Australians have named what they believe to be the places with the ‘very best’ standard of living in the country – and some of them may surprise you.
While Sydney and Melbourne may offer more career opportunities and plentiful dining options, many Aussies are opting out of crowded commutes, soaring rent and a ‘lack of community’ in favour of areas further afield.
From the whale-watching capital of the world to a Tasmanian city, these are the spots some claim to offer the best standard of living for those who value decent home and rental prices, great weather, culture and ‘overall good vibes’.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
Population: 65,000 (2024)
Known as the world’s whale-watching capital, Hervey Bay sits on the Fraser Coast, just 3.5 hours north of Brisbane.
Locals say its unspoilt coastline, peaceful charm and laid-back pace make it the perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a slower lifestyle.
Residents rave about the area’s kid-friendly beaches, short commutes (‘it takes 15 minutes to cross town’), and property prices that are still lower than most metro areas – though they’re steadily rising.
Known as the world’s whale-watching capital, Hervey Bay sits on the Fraser Coast, just 3.5 hours north of Brisbane
Locals say Hervey Bay’s unspoilt coastline, peaceful charm and laid-back pace make it the perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a slower lifestyle
Urangan, a sought-after suburb, was given a special mention for its proximity to the boat club, fishing spots and the historic pier. The region is also seeing steady development, including new retail precincts and a proposed Sheraton hotel.
But those who move there say you have to ’embrace the calm’.
‘This isn’t where you go out. This is where you go ‘out’,’ one resident wrote online, explaining that the lack of nightlife is replaced with dinners at home, outdoor adventures, and a closer connection to family and friends.
‘Apparently Hervey Bay has the most perfect weather in Australia,’ another ex-local wrote.
‘Just the right summer temps, just the right winter temps and a good amount of annual rainfall.
‘I have no source for that but I really have read that a couple of times and I can agree after living there for three years. I understand it’s got the usual drug/crime problems now but really which towns don’t have those problems these days.’
Hobart, Tasmania
Population: 254, 930 (2025)
According to locals, Hobart offers world-class scenery with the conveniences of a capital city and is great for those who love nature, crisp winters and a slower pace.
Just minutes from its charming centre there are national parks, picturesque villages and views over the Derwent River that are ‘absolutely world-class’.
For those who love nature, crisp winters and a slower pace, Hobart offers world-class scenery with the conveniences of a capital city
Hobart has an arty, nature-loving, slightly old-school English vibe, with friendly pubs, good food and a creative community.
But there’s a catch – jobs can be scarce, so it’s ideal for those who can work remotely or already have a secure income.
‘Tasmania is one of the most liveable places on earth if you make a good wage. I’d move there in a heartbeat,’ one Reddit user wrote.
‘It has fantastic access to nature, good food, amazing produce, wineries, cheaper rent, and is genuinely a great community,’ another added.
‘My partner and I moved here knowing no one and have both ended up in good jobs with a great lot of friends.’
Capertee Valley, NSW
Population: Around 130 (2021)
A few hours from Sydney lies Australia’s second-largest canyon – a vast, breathtaking landscape almost completely encircled by national parks.
The Capertee Valley offers sandstone cliffs, abundant wildlife, and blocks of land so large (often over 50 acres) that neighbours are few and far between.
Locals say it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, with hiking, bird-watching, and complete seclusion.
‘Capertee Valley ranks high for me. Incredible landscape and lifestyle a few hours from Sydney,’ one said.
A few hours from Sydney lies Capertee Valley, Australia’s second-largest canyon – a vast, breathtaking landscape almost completely encircled by national parks
The impressive Pantoneys Crown monolith is a ‘must-climb’, offering panoramic views of the dramatic escarpment.
And while it feels remote, the valley is still within reach Mudgee, Bathurst and Lithgow – making it a sweet spot for those who want both peace and access to city centres.
‘Other areas nearby [I’d recommend] are along the Turon River, and a beautiful valley system that runs east of Lake Wyndamere from Hayes Gap through Lue, Rylstone/Kandos and Dabee into the Capertee Valley at Mt Morgan,’ another wrote.
‘Wolgan Valley is also good, but has been cut off for a number of years by landslides. All these areas are well served with nearby major centres but Capertee Valley is at the top of my list.’
What other places have the ‘best standard of living’ in Australia?
Reddit users named a number of other places they’d either lived or desire to live due to ‘high quality living’:
1. Canberra, ACT
Why?
‘Very high salaries but has cheapish rent compared to other Australian cities and certainly compared to Sydney,’ one wrote.
‘It’s definitely a specific vibe here, and for those that are into it Canberra is wonderful,’ another said.
2. Townsville, QLD
Why?
‘I’ve lived in several capitals but living in Townsville was easy and unstressful,’ one said.
‘Second Townsville. Lovely city,’ another wrote.
3. Perth, WA
Why?
‘Perth [has the] highest wages in the country and is still cheaper than most of the east coast. We have fantastic beaches that are never over crowded too,’ one wrote.
‘Perth is pretty great… closer to Asia, still relatively affordable, some of the best beaches in the world, perfect weather a majority of the year except for a few weeks,’ another added.
4. Darwin, NT
Why?
‘Gonna shock some people when I say this. Darwin. I could afford to live alone, a block from the ocean, five minutes walk to a 50-metre public swimming pool with a reliable 17-minute driving commute to work,’ one wrote.
‘The only things that s*ck about Darwin are the expensive and long flights home, the weather and the real lack of good shopping. But if you can work around those you can have a great standard of living for a lot less than what you’d get in the big five.’