Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Australia
Australia, with its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and diverse culture, has become a popular destination for digital nomads. Here are seven cities and towns that offer an ideal balance of work and play, attractive amenities, and a digital nomad-friendly environment:
Sydney
Known for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney offers a rich cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. Digital nomads can enjoy exploring the Royal Botanic Garden or taking a stroll along Bondi Beach.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 2,500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 150, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 50.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Taronga Zoo, located on a hill overlooking the harbor. It's home to over 4,000 animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and various exotic species.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Surry Hills or Newtown neighborhoods, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes and trendy restaurants.
Melbourne
Melbourne, known for its artistic and foodie scene, is a must-visit for digital nomads. You can explore the street art, attend a comedy show, or take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 2,300 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 170, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 45.
Nomad Tip: The Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit for food lovers. It offers a variety of local and international produce, as well as clothing and souvenirs.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Carlton or Fitzroy neighborhoods, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes, bars, and trendy restaurants.
Brisbane
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, offers a more laid-back atmosphere than Sydney or Melbourne. Digital nomads can enjoy the South Bank Parklands, visit the Art Gallery of Queensland, or take a day trip to the nearby Sunshine Coast.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 1,800 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 120, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 35.
Nomad Tip: The City Botanic Gardens is a great place to relax and unwind. It's home to over 15,000 different plant species and offers beautiful views of the Brisbane River.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Fortitude Valley or New Farm neighborhoods, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay, located in northern New South Wales, offers a more laid-back and eco-friendly vibe for digital nomads. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, hike in the nearby national park, or take a yoga class.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 2,000 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 150, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 45.
Nomad Tip: The Byron Bay Farmers Market is a great place to stock up on fresh local produce and try some delicious food. It's held every Thursday and Saturday.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the town center or the nearby suburb of Wategos, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Cairns
Cairns, located in tropical Queensland, offers digital nomads the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife or take a day trip to the nearby islands.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 1,500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 120, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 35.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Cairns Esplanade, which offers beautiful views of the ocean and is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and a lagoon pool.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the city center or the nearby suburb of Manoora, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Fremantle, Perth
Fremantle, a historic port city located in Perth, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities for digital nomads. You can explore the Fremantle Prison, visit the Maritime Museum, or take a day trip to Rottnest Island.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 1,800 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 150, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 45.
Nomad Tip: The Fremantle Markets offer a great opportunity to try local foods and shop for souvenirs. They're open seven days a week and offer a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Fremantle Prison Precinct or the nearby South Fremantle neighborhood, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Adelaide
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, offers a more relaxed and affordable alternative to Sydney and Melbourne for digital nomads. You can explore the Adelaide Central Market, visit the Art Gallery of South Australia, or take a day trip to the nearby Barossa Valley wine region.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around AUD 1,500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week typically cost around AUD 100, while dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink would be around AUD 30.
Nomad Tip: The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a great place to relax and unwind. It's home to over 20,000 different plant species and offers beautiful views of the city and the Torrens River.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the North Adelaide or East End neighborhoods, both of which offer a variety of furnished apartments and are home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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