Thinking about moving for work? Picking the best city to work in Australia isn’t just about chasing the highest pay packet. It’s about finding one that gives you the right mix of opportunities, industries, lifestyle and cost of living. In other words, it’s about more than bright lights or big salaries.
In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know: the best cities for jobs in Australia, what each city specialises in, salary expectations, housing costs, and even tips on finding work in Australia and how to relocate smoothly.
A city that’s good for your career isn’t just somewhere with lots of jobs. You also want to look for:
Australia’s job market is pretty attractive if you’re thinking about relocating. Here are some quick-fire stats to give you a clearer picture:
The average full-time salary in Australia is about $90,000 per year. Full-time workers in Australia earn an average of $1,769.80 per week.
Australia's in-demand hiring industries include healthcare, social support, professional services, tech and resources. Dental practitioners are one of the country's highest-paying occupations, earning approximately $3,877 per week.
Source: Jobs and skills report 2025
|
City |
Salary |
Job market |
|
Sydney |
High, but with high costs |
Busy and competitive |
|
Melbourne |
Slightly lower than Sydney |
Solid and growing |
|
Brisbane |
Average |
Growing fast |
|
Perth |
High if your skills match |
Industry-focused and strong for certain jobs |
|
Adelaide |
Lower than East Coast capitals |
Smaller, but steady |
Sydney is the ‘economic powerhouse’ of Australia. If you’re chasing high-paying roles in finance, tech, or business services, it’s the place to be. The city buzzes with energy, the coffee is excellent, and the beach isn’t far away.
The catch? Rent and living costs are steep, and competition for jobs is fierce. But if you can manage it, Sydney offers incredible career opportunities.
These roles pay anywhere between $55,000 and $152,000 per year.
Melbourne is all about balance. It’s a major business hub, but it also has a thriving creative and cultural scene. Salaries are slightly lower than in Sydney, but living costs aren’t as punishing, which makes it easier to enjoy your free time.
Think great food, arts, and a strong sense of community, with plenty of career options in tech, business, and health.
Brisbane is growing fast and has a more relaxed vibe. It’s great if you want access to good jobs in health, education, tech, and construction, without Sydney or Melbourne-level rent.
The city is expanding with new infrastructure and tech projects, making it a smart choice if you’re looking for a combination of growth and lifestyle.
Perth is perfect if your skills match mining, engineering, or resources. Salaries can be very high for the right role, and living costs are reasonable compared to Sydney or Melbourne.
It’s a more laid-back city with stunning beaches and a slower pace, so it will suit you if you want both career opportunities and a lifestyle.
Adelaide is a hidden gem. It’s affordable, with a steady job market in health, education, defence, and advanced manufacturing. The city is smaller, which can mean fewer senior roles, but the lifestyle is easygoing.
Your salary also goes further when rent and living costs are lower.
Even the best job is less exciting if most of your salary goes straight to high mortgage repayments, or through-the-roof rental costs and living expenses. Here’s a snapshot of what living in Australia’s major cities really costs:
Sydney is one of Australia’s priciest cities.
Living here is an investment, but the city offers unmatched career opportunities.
Melbourne is kinder on the wallet.
Overall, Melbourne is about 12% cheaper than Sydney, and rent is roughly 29% lower.
Brisbane is growing fast, and so are its job opportunities.
Brisbane is roughly 15% cheaper than Sydney, and rent comes in 31% lower, making it a smart choice for balancing lifestyle and work.
Perth offers strong salaries, especially in mining and engineering, while being more affordable than Sydney.
Overall, Perth is roughly 14% cheaper than Sydney.
Adelaide is a hidden gem for affordability.
Overall, Adelaide is about 20% cheaper than Sydney, making your salary stretch further.
For a full deep dive into the cost of living across every major city, check out our full guide on the cost of living in Australia.
Finding work here usually means a mix of online job boards, recruitment agencies, and networking.
With a wealth of career opportunities available, moving to the right city in Australia for your industry can really set you up for success. Whether it’s finance in Sydney, tech and business in Melbourne, mining in Perth, or health and education in Brisbane and Adelaide, there’s plenty of work across the country. You just need to know where to look.
But a career move isn’t just about the job. There’s a whole world of other things to think about: buying a new home or finding a rental, checking out schools or universities if you have a family, and working out the cost of the move itself. And don’t forget adjusting to a new neighbourhood, settling into the lifestyle, and even things like climate differences between regions.
Luckily, when it comes to the move itself, Upmove makes it simple. Using our platform, you can compare affordable quotes from vetted professionals, read customer reviews, and book the best removalists for your interstate career move. That way, you can focus on starting your new role and settling into your new city, without stressing over logistics.
Upmove is Australia’s trusted choice for removalist and moving company services, helping thousands of customers move homes, furniture, cars, motorcycles, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services across Australia. Our focus has always been on making moving simple and stress-free — from booking experienced removalists to completing your delivery with care. With Upmove, you get professional service, fixed prices, and peace of mind on every move.
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