Australia is massive but 80% of its population lives in a handful of coastal cities. For new migrants, understanding where people actually live — and why — is essential to making the right location decision.
Where Do Most Australians Live? A City Guide for New Migrants
Australia is the sixth-largest country by land area, but you would not know it from where the population actually lives. Roughly 80% of Australians are concentrated in the major cities along the south-east coast and around Perth. The vast interior is largely empty.
Sydney (NSW) — 5.3 million people
Australia's commercial capital and largest city. The job market in finance, law, technology, and media is the deepest in the country. Property prices and rents are among the highest in the world. Commutes from affordable outer suburbs can be long — factor this into where you look for work before you book flights.
Melbourne (VIC) — 5.2 million people
Fiercely competitive with Sydney about being better in every way. Melbourne's culture, food, and public transport are genuinely excellent. Growing faster than Sydney on immigration-driven population growth. Particularly strong for healthcare, engineering, and IT professionals. Marginally more affordable than Sydney.
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Brisbane (QLD) — 2.6 million people
The fastest-growing major city in Australia. Warm year-round, significantly more affordable than the two major eastern cities, and the employment base is expanding rapidly with major infrastructure projects ahead of the 2032 Olympics. An increasingly popular destination for South African migrants.
Perth (WA) — 2.2 million people
Geographically isolated — a five-hour flight from Sydney — but strongly tied to the mining and resources sector. Salaries in engineering and technical roles are often higher than east-coast equivalents. Lifestyle is relaxed and uncrowded. The WA immigration program has historically been accessible for trades and engineering occupations.
Adelaide (SA) — 1.4 million people
Often underestimated. The most affordable major city in Australia by a meaningful margin. South Australia runs one of the more proactive state immigration programs. Growing healthcare and defence industries. High quality of life for families.
Regional Australia
The federal government and states actively incentivise skilled migrants to settle in regional areas through the 491 visa and regional nomination programs. Towns like Geelong, Ballarat, Newcastle, Townsville, and Darwin have genuine employment markets, lower cost of living, and communities that genuinely welcome new arrivals.
Many migrants who planned regional living as a temporary step end up staying long after their obligations are met.
Do not choose your location based on lifestyle alone — choose it based on where your occupation is in demand. Complete the assessment below and we will advise on which states are currently nominating your occupation.