Has the big smoke lost its charm? Densely populated cities with a high cost of living are currently experiencing a mass exodus as Aussies pack up and move to more affordable regional areas.
The latest Regional Movers Index – March 2025 shows capital‑to‑regional moves are up 10.5% year‑on‑year, confirming Australia’s ongoing regional migration trend post‑COVID, with city to regional moves leading the charge.
While a move away from city living has previously been attributed to the Pandemic, the growth in the number of Aussies who continue to choose to move regional suggests there’s more to the story.
In this article we’re diving into the who’s moving, why they’re moving, and the most popular regions Aussies are moving to.
RMI data confirms that young adults, especially Millennials and Gen‑Xers, remain the largest demographic relocating to regional Australia, continuing the trend established during the pandemic.
It’s said the collective desire to move away from the hustle and bustle and towards coastal and country lifestyles comes down to cost of living pressures and a need to access more affordable housing.
In addition to this, regional areas (for the most part) have enjoyed significant growth over recent years with expanded infrastructure and increased employment and career opportunities - making them an appealing option for those seeking work.
According to the RMI, throughout the March 2024 quarter there were 24% more people moving from the cities to the regions compared to the other direction. Metropolitan to regional relocations also reported a 20% increase compared to pre-COVID-19 averages.
While COVID is often credited as the spark for the boost in regional relocations, it's a trend that continues to grow in popularity year on year.
Industry experts say the growth is so significant that the uptake in regional moves is more than a fall out from the pandemic; rather, it marks a change in society itself.
While pandemic lockdowns and restrictions almost certainly accelerated interest in less populated regional locations, they have now permanently shifted living perspectives and priorities.
“While the pandemic supercharged this movement, the regional lifestyle is continuing to prove highly desirable for thousands of people, especially those from cities. This movement in population can no longer be seen as a quirky flow-on effect from the lockdown years. A societal shift is underway.”
Regional Australia Institute CEO, Liz Ritchie
For a deeper look at the numbers, check out our detailed breakdown of regional moving trends in Australia.
The Eastern states of Australia accounted for 97% of net capital city outflows into regional areas in the 12 months to March 2024. This marks a 94% increase from just one year ago.
Greater Geelong is now Australia’s most popular regional relocation spot, capturing a 9.3% share of total net internal migration—overtaking the Sunshine Coast for the first time.
Previously the leader, the Sunshine Coast now holds second place with an 8.9% share of net internal migration.
Still a major drawcard, the Gold Coast claimed a 9.1% share, maintaining its strong appeal for movers seeking a coastal lifestyle.
The regional city of Lake Macquarie attracted around 5.3% of movers, making it the most popular regional destination in New South Wales.
With roughly 3.7% of net internal migration, Moorabool continues to perform strongly in Victoria’s fast-growing outer regional belt.
Maitland remains one of the top choices in NSW, drawing about 3.5% of total movers—especially from capital cities.
With a 4.4% share, the Fraser Coast continues to attract sea changers from major metros and nearby inland towns.
If you're curious about how these popular destinations compare in terms of livability, The Australian Government’s Good Life Guide helps you weigh things like housing costs, income levels and access to nature—even before you book that removal van.
If you’re ready to ditch the city and see what all the fuss is about with regional living, you’ll want to ensure your belongings get there quickly and safely. Upmove helps you find and book trustworthy local removalists at the best price - so you can focus on settling in.
You might also find our guide to moving to rural Australia handy for tips on settling in and what to expect.
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.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
