According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, in June 2022, 1.1 million British people were living in Australia, making them the largest expat community.
Statista confirms that the net migration figure from the UK in 2023 was 19,230, which is the highest figure for a decade.
If you have recently made the decision to move, or are currently reviewing your options, one important issue you will need to consider is where you want to live in Australia.
A Daily Mail report confirms that at least two-thirds of Australia’s population lives in one of the state capitals, so it’s inevitable that your search is likely to start there.
In this article, read about how you may want to consider making that choice, and then discover five of the top cities to live in.
A range of factors could influence your decision of where to live
Because of the diversity and different job opportunities, the question of where you and your family will settle deserves careful consideration.
Obviously, the choice of where you want to live may have already be decided for you. You may be planning to work for a company based in a certain location, or you may already have family settled in Australia and are planning to join them.
However, if you have the luxury of deciding for yourself, it’s worth taking your time.
You should be confident that the city or region you choose to live in is the right one for you, in terms of culture, climate, job opportunities, and lifestyle.
The differences in cost of living and property prices between some cities could also mean that your budget may dictate where you live, at least initially.
Here are five of the top cities, and an outline of the pros and cons of each.
1. Sydney is the most populous and cosmopolitan Australian city
With its iconic harbour and famous Opera House, Sydney is Australia’s best-known and most populous city.
It has long been a popular choice for Brits moving from the UK and deciding where to start setting down roots.
For people looking to get away from cold winters, it boasts a great climate. Even in the coldest month of July, the daytime temperature averages 12 degrees.
Despite its size, Sydney boasts excellent public transport links making it easy to get around. For example, many of the beaches it is famous for, such as Bondi, are just a short train or bus ride from the city centre.
While Sydney is rich with amenities and a highly attractive place to live, it’s also extremely expensive. Some property prices are closer to what you’ll find in New York City and parts of London.
2. Melbourne is often considered the most liveable city with a great cultural and sporting vibe
Probably the closest to the UK in terms of attitude and lifestyle, Melbourne is one of the best places to live in Australia. However, like Sydney, the cost of living and property can be prohibitively high if you are on a limited budget.
It’s easy to see why. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2024, Melbourne was ranked the most liveable city in Australia and fourth in the world.
It’s a recognised cultural, educational, and sporting hub with much of the sport centred around the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, known to all as “The G”.
The thriving city centre boasts top quality shops and world-class cuisine, while there is a choice of suburbs with good transport links into the centre.
Its geographic position creates unpredictable weather patterns. As Melbournians say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!”
3. Perth boasts a great lifestyle in the fastest-growing Australian city
According to a Daily Mail report, Perth was the fastest-growing Australian city in 2022/23.
With a year-round warm climate and relaxed lifestyle, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular choice for expats looking to make the move from the UK to Australia.
It’s the biggest city on the west coast, and much of the recent growth has been driven by its proximity to mining, oil, and gas industries.
For anyone intrigued by the idea of becoming a digital nomad, as outlined in one of our recent articles, it also boasts a growing tech sector.
Perth boasts a thriving economy and is considered to have affordable rental and real estate purchase prices compared to other major cities.
As with other cities, the relaxed lifestyle revolves around beaches and barbecues, with the added attractions of local nature reserves providing plenty of green space.
The one big drawback with Perth that you need to consider is its remoteness. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Melbourne, and even further to Sydney and Brisbane.
But, for many looking to migrate and continue in your current working role, or one that still crosses with UK work hours, Perth provides a perfect destination. The closer alignment of time zones gives you the ability to still communicate with colleagues at appropriate times, and then still enjoy all the benefits of the coastal lifestyle Perth provides.
4. Adelaide is a quieter city, ideal for anyone looking for a more relaxed lifestyle
Compared to the other cities outlined here, Adelaide is far more relaxed and much quieter.
Because of that, and the comparatively cheaper cost of living, it’s a popular choice for retirees and expats seeking a peaceful family life.
It has a warm climate and is surrounded by beaches. It’s also known as Australia’s “Garden City” because of the amount of green space. Indeed, it was deliberately designed around a protected green belt that features the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
As the capital of South Australia, it has all the cultural and sporting amenities that you’d expect. It’s also located in a region where it’s easy to get out of town for weekend fun.
5. Brisbane provides year-round sunshine in a major city with a small-town feel
Brisbane weather is warm to hot all the time, which means it’s a great choice for British expats seeking year-round sunshine.
Its location on the Gold Coast means there are beaches nearby, with a laid-back vibe and excellent surfing opportunities.
As the third-largest city in Australia, after Melbourne and Sydney, it has a lively downtown with fine dining, cultural attractions, and green spaces. Despite its size, it’s often described by both residents and visitors as having more of a small-town feel than that of a big city.
Importantly for expats planning to retire there, it has low crime rates. Additionally, for those looking to work in Australia, it has thriving healthcare and hospitality sectors.
Get in touch
If you’re considering moving to Australia, and you’d like to discuss the financial implications of the move, please get in touch with us.
Please note
This article is for information only. Please do not solely rely on anything you have read in this article and ensure that you conduct your own research to ensure any actions you may take are suitable for your circumstances.
