Best Place to Live in Australia 2025: A Student's Perspective
Student Housing
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Exploring
9 mins read
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Updated at: 10 August, 2025
Published at: 10 August, 2025
By Tony Raouf
Best Place to Live in Australia 2025: A Student's Perspective
Student Housing
Tips and Advice
Exploring
9 mins read

Updated at: 10 August, 2025
Published at: 10 August, 2025
By Tony Raouf
Share
Deciding on the best place to live in Australia as a student is an important part of the journey. You want to find a community and environment where you can truly thrive and improve academically, socially, and financially. From bustling metropolises to relaxed coastal towns, Australia boasts diverse environments.
Australia offers world-class education, a multicultural society, and abundant job opportunities for international students, a multicultural society, and a lot of job opportunities for you. You can also enjoy many natural wonders and a very high quality of life while you're getting a fantastic education.
Let's explore the best places to live in Australia for students, review the cost of living, job opportunities, transport options, lifestyle, and overall atmosphere.
Why Choose Australia for Your Student Journey?
In the first place, why Australia? Australia consistently stands out as a premier destination for international students. Many from around the globe choose to call it home.
First, education. Australia is the home of plenty of top-ranked universities. You can get a globally respected education and you can improve your English daily. Beyond the academics, living in Australia means immersing yourself in a multicultural society that broadens perspectives and supports your personal and professional growth. Additionally, Melbourne ranks #5 and Sydney #6 in QS Best Student Cities 2025. Brisbane (#22), Adelaide (#31), Perth (#33), and Gold Coast (#93) also feature in the global top 100.
Second, job opportunities. Whether you want part-time work or any post-graduation career paths, Australia provides a very wide range of options. From hospitality and retail to health and technology, there are many ways to gain valuable work experience. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods (unlimited in breaks), with wages ranging from AUD 22 to AUD 30 per hour depending on the role and region.
And don't forget the lifestyle. Outside the classroom, students in the best places to live in Australia can explore lots of beautiful places and get one of the best experiences possible. You can have weekend beach trips or dive into a city's arts and culture scene.
Now, let’s take a look at the top student-friendly cities!
Melbourne: Australia's Cultural & Coffee Hub
If you're someone who appreciates culture, arts, fashion, and excellent coffee, Melbourne might be an ideal spot. Consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, it's a dynamic, multicultural hub with a distinct European feel.
Academic Advantage: Melbourne is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Melbourne and Monash University, where you'll have access to top-tier education and a strong academic community.
Lifestyle & Social Scene: Melbourne also truly comes alive after hours. The city's laneways are filled with gorgeous street art, live music venues are abundant, and it has a strong sports scene. The city's population is a big part of the fantastic culinary scene. Public transport in Melbourne is highly efficient with an extensive tram network, and international students can get 50% off with a valid International Student Travel Pass (Myki).
Costs & Opportunities: Melbourne is one of Australia's more expensive cities. Accommodation costs can be high in comparison to other Australian cities. However, job opportunities are plentiful for students. For suburbs in Melbourne, Carlton (near the University of Melbourne) and vibrant areas like Richmond are popular choices.
Student Accommodation in Melbourne: Melbourne offers a wide variety of PBSAs, shared houses, and other options that suit students' needs. Some of the best include Berkeley Street and University Square.
Ideal For: Culture, Arts, Food, Coffee
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,200−AUD $1,800
Top Universities in Melbourne: The University of Melbourne, Monash University, La Trobe University
Sydney: Iconic Landmarks and Dynamic Urban Life
If you want a lot of iconic landmarks, lots of beautiful beaches, and an urban environment, Sydney could be your ideal destination to live and study in Australia. As the largest city in Australia, it offers a good mix of city life and outdoor activities.
Academic Advantage: Sydney has a lot of top-class universities, such as the University of Sydney and UNSW, known for strong research and innovation. Many international students choose Sydney, as it has a wide range of courses and promising career prospects.
Lifestyle & Social Scene: Sydney also has a very diverse social scene. From enjoying Bondi Beach to exploring lively nightlife, you always have something to do. The city also hosts lots of cultural events and concerts. Sydney’s public transport runs on the Opal card system. However, international students on full-fee paying courses typically don’t qualify for concession fares, unless sponsored by select government programs.
Costs & Opportunities: Sydney is generally the most expensive city. Accommodation costs in the city can be high. However, Sydney’s strong economy also gives a strong job market, particularly in finance and technology, which makes finding part-time work in hospitality and retail easy. For the best suburbs in Sydney, popular areas include Newtown (bohemian, near Sydney Uni) and Kensington/Randwick (close to UNSW).
Student Accommodation in Sydney: Being the largest city in Australia, Sydney has plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from at your leisure. The accommodation options include Link2 Sydney and Scape Darling House.
Ideal For: Job Opportunities, Iconic Sights, Beaches
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,800−AUD $2,700
Top Universities in Sydney: The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales, Macquarie University
Brisbane: Subtropical Charm with Urban Amenities
If you want a relaxed place that also has big-city amenities, Brisbane might be the perfect fit for the best place to live in Australia. Known for its subtropical climate, riverside lifestyle, and friendly atmosphere, Brisbane offers excellent quality of life.
Academic Advantage: Brisbane is the home of highly-regarded universities like the University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). These unis offer a big selection of courses and programs in a city that’s becoming a popular education spot in Australia.
Lifestyle & Social Scene: Brisbane is a city that enjoys an outdoor lifestyle. You can spend weekends exploring South Bank Parklands, kayaking on the Brisbane River, or taking a short trip to the Gold Coast. Brisbane features a growing arts scene, vibrant markets, and a burgeoning food and drink culture. A significant transport benefit is that full-time international students can access discounted Go Cards, with fares starting around AUD $0.50–$1.10 per trip during off-peak hours.
Costs & Opportunities: Compared to places like Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is generally a more affordable city. Most monthly living expenses, groceries, and transport are more manageable than in other cities. Job opportunities are good, especially in tourism and hospitality, with average hourly wages for students similar to other major cities.
Student Accommodation in Brisbane: You can find a variety of accommodation options in Brisbane that give you a premium experience while remaining affordable. These options include UniLodge South Bank and Scape Regent.
Ideal For: Nature, Affordability, Friendly Atmosphere
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,600−AUD $2,300
Top Universities in Brisbane: The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology
Perth: West Coast Serenity and Strong Economy
If you want a lot of sunshine, stunning beaches, and a good lifestyle, Perth offers a blend of them all. It's a strong contender for the best place to live in Australia, praised for having a relaxed atmosphere and high quality of life.
Academic Advantage: Perth has several top-class universities, including the University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University, which are known for research subjects and growing international student communities.
Lifestyle & Social Scene: Life in Perth often revolves around its beautiful coastline. You can have a morning swim at the Cottesloe Beach, many picnics in Kings Park, and explore lots of beautiful areas like Fremantle. The city also has a good selection of cafes, bars, and many cultural events that will keep you entertained. Full-time international students in Western Australia can get a Tertiary SmartRider, providing up to 25% off standard fares.
Costs & Opportunities: Perth gives students a nice balance between cost of living and lifestyle. It's generally more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. The job market is big, particularly in engineering, but hospitality and retail roles are also readily available for students. If you want the best suburbs in Perth for student living, areas like Nedlands (near UWA) and Bentley (near Curtin) are really popular.
Student Accommodation in Perth: Perth’s benefits are reflected in the great accommodation options it has, including Campus Perth and Perth City.
Ideal For: The climate, Outdoor Lifestyle, Economic Opportunities
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,200−AUD$ 2,000
Top Universities in Perth: The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University
Adelaide: An Affordable & Welcoming Gem
Adelaide in South Australia is an underrated part of the country. Adelaide is a friendly, manageable, and highly affordable city, which makes a strong case for it being the best place to live in Australia for students prioritising cost and community. Adelaide is usually considered a top choice for students who are moving to Australia while they're on a budget.
Academic Advantage: Adelaide is the home of many excellent universities, including the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia. These offer strong courses with a growing focus on innovation.
Lifestyle & Social Scene: Adelaide gives all students a relaxed and comfy lifestyle. It's known for a vibrant arts scene and incredible foods. Full-time international students in South Australia are eligible for concession fares on buses, trains, and trams through a student metroCARD. This city provides a great work-life balance and is often called one of the safest places to live in Australia, with a very low crime rate.
Costs & Opportunities: Adelaide is one of the best cities in Australia in terms of affordability. Adelaide consistently ranks as one of Australia’s most budget-friendly capital cities for students. While the job market might not be as vast as Sydney or Melbourne, there are still plenty of part-time opportunities in hospitality, retail, and health.
Student Accommodation in Adelaide: Adelaide’s affordability and quality of life give the available accommodation options an edge over other cities, including properties like Scape Adelaide Central and Dwell East End Adelaide.
Ideal For: Affordability, Food & Drink, Arts & Festivals, Safety
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,200−AUD $2,000
Top Universities in Adelaide: The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia
Cost of Living Estimates in Australian Cities (per person)
City | Updated Monthly Estimate |
Melbourne | AUD $1,200–$1,800 |
Sydney | AUD $1,800–$2,700 |
Brisbane | AUD $1,600–$2,300 |
Perth | AUD $1,200–$2,000 |
Adelaide | AUD $1,200–$2,000 |
Hobart | AUD $1,450–$2,200 |
Gold Coast | AUD $1,200–$3,000 |
Lismore | AUD $1,300–$1,500 |
Beyond the Capitals: Exploring Regional Wonders
Australia offers many fantastic places that provide unique student experiences, often with a significantly lower cost of living than the big cities.
Hobart:
Hobart is one of the most affordable and best places to live in Australia for students. It's the second oldest city in the country, situated on the Derwent River.
Student Appeal: Hobart offers beautiful and pleasant weather, low levels of pollution, efficient transportation, and budget-friendly accommodation. It's also considered one of the safest places in Australia because of its low crime rate. A rapidly growing employment market is also very attractive to students.
Student Accommodation in Hobart: Hobart’s homely nature is reflected in the accommodation options, including City Escape Taroona and Friendly Outdoors Family in Hobart.
Ideal For: Affordability, Safety, Nature, Heritage
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,450−AUD $2,200
Top Universities in Hobart: The University of Tasmania.
Gold Coast:
A haven for surfers and explorers, the Gold Coast is a dream destination. The Gold Coast has grown into one of the most enjoyable and best places to live in Australia.
Student Appeal: The Gold Coast is known for having a very diverse international population. It also has great universities like Bond University and Griffith University, and plenty of beautiful coastlines. The Gold Coast is also an energetic environment, ideal for those who seek to balance their studies with outdoor life.
Student Accommodation in Gold Coast: The Gold Coast features a large selection of accommodation options that you can browse and compare. Options includes Griffith University Village and Beautiful Gold Coast.
Ideal For: Beaches, Surfing, Vibrant Lifestyle, International Diversity
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,200−AUD $3,000
Top Universities in the Gold Coast: Bond University, Griffith University, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus
Lismore:
Lismore, in regional New South Wales, offers a tranquil yet vibrant lifestyle amidst natural wonders.
Student Appeal: Lismore has become a beloved destination for international students because of its ideal cost of living and the lifestyle it gives them, besides just being an amazing place to live in. Lismore is the home of Southern Cross University, a great place which provides a supportive and community-focused university for students.
Student Accommodation in Lismore: Lismore’s ideal cost of living is also reflected in affordable and comfy accommodation, such as UniLodge SCU Lismore - Orion and UniLodge SCU Lismore - Magellan.
Ideal For: Prime Location (amidst nature), Affordable Living, Community Vibe
Average Cost of Living (per person): AUD $1,300−AUD $1,500
Top Universities in Lismore: Southern Cross University
Choosing the best place to live in Australia as a student is an important part of it all. There isn't a perfect answer, as preferences vary. While moving to another side of the world can seem large, careful preparation can help you find your ideal home away from home. Whichever city you choose, know that Australia is a perfect place to live.
Ready to kick-start your study journey in Australia? Casita helps you compare student housing by price, location, and amenities—so you can find your ideal home with expert support.
Student Housing
Tips and Advice
Exploring
By Tony Raouf
Share
Student Housing
Tips and Advice
Exploring
Updated at:
Published at:
By Tony Raouf
Share