Is Australia a good country to live?

Key takeaways

• Australia is a good country to live, thanks to its high living standards, beachside cities, friendly population, and thriving economy.
• Living in Australia is sun-drenched, safe, and easy-going, with plenty of time spent exploring the Great Outdoors, enjoying time with family and friends, and working flexibly.
• The pros and cons of living in Australia include its strong economy, friendly people, isolated location, and high cost of living.

Positives

Stable economy: 

The country boasts a low unemployment rate of 4.3%* and competitive, growing wages. Job opportunities in Australia for 2026 are positive, with the country's largest employers, including those in the public sector, charity work, healthcare, and community services. Financial security allows residents to save, invest, and enjoy high living standards.

Affordable healthcare: 

Medicare, the public health insurance program, provides residents with free or low-cost medical treatment. Hospitals are modern, well-staffed, and efficient. Private health insurance complements Medicare by offering shorter wait times, specialist services, and access to private facilities. Preventive care is encouraged via public health campaigns.

Friendly locals: 

Aussies are laid-back, welcoming and love a bit of friendly banter. The government promotes community engagement and social inclusion, and neighbours tend to look out for each other. Local clubs, events, and volunteering make it easier for newcomers to make friends and get involved in community life.

Quality education:

Public and private schools offer state-of-the-art facilities, diverse programs, well-trained teachers, and extensive support services, including counselling and career guidance. Six universities, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Sydney, rank among the top 10 in the 2025 Times Higher Education rankings.

It's a natural playground: 

Australia's diverse landscape, ranging from beaches and mountains to bushland and rocky ranges, is ideal for exploration and outdoor sports. Outdoor recreation, including swimming, hiking, and surfing, is accessible year-round, and protected areas and national parks help preserve the natural environment. This promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and offers numerous opportunities for family-friendly adventures.

Negatives

Cost of living is high:

Rent, groceries, and utilities are relatively expensive, particularly in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Australia's housing market remains notoriously expensive in 2025, with property prices in major cities often out of reach for first-time buyers. However, wages are generally high and continue to grow year on year.

Distance from other countries:

Australia's geographic isolation makes travelling abroad expensive and time-consuming. Flights to Europe, North America, or large parts of Asia take many hours. Such distances could affect visits from family, flights back home, holidaymaking outside Australia, and overseas business trips.

Not everyone can handle the climate:

Certain regions across the country, given their vast size, experience extreme heat, droughts, or flooding. Northern areas are prone to cyclones, while summer bushfires are common in the southern and eastern states. In many inland and northern regions, temperatures can soar above 40°C in the summer, so be sure to pack some sunscreen.

Getting around may be difficult:

Around 90% of Australia's landmass is sparsely populated, with limited public transport options outside major cities. Most of the population lives along the eastern and south-eastern coasts. However, even relatively close cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, take over nine hours by car.

Creepy crawlies!:

Australia is home to many venomous snakes, spiders as big as your hand, and jellyfish — a risk in the city and outback. Authorities advise taking precautions, particularly when hiking, swimming, or camping. Although encounters are rare, it's essential to stay safe and remain vigilant about your surroundings at all times.