Housing affordability and cost of living vary widely across Australia. Major capitals such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane consistently rank among the most expensive cities, while regional areas, smaller cities, and inland towns offer far lower living costs. This list highlights the 50 most affordable cities and towns in Australia, based on housing prices, rents, and general cost-of-living data relative to local incomes. It focuses on places where residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses of metropolitan centers.

Top 50 Most Affordable Cities In Australia

1. Whyalla, South Australia

Whyalla is a steel-producing city on the Eyre Peninsula, known for its extremely affordable housing and low cost of living. The local economy centers on steel manufacturing, shipping, and mining support services. Residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle with access to beaches and outdoor recreation, while utilities, transport, and everyday expenses remain low compared to larger cities. Whyalla’s affordability makes it attractive to families, retirees, and those seeking a regional city with strong employment in industrial sectors.

2. Mount Gambier, South Australia

Mount Gambier, located in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, combines natural beauty with low-cost living. The city features affordable housing, utilities, and groceries, with employment in agriculture, forestry, education, and healthcare. Its volcanic landscapes, lakes, and parks provide recreational opportunities, while cultural amenities support a small but vibrant community. Mount Gambier’s affordability, along with a moderate climate and regional lifestyle, makes it appealing to families, retirees, and newcomers seeking a slower-paced and budget-friendly environment.

3. Port Pirie, South Australia

Port Pirie is a regional city on the Spencer Gulf, historically tied to lead smelting and industry. Housing prices and general living costs are low, making it highly affordable. The local economy includes port operations, manufacturing, and services, providing employment opportunities. Residents enjoy coastal proximity and access to outdoor activities. While smaller in population, Port Pirie offers essential services, schools, and community amenities. Its combination of affordability, work opportunities, and regional lifestyle attracts families, retirees, and industrial workers.

4. Murray Bridge, South Australia

Murray Bridge sits on the Murray River, providing scenic views and outdoor recreation. It offers some of South Australia’s most affordable housing and low living costs. The economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and transport services. Residents benefit from good access to schools, health services, and regional shopping. Murray Bridge’s affordability, coupled with its riverside lifestyle and proximity to Adelaide, makes it a desirable option for families, retirees, and individuals seeking a balance of cost savings and regional amenities.

5. Adelaide outer northern suburbs (Elizabeth, Salisbury), South Australia

The northern suburbs of Adelaide, including Elizabeth and Salisbury, are significantly more affordable than central Adelaide. Housing prices are low, and residents enjoy access to transport links, schools, and healthcare. The local economy is diverse, including manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. While the suburbs are part of a larger urban area, they retain a community-focused feel with parks and local amenities. These areas are ideal for first-time buyers, young families, and those seeking metropolitan access at lower costs.

6. Broken Hill, New South Wales

Broken Hill is a remote mining city in western New South Wales with very low housing and living costs. The local economy is dominated by mining and tourism, supporting a small but stable workforce. Residents enjoy a strong community, unique heritage architecture, and vast outback landscapes. While services are more limited than urban centers, affordability and regional charm attract families, retirees, and individuals seeking a low-cost lifestyle in a distinctive remote environment.

7. Dubbo, New South Wales

Dubbo is a regional city in central New South Wales known for affordable housing and a strong community. Its economy includes agriculture, education, healthcare, and tourism, notably the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Residents benefit from low utilities, reasonable transport costs, and access to schools, hospitals, and shopping. Dubbo’s regional location offers a slower-paced lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and cost savings compared to coastal capitals. Families, retirees, and tree-changers often relocate here for affordability combined with urban conveniences.

8. Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

Wagga Wagga is a major regional city in New South Wales with affordable housing and living costs. It is a hub for agriculture, military, healthcare, and education, providing employment opportunities. The city offers schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and recreational facilities while maintaining lower expenses than metropolitan areas. Its regional lifestyle, combined with affordability and services, attracts families, students, and retirees seeking a balance between quality of life and cost savings.

9. Tamworth, New South Wales

Tamworth, located in the New England region, is famous for its country music festival but also for affordable living. Housing costs, utilities, and daily expenses are well below the national average. The economy centers on agriculture, regional services, and light manufacturing. Residents enjoy cultural events, sports facilities, and outdoor recreation. Tamworth appeals to families, retirees, and those seeking a regional lifestyle with a strong community, good amenities, and budget-friendly housing options outside Australia’s costly capital cities.

10. Orange, New South Wales

Orange is a regional city in central New South Wales, known for affordable housing, agriculture, and food production. The city has low utilities and daily expenses while offering access to schools, healthcare, wineries, and recreational amenities. Its climate is mild, with four distinct seasons. Orange’s combination of affordability, community infrastructure, and lifestyle opportunities makes it attractive to families, retirees, and professionals seeking regional living with cost savings and quality services compared to larger Australian capitals.

Top 50 Most Affordable Cities/Towns in Australia 

#	City/Town	State/Territory	Notes
1	Whyalla	South Australia	Steel city, very low housing costs
2	Mount Gambier	South Australia	Regional hub, affordable homes
3	Port Pirie	South Australia	Low housing and living costs
4	Murray Bridge	South Australia	Affordable regional community
5	Adelaide outer northern suburbs (Elizabeth, Salisbury)	South Australia	Cheaper than central Adelaide
6	Broken Hill	New South Wales	Remote mining town, low housing
7	Dubbo	New South Wales	Regional city, affordable living
8	Wagga Wagga	New South Wales	Education and services, still cheap
9	Tamworth	New South Wales	Agriculture and regional center
10	Orange	New South Wales	Affordable inland town
11	Bathurst	New South Wales	Historic regional city
12	Armidale	New South Wales	University town, lower housing costs
13	Goulburn	New South Wales	Regional city with cheap housing
14	Albury-Wodonga	NSW/VIC	Border city, affordable relative to size
15	Coffs Harbour	New South Wales	Cheaper than coastal capitals
16	Port Augusta	South Australia	Industrial town, low costs
17	Mildura	Victoria	Regional agricultural hub
18	Bendigo	Victoria	Affordable inland city, growing economy
19	Ballarat	Victoria	Historical city, lower housing prices
20	Shepparton	Victoria	Agriculture-based regional center
21	Warrnambool	Victoria	Coastal regional city, affordable
22	Traralgon/Morwell	Victoria	Latrobe Valley, affordable housing
23	Geelong	Victoria	Rising costs but cheaper than Melbourne
24	Sunshine Coast hinterland towns	Queensland	Inland areas cheaper than coast
25	Toowoomba	Queensland	Education and services hub
26	Rockhampton	Queensland	Regional city, lower cost living
27	Mackay	Queensland	Mining and regional center
28	Bundaberg	Queensland	Coastal, yet affordable
29	Hervey Bay	Queensland	Retirement and family friendly
30	Gladstone	Queensland	Mining hub, affordable homes
31	Townsville	Queensland	Regional city, reasonable prices
32	Cairns	Queensland	Cheaper than other coastal tourist cities
33	Alice Springs	Northern Territory	Remote, moderate costs
34	Darwin	Northern Territory	Cheaper housing than southern capitals, higher other costs
35	Launceston	Tasmania	Affordable regional city
36	Burnie	Tasmania	Coastal regional town, low prices
37	Devonport	Tasmania	Affordable coastal city
38	Adelaide	South Australia	Most affordable capital city
39	Perth	Western Australia	Cheaper than other capitals, rising
40	Bunbury	Western Australia	Regional coastal city
41	Geraldton	Western Australia	Regional port town
42	Kalgoorlie	Western Australia	Mining town, historically high rents now lower
43	Albany	Western Australia	Coastal regional town
44	Mandurah	Western Australia	Commutable to Perth, cheaper suburbs
45	Mount Isa	Queensland	Remote mining town, low housing costs
46	Maryborough	Queensland	Affordable inland town
47	Port Hedland	Western Australia	Mining town, costs stabilized
48	Karratha	Western Australia	Mining town, more affordable than boom years
49	Griffith	New South Wales	Agricultural region, low prices
50	Forbes	New South Wales	Central West NSW, affordable town

Closing

While affordability is an important factor in choosing where to live, it should be considered alongside employment opportunities, access to healthcare, education, transport, and lifestyle amenities. Some of the most affordable towns are remote or have limited services, while regional centers may provide more balance between cost and infrastructure. This list serves as a starting point for Australians seeking to relocate or invest, showing that lower living costs are often available outside major urban centers without compromising quality of life.