. With high living standards and excellent health care, this city has a growing job market. This is also the home to the prestigious University of Tasmania.
· The cost of living for a single person per month: AU$ 1,722(without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 1,474.
In-Demand Jobs sectors: Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, IT & Technical Services
Leading Companies in the city: Hydro Tasmania, Nyrstar Hobart, Huon Aquaculture, Tasmanian Medical Innovations, Red Jelly, Macquarie Builders
- Gold Coast, Queensland
If a pleasant climate is important to you, then this city will be ideal for you as it has pleasant subtropical climate almost all year long. Home to top universities of the country and having a strong job market makes this city a popular migrating destination.
· Cost of living: AU$ 4,065 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 1,634.
In-Demand Job sectors: Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, IT & Technical Services
Leading Companies: Desygner, NANDYS R&D Pty Ltd, SEE Civil, Ironstar Engineering, Bond University, Griffith University
- Darwin, Northern Territory
With warm and sunny winters and beautiful natural surroundings, this city has a strong job market with opportunities in healthcare, tourism, and technology. With a significant number of the residents are born overseas, many migrants find it easier to call this city their new home.
· Cost of living for a single person: AU$ 3,426 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 2,500.
In-Demand Job sectors: Healthcare, Engineering & Construction, IT & Technical Services, Hospitality & Tourism: Hospitality Staff
Leading Companies: Santos, INPEX, NEC Australia, Telstra, Territory Steel, RAM Services
- Newcastle, New South Wales
A vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and industrial history, New castle offers a high quality of life, many job opportunities and has a strong sense of community. The relatively low cost of living and the numerous community activities make it an exciting city to live and work in.
· Cost of Living: AU$ 3,426 (without rent)
· Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: AU$ 2,500.
In-Demand Job sectors: Healthcare, Hospitality, IT, Tourism Construction.
Leading Companies in the city: MACH Energy, NGM Group, CoverMe Medical.
Despite how most of these cities appear similar in their advantages, carefully considering your personal and professional preferences before making your decision is vital for maximum satisfaction once you’ve moved to Australia. At IMM CONSULTS, we specialize in providing personalized advice, helping you navigate visa processes, and ensuring a smooth transition to your new city. Book a consultation with our experts today for guidance tailored to your needs!
