The Most Expensive Places to Live in Australia

“Moderately expensive” is how one can describe the living expenses in Australia. It ranks as one of the more expensive countries in the world – in fact, Australia ranks at the nineteenth most expensive country in which to live, according to World Population Review.

For those living in Australia’s capital cities especially, the majority of monthly costs go towards housing – whether that be the cost of rent or a mortgage. Add to that the day-to-day expenses such as groceries, and you can see how things really start to add up.

But although Australia has the most expensive places to live in, residents have some of the highest purchasing power worldwide – and some of the most beautiful places to live, too.

The Most Expensive Suburbs by City

Australia’s vast land and remoteness can make it an expensive place to live. However, most of the cities are still cheaper compared to places such as New York, London, or Paris.

Still, the cost of living in the country may be higher than what most would expect. Here are the most expensive suburbs by city.

The Most Expensive Suburbs in Sydney

Diversity is among the best things about the suburbs of Sydney. A wide range of options and benefits can help you decide to move there, which may include safety, schools, scenery, nature, and transport.

Sydney house prices have a median of $1,410,133. Here’s a list of the most expensive suburbs in the city:

  • Darling Point
  • Bellevue Hill
  • Vaucluse
  • Double Bay
  • Woolwich
  • Mosman

If you’re planning to live or buy a home in Sydney, the ideal suburb will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget.

The Most Expensive Suburbs in Brisbane

If you’re looking for suburbs that have easy access to the city and provide a strong suburban feel, start in Brisbane. The city’s suburbs also offer a mix of employment opportunities and work-life balance.

Brisbane is one of the more affordable large Australian cities and experienced a property boon during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has an average house price of $616,387. While many areas of Brisbane city and its surrounds are rather affordable, you may want to avoid these more expensive suburbs in Brisbane:

  • Teneriffe
  • Hamilton
  • New Farm
  • Chandler
  • Bulimba
  • Ascot

On the other hand, you may still want to consider these suburbs however, as they are continuously looking at ways for residents to flourish, giving them room to explore, recharge, and connect.

The Most Expensive Suburbs in Melbourne

Melbourne has been voted among the most liveable cities in the world a number of times, boasting its vibrant arts and culture, laneways and coffee scenes.

The quality of life in the city also extends to those raising a family. Melbourne has some of the best schools in Australia as well as activities to keep the kids entertained.

The city’s median house price is $936,073, making it an expensive place to live in the country. Among its most expensive suburbs are:

  • Toorak
  • Middle Park
  • Brighton
  • Canterbury
  • East Melbourne
  • Malvern

The Most Expensive Suburbs in Adelaide

With a median house price of $574,264, Adelaide is a more affordable Australian city. It still has its expensive suburbs however namely:

  • Medinde
  • Springfield
  • Leabrook
  • Toorak Gardens
  • Rose Park
  • Unley Park.

Don’t let the price turn you off! Adelaide is known for its many sporting and festival events, its food and wine, and its hills and coastline. The city is also the site to many financial and governmental institutions.

As Adelaide is relatively a smaller city, people get around easier and go anywhere within 20 minutes.

The Most Expensive Suburbs in Perth

Perth is a fabulous place to live in. With sunny weather nine months a year, the city has fantastic beaches and top-notched wine regions within a 10-minute drive from the metro.

Perth’s average house price is ​$563,214, which makes for the most expensive suburbs in the city. Here are your top six:

  • Dalkeith
  • Cottesloe
  • City Beach
  • Swanbourne
  • Applecross
  • Nedlands

The Most Expensive Place to Live in Australia is… Sydney!

It’s not surprising that Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia. The average costs of moving there, which may include visa fees, rental prices, and storage, don’t come cheap.

Other costs to factor in are shopping, transport, and telecommunication.

If you’re looking to move anywhere in Australia, Cigno Loans can be of assistance for your financial needs. We offer personal loans to help you cover your rental deposit, moving costs, and more. Contact us today.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Cigno Loans’ articles do not replace advice from an accountant or financial advisor. All information provided is intended to be used as a guide only, as it does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. If you require assistance, it is recommended that you consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.

NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT BY CIGNO AUSTRALIA

Ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

The Federal Court of Australia has found that Cigno Australia Pty Ltd (Cigno Australia) and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd (BSF Solutions) have breached the law by engaging in unlicensed credit activity and charging prohibited fees.

In the period from July 2022 to 3 October 2023, over 100,000 consumers have been lent a total of $34 million, and charged fees of over $70 million, under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’ operated by BSF Solutions and Cigno Australia. At no time has either BSF Solutions or Cigno Australia held an Australian Credit Licence.

The Court also found that Mark Swanepoel (director of Cigno Australia) and Brenton James Harrison (director of BSF Solutions) were involved in these breaches of the law.

With effect from 24 May 2024, the Court has granted permanent injunctions preventing Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions from:

  • demanding, receiving or accepting fees or charges, including amounts of loan principal, from consumers in relation to credit provided under the ‘No Upfront Charge Model’; and
  • engaging in further credit activity pursuant to the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’, including by entering into new agreements with consumers, for so long as they do not hold an Australian Credit Licence.

Cigno Australia was ordered by the Court to, by 5th July 2024, send written communications to consumers who between July 2022 and December 2022 entered into agreements with Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’.

The Court will later determine whether (among other things) Cigno Australia and Mark Swanepoel ought to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of this conduct, and whether Mark Swanepoel should be restrained from carrying on a business engaging in credit activity.

Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison intend to appeal the decision of the Court and have filed an application for leave to appeal. If the appeal is successful, some or all of the orders of the Federal Court of Australia may be set aside.

Where can you get more information?

Where to go for further support

You can access legal advice in your state at: Free legal advice – Moneysmart.gov.au.

If you are experiencing trouble with debt, or money worries in general, contact:

  • the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or online chat (9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support online chat or
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their webchat