Where you settle in Australia affects your immigration outcome more than most people realise. State nomination programs, visa conditions, and employer demand vary dramatically by location.
Which Part of Australia Is Best to Migrate To?
The answer depends on your occupation, your lifestyle priorities, and which visa pathway you are taking. There is no universal best state — each part of Australia has distinct advantages for different types of migrants.
Sydney (New South Wales)
Australia's largest city and the financial, media, and legal capital. If you work in finance, law, technology, or media, the depth of the job market is unmatched. Property is expensive — among the most expensive in the world — and commutes are long. The NSW 190 nomination program is competitive but covers a wide range of occupations.
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,800–$4,500 AUD/month.
Melbourne (Victoria)
Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the most liveable cities globally. Strong healthcare sector, major university presence, thriving arts and culture. Property is marginally cheaper than Sydney. Particularly strong for healthcare professionals, engineers, and IT workers. Victoria's nomination program is active and covers a good spread of occupations.
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,200–$3,800 AUD/month.
Brisbane (Queensland)
The fastest-growing major city in Australia. More affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, warmer climate, and increasingly sophisticated employment opportunities. Major infrastructure investment ahead of the 2032 Olympics is creating significant demand for tradespeople, engineers, and construction professionals.
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800–$2,800 AUD/month.
Perth (Western Australia)
Strongly tied to mining, resources, engineering, and construction. Salaries in technical roles here are often significantly higher than east-coast equivalents. Geographically isolated but with a relaxed lifestyle and uncrowded beaches. The WA nomination program has historically been one of the more accessible for trade and engineering occupations.
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800–$2,800 AUD/month.
Adelaide (South Australia)
The most affordable major city in Australia by a meaningful margin. South Australia runs one of the more proactive state immigration programs and has a growing healthcare and defence sector. The quality of life for families is genuinely very high.
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,400–$2,200 AUD/month.
Regional Areas
The 491 regional visa takes you to regional centres where cost of living is 30–50% lower than the major cities, communities are closer-knit, and the demand for skilled workers is often more acute. Towns like Geelong, Newcastle, Townsville, and Ballarat have genuine employment markets. Many migrants who planned to move to a capital city after their regional commitment end up staying.
Our Recommendation
Do not choose where to live based on lifestyle alone. Choose based on where your occupation is in demand and where you will find employment quickly. Complete the assessment below and we will tell you which states are currently nominating your occupation.