Maybe you’ve been travelling and are ready to put down some roots or perhaps you’re searching for an investment property to sink your teeth into - whatever your situation - Australian cities offer a vibrant array of different lifestyle options with immaculate beaches and natural paradises never too far away. From the thriving arts scene of Melbourne to the high-flying corporate culture of Sydney, there’s always a place to call home!

Sure, compared to both the UK and the USA, the cost of living in Australia is extremely high, but we think it’s worth every pretty penny. Let’s explore the merits of living in the biggest cities in Australia.

Best areas to live in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has reclaimed its title as Australia’s most liveable city for 2026, offering a lifestyle that balances world-class culture with distinct, community-focused neighbourhoods.

The Inner North is currently the city's standout region for lifestyle appeal. Fitzroy North has been crowned Melbourne’s most liveable suburb, prized by residents for its safety, village atmosphere, and access to the lush Edinburgh Gardens. Nearby North Melbourne continues to turn heads, recently named one of the world's "coolest neighbourhoods" for its vibrant arts scene and historic Errol Street precinct.

For those seeking prestige by the water, the Inner South remains the ultimate aspiration. Albert Park tops the list as Melbourne's most-viewed suburb, offering heritage charm and beach access just 10 minutes from the CBD. Meanwhile, Elsternwick has emerged as a major hotspot for 2026, drawing families with its thriving urban village feel and proximity to the Elsternwick Nature Reserve.

In the East, the focus is on amenity and education. Box Hill is rapidly evolving into a secondary CBD, offering high-density living with exceptional transport links and dining options. For established families, Glen Waverley remains a perennial favourite, balancing elite school catchments with the convenience of The Glen shopping precinct.

The West continues to offer a compelling mix of community and value. Yarraville retains its reputation as the perfect "inner-west village," loved for its tight-knit community and café culture. For buyers prioritising affordability without sacrificing connectivity, Footscray and Werribee provide accessible entry points into the market, with the latter benefiting from significant new infrastructure.

Read:  The cheapest suburbs to buy in and around Melbourne

Best areas to live in Sydney, Australia

Despite being Australia’s most expensive city, Sydney offers an unmatched lifestyle defined by its iconic harbour, world-class beaches, and diverse village precincts.

For a coastal lifestyle, the Northern Beaches remains the pinnacle. Manly is the professional's choice, combining surf culture with a fast ferry commute to the CBD. Further north, Avalon Beach attracts those seeking a secluded, artistic holiday-at-home atmosphere.

The Inner West continues to be the city's cultural heartbeat. Marrickville is globally recognised for its live music and multicultural dining scene, while Balmain offers a quieter, historic village feel with harbour views just a short ferry ride from the city.

In the Eastern Suburbs, Coogee provides a relaxed beachside alternative to Bondi, with a strong family focus and vibrant dining. For those wanting city proximity with character, Paddington remains the style hub, famous for its Victorian terraces and high-end boutiques.

Western Sydney has transformed into a self-contained powerhouse. Parramatta thrives as a genuine second CBD with riverside dining and cultural precincts, while Penrith offers families affordability and an active lifestyle at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

The Metro has unlocked the Hills District, making it more accessible than ever. Castle Hill is the go-to for large family homes and major retail, while Rouse Hill offers a modern, master-planned community feel.

In the south, the Sutherland Shire offers a coastal sanctuary with a distinct local pride. Cronulla is unique for its train-accessible beach lifestyle, while Sutherland serves as an affordable gateway to the Royal National Park.

Learn more about the Sydney property market.

Best areas to live in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, celebrated for its affordability, festival culture, and 20-minute accessibility.

For beachside living, Glenelg is the premier choice, offering a bustling retail precinct and tram access directly to the city. Brighton provides a more relaxed, family-focused coastal alternative with a strong café culture.

The Adelaide Hills offer a unique tree-change lifestyle just minutes from the CBD. Stirling is renowned for its autumnal beauty, organic markets, and tight-knit community, while Crafers offers similar leafy appeal with even faster city access.

In the inner suburbs, Norwood is the lifestyle hub, famous for the Parade’s dining and shopping strip. Unley and Parkside are equally prestigious, known for their leafy streets and high-end boutiques.

For those seeking value and growth, Prospect blends historic charm with a modern cinema and dining scene, while Bowden has transformed into a trendy, high-density urban village perfect for young professionals.

Learn more about the Adelaide property market.

Best areas to live in Perth, Australia

Perth continues to defy national trends, offering an enviable climate, economic resilience, and a lifestyle centred around the Swan River and Indian Ocean.

For coastal living, Cottesloe remains the icon, famous for its Norfolk pines, white sands, and vibrant Sunday sessions. Further north, Scarborough has transformed into a high-energy beachfront hub, with a revamped esplanade and skate park attracting a younger demographic.

The western suburbs are the epitome of prestige. Dalkeith offers grand estates on large blocks surrounded by river on three sides, while Subiaco has re-emerged as a sophisticated urban village with renewed nightlife and boutique shopping.

For families seeking community and greenery, Mount Lawley is a standout. Its heritage protection ensures leafy streets remain intact, while the Beaufort Street strip offers some of the city's best dining.

In the south, Fremantle operates as a cultural counterweight to the CBD, beloved for its historic architecture, arts scene, and busy markets. The adjacent East Fremantle offers a quieter, riverside alternative with stunning views and parks.

Learn more about the Perth property market. 

Best areas to live in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane has evolved into a sophisticated global city, with its lifestyle defined by a booming riverfront, subtropical climate, and the excitement of the upcoming 2032 Olympics.

For riverfront prestige, New Farm remains the crown jewel. It offers a walkable village lifestyle with the Powerhouse arts precinct and New Farm Park as its backyard. Nearby Teneriffe blends industrial heritage with luxury, famous for its woolstore apartments and high-end dining scene.

The inner-north is a magnet for families. Paddington is beloved for its steep, hilly streets lined with Queenslander homes and boutique shopping. Ashgrove offers a leafier, more spacious alternative with excellent schools and a strong community feel.

Across the river, West End is the cultural hub, known for its eclectic mix of markets, live music, and diverse dining. It offers a high-energy urban lifestyle within walking distance of the South Bank parklands.

For those seeking bayside living, Wynnum and Manly offer a relaxed coastal atmosphere with a bustling esplanade and marina, all within a reasonable commute to the CBD.

Bulimba is another riverside favourite, offering a village-like atmosphere centred around Oxford Street’s cinema and cafes, just a short ferry ride from the city. Meanwhile, South Brisbane puts you in the heart of the action, with the Cultural Centre, major galleries, and the best of South Bank’s dining right on your doorstep.

Read: Best places to invest in Queensland

Best areas to live in Canberra, Australia

Canberra combines the best of urban living with an abundance of nature, offering a sophisticated lifestyle with minimal commute times.

Kingston is the lifestyle capital, centred on the vibrant Foreshore precinct with its mix of modern apartments, lakefront dining, and the popular Old Bus Depot Markets. Nearby Barton offers a more prestigious feel, home to government offices and high-end hotels within walking distance of the lake.

For families, Yarralumla provides large blocks and leafy streets near the diplomatic missions, while Curtin is increasingly sought after for its central location and strong community vibe.

In the north, Braddon has transformed into the city's hipster heart, famous for Lonsdale Street’s coffee roasters, breweries, and boutiques. Dickson is also gaining traction as a multicultural dining hub with excellent light rail connectivity.

Further out, Gungahlin offers a modern, self-contained lifestyle with its own town centre and light rail connectivity, while Coombs in the Molonglo Valley attracts nature lovers with its proximity to the river and Arboretum.

Best areas to live in Hobart, Australia

Hobart offers a relaxed, maritime lifestyle that is increasingly attracting mainlanders seeking heritage charm and natural beauty.

Battery Point remains the city’s most prestigious enclave, famous for its Georgian cottages and village atmosphere just a short walk from Salamanca Place. Sandy Bay offers a similar level of exclusivity but with a focus on larger family homes, river views, and proximity to the university.

For those seeking a creative, bohemian vibe, West Hobart is the clear winner. Its steep streets offer incredible city vistas, and the Hill Street Grocer is a local institution.

North of the city, North Hobart is the undisputed dining and entertainment hub, with the Elizabeth Street strip offering everything from craft beer to independent cinema.

Lenah Valley is a hidden gem for families, offering a semi-rural feel with direct access to Mount Wellington’s trails, yet only 10 minutes from the CBD. Bellerive on the eastern shore provides a relaxed, village lifestyle with its own marina, beach, and major sporting stadium.