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 offers a diverse range of suburbs for every lifestyle, from vibrant inner-city hubs to leafy, family-friendly locales. The Inner City is home to cultural hotspots like South Melbourne, Carlton, and Fitzroy, where residents enjoy proximity to the CBD alongside thriving cafes, markets, and arts scenes. Kensington stands out for its more affordable village charm just minutes from the city.

The Eastern Suburbs are ideal for families, offering excellent schools, parks, and green streetscapes. Suburbs like Balwyn North and Box Hill combine prestige with liveability, while Blackburn and Ringwood provide a quieter, suburban feel with strong demand from growing families.

In the West, Yarraville continues to attract professionals with its trendy village vibe, while Altona offers coastal living within easy reach of the CBD. For affordability, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing remain popular, offering spacious homes at lower price points.

The North blends affordability and lifestyle, with suburbs like Brunswick and Coburg offering vibrant markets and creative spaces, while Reservoir and Preston appeal to first-home buyers and families seeking space.

For coastal living, the South shines, with Brighton and Elwood offering premium beachside options, while Mentone and Cheltenham balance affordability with relaxed family-friendly environments. Across Melbourne, there’s a suburb to suit every taste and budget.

Read:  The cheapest suburbs to buy in and around Melbourne

Best areas to live in Sydney, Australia

Sydney may be Australia's most expensive city by a significant margin, but it's attractive for a reason, offering a wealth of options for every lifestyle.

The Inner West is a cultural hotspot known for its heritage homes, trendy cafes, and vibrant community. Popular suburbs like Marrickville and Newtown attract young professionals and creatives, while Balmain offers historic charm and harbourside living. Median house prices in these areas range from $1.8 million to over $2.7 million.

For beachside luxury, the Eastern Suburbs shine, with iconic coastal spots like Bondi and Clovelly offering stunning ocean views and a vibrant lifestyle. Suburbs like Double Bay provide boutique shopping and harbourside elegance, with median house prices reaching into the multi-millions. Further west, the Western Suburbs provide greater affordability and growth opportunities. Parramatta stands out as a “second CBD,” while Merrylands and Blacktown cater to families and first-home buyers with properties ranging from $1.1 million to $1.7 million.

The South West and Sutherland Shire offer family-friendly living, with suburbs like Oran Park and Cronulla combining affordability, green spaces, and excellent infrastructure. Meanwhile, the North Shore and Northern Beaches are known for their leafy suburbs, prestigious schools, and premium waterfront properties. Suburbs like Wahroonga, Manly, and Mosman blend luxury with natural beauty, making Sydney a city that truly has something for everyone.

Best areas to live in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide is known for its relaxed lifestyle, affordability, and stunning natural surroundings, making it one of Australia’s most liveable cities. Whether you’re after beachside living, a family-friendly suburb, or an inner-city hub, there’s something for everyone.

The Inner City offers convenience and culture, with North Adelaide boasting heritage homes and a vibrant café scene. The CBD attracts professionals and downsizers, while Bowden is a growing hotspot with modern apartments and great transport links.

For families, the Eastern Suburbs provide excellent schools and leafy streets. Norwood is a lively option with boutique shopping and dining, while Burnside and Kensington Gardens offer character homes and green spaces. Further out, Magill and Rostrevor provide more affordability while staying close to the city.

Adelaide’s beachside suburbs deliver a coastal lifestyle. Glenelg is a lively hub with beachfront dining, while Henley Beach has a strong community feel. Semaphore and West Beach offer more affordable options while still being well-connected.

For affordability and growth, Mawson Lakes is a modern suburb with strong transport links, while Modbury and Golden Grove provide spacious homes and family-friendly amenities. In the Adelaide Hills, Stirling and Aldgate offer a peaceful escape with boutique wineries and scenic trails.

Learn more about the Adelaide property market.

Best areas to live in Perth, Australia

Perth offers a fantastic mix of lifestyle, affordability, and opportunity, with stunning beaches, growing infrastructure, and a thriving job market. Whether you’re after inner-city convenience, family-friendly suburbs, or coastal living, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.

The Inner City is ideal for professionals and those who love an urban lifestyle. Subiaco and Mount Lawley offer a blend of heritage charm and lively café culture, while East Perth provides modern apartments along the Swan River with easy access to the CBD.

For families, the Western Suburbs are highly sought after, with Floreat, Nedlands, and Dalkeith offering top schools, parklands, and spacious homes. More affordable family-friendly options include Leeming and Bull Creek in the south and Duncraig and Greenwood in the north, all known for great schools and community facilities.

Perth’s coastal suburbs are among the most desirable in Australia. Cottesloe and City Beach offer stunning ocean views and a luxury lifestyle, while Scarborough is a more affordable alternative with a vibrant beachside atmosphere. Further north, Hillarys and Mindarie provide great coastal living for families.

For more affordable options, suburbs like Baldivis, Ellenbrook, and Byford are booming, offering modern homes and expanding infrastructure. The Swan Valley and Perth Hills, including suburbs like Mundaring and Kalamunda, provide a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle with wineries and scenic landscapes.

Learn more about the Perth property market. 

Best areas to live in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane offers a vibrant mix of city convenience, suburban tranquillity, and outdoor lifestyle, making it one of Australia’s most liveable cities. With a booming economy, excellent infrastructure, and a warm climate, it’s an ideal place for families, professionals, and investors alike.

The Inner City is perfect for those wanting a dynamic urban lifestyle, with suburbs like New Farm, West End, and Teneriffe offering trendy cafes, riverfront living, and easy CBD access. Fortitude Valley is a nightlife and dining hotspot, while South Brisbane is known for cultural attractions and high-rise apartments.

For families, the Western Suburbs, including Indooroopilly, Chapel Hill, and Kenmore, provide excellent schools, parks, and spacious homes. In the North, suburbs like Wilston and Kedron offer a mix of character homes and modern convenience, while in the South, Mount Gravatt and Holland Park balance affordability with strong local amenities.

Brisbane’s coastal and riverside suburbs offer a relaxed lifestyle. Bulimba and Hawthorne provide riverside charm with boutique shopping, while bayside suburbs like Manly and Wynnum are perfect for those who love the water. Further north, Sandgate and Redcliffe offer seaside living at a lower price point.

For affordability and growth potential, Springfield, Logan, and North Lakes are rapidly developing hubs with modern housing and growing infrastructure. Those seeking a semi-rural escape will find the Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay Region, including Samford and Dayboro, ideal for a peaceful lifestyle within reach of the city.

Read: Best places to invest in Queensland

Best areas to live in Canberra, Australia

Canberra blends urban convenience with green spaces, making it a top choice for families, professionals, and investors. 

The Inner North, including Braddon, Turner, and Campbell, offers modern apartments, vibrant cafes, and proximity to the CBD. The Inner South is home to prestigious suburbs like Griffith and Red Hill, known for excellent schools and spacious homes.

For affordable options, Belconnen suburbs like Macquarie and Florey provide family-friendly living near major shopping centres, while Wanniassa and Kambah in Tuggeranong offer larger blocks and a relaxed suburban feel. 

Molonglo Valley is one of Canberra’s fastest-growing areas, with Wright and Denman Prospect attracting buyers with new homes and strong infrastructure. The Gungahlin region, including Amaroo and Harrison, continues to expand, offering affordability and convenience.

With its well-planned layout, strong job market, and lifestyle appeal, Canberra has something for everyone.