Australia — Living: Major Cities

Key facts

• Major cities in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra (the national capital); each is also a state or territory capital except Canberra, which sits in the Australian Capital Territory.
• Sydney (~5.6 million) and Melbourne (~5.4 million) are Australia's two largest metro areas and together account for roughly 40% of the national population, per recent population estimates.
• Brisbane (~2.8 million), Perth (~2.5 million), and Adelaide (~1.5 million) are the next-largest capitals; Perth has recorded the fastest growth of any state capital in recent years.
• Canberra (~485,000) is much smaller than the state capitals but is the seat of the federal government.
• Australia's major cities have a relatively high cost of living compared to the rest of the country, with Sydney typically the most expensive.

Steps

1. Choosing a Major City — Consider factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, and lifestyle when selecting a major city to live in. Research the city's economy, culture, and amenities to find the best fit.
2. Moving to a Major City — Plan ahead and allow time for processing paperwork and arranging logistics. Research local housing options, transportation, and other essential services.

Costs

• Housing: varies by city and type of accommodation
• Transportation: varies by city and mode of transport

Timelines

• Processing paperwork: varies by complexity and speed of processing

Required documents

• Valid passport
• Visa (if required)
• Proof of health insurance
• Police certificate (if required)

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the time required for paperwork and processing
• Not researching local housing options and transportation