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Australia Working Holiday Ultimate Guide: Cost of Living & Job Markets by State

Are you planning a Working Holiday in Australia but struggling to decide which city to start your adventure in?

Australia is a vast continent with a wide range of climates, lifestyles, and living costs. Choosing the right starting point can be overwhelming, but it’s a crucial first step. If you’re feeling unsure about where to settle first, the following guide will help you weigh your options and find the perfect fit.

1. Picking Your Base: Cities & Job Markets

Finding a suitable city depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s high-paying mining jobs or a laid-back beach lifestyle. Here’s a quick snapshot of what each state has to offer.

State / Territory - City Pros Cons Type of Traveller

NSW – Sydney / Newcastle
  • Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city
  • Abundant roles in hospitality, tourism, and services
  • High cost of living (especially rent)
  • Highly competitive job market
  • Urban explorers
  • Job seekers & High earners
  • Cultural & Arts enthusiasts

VIC – Melbourne / Geelong
  • Vibrant arts, music, and world-class café culture
  • Job opportunities in hospitality, service and creative industries
  • Cost of living is high
  • Unpredictable weather
    “Four seasons in one day”
  • Foodies & coffee addicts
  • Creative souls
  • Career-driven seekers

QLD – Brisbane / Gold Coast / Cairns
  • Tropical climate and stunning beaches
  • Diverse roles in hospitality, tourism and agriculture
  • Plenty of regional job opportunities in the remote area of Queensland for the second and third 417 working holiday visas
  • Can feel less “big city” compared to Sydney/Melbourne
  • Adventure & nature seekers
  • Laid-back souls
  • Beach lovers

WA – Perth / Broome
  • Generally warm weather
  • Cost of living is slightly lower than the three major cities
  • High-paying mining and agriculture opportunities
  • Great for securing 2nd/3rd year working holiday visas
  • Isolated from eastern states (i.e Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
  • Expensive interstate travel
  • Mining job seekers
  • Beach lovers
  • Enjoy quiet life and are willing to work in remote areas

SA – Adelaide
  • Lower cost of living
  • World-renowned wine industry
  • Job opportunities in agriculture industries, great for 2nd 417 visa
  • Smaller city compared to other major cities
  • Less convenience compared to major cities
  • Budget-conscious travellers
  • Farm work seekers
  • Wine enthusiasts

TAS – Hobart / Launceston
  • Stunning natural scenery
  • Very affordable living costs
  • Good opportunities for agricultural work (2nd working holiday visa-friendly)
  • Much colder climate, especially in winter
  • Limited job openings during the off-season
  • Budget travellers
  • Nature lovers & hikers
  • Those who enjoy a cooler climate

ACT – Canberra
  • Australia’s political centre, with job opportunities concentrated in the public sector and educational institutions
  • Safe, quiet, and well-organised environment
  • Limited job opportunities for temporary visa holders, especially for working holiday makers
  • Those seeking a quiet, safe base

NT – Darwin / Alice Springs
  • Tropical vibes & iconic outback landscapes
  • Warm weather all year round
  • Abundant regional work for working holiday visa extensions
  • Fewer urban amenities
  • Far away from other big cities
  • Extreme heat and humidity in summer
  • Hard-core adventurers
  • Those chasing an authentic outback experience

In Summary

  • If you crave the fast-paced city life with plenty of job opportunities and cultural events, Sydney and Melbourne are your top contenders—just be ready for the higher cost of living.

  • On a tighter budget? If you’re looking for agricultural work or outdoor adventures, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania offer a more affordable and nature-filled alternative.

  • Aiming for a second or third visa? Prioritise regional areas in Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, where eligible work opportunities are most abundant.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal interests, career goals, and budget. If you’re open to adventure, why stick to just one? You can always explore multiple states to get a truly well-rounded Australian experience!

2. Financial Preparation & The Cost of Living

To apply for an Australian Working Holiday visa, the government requires applicants to demonstrate a minimum savings of AUD 5,000. This ensures you can cover initial living expenses or emergencies while searching for a job.

Most backpackers begin their journey in a capital city before exploring work opportunities further. To help you budget, here is a breakdown of the typical cost of living across different states:

State - Capital City Rent (Shared Room / House) Other Daily Expenses
NSW – Sydney
  • CBD: AUD 350 – 550 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 180 – 350 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 500 – 800 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant)：AUD 17 – 40 per meal​
VIC – Melbourne
  • CBD: AUD 300 – 500 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 170 – 320 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 450 – 700 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 15 – 30 per meal
QLD – Brisbane
  • CBD: AUD 200 – 400 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 150 – 280 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 400 – 700 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 15 – 32 per meal
WA – Perth
  • CBD: AUD 180 – 350 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 140 – 250 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 350 – 650 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 15 – 28 per meal​
SA – Adelaide
  • CBD: AUD 150 – 300 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 130 – 220 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 350 – 500 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 20 – 45 per meal
TAS – Hobart
  • CBD: AUD 150 – 250 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 120 – 200 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 300 – 500 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 18 – 35 per meal
ACT – Canberra
  • CBD: AUD 200 – 400 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 150 – 250 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 400 – 600 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 19 – 35 per meal
NT – Darwin
  • CBD: AUD 180 – 300 weekly
  • Suburbs: AUD 140 – 220 weekly
  • Groceries: AUD 350 – 700 monthly
  • Dining Out (Casual Restaurant): AUD 20 – 25 per meal

*CBD includes surrounding areas while Suburbs refers to the areas that are more than 15 – 20 km away from CBD.

Source from: Numbeo, Expatistan, CoreLogic and other local Real Estate Websites

The figures above are estimates intended for reference only. Actual rental costs can vary significantly based on specific location, property size, and included amenities. Similarly, your monthly grocery and dining expenses will fluctuate depending on your lifestyle and personal spending habits.

We hope this guide provides valuable insights for your upcoming Australian Working Holiday adventure! If you’re planning to extend your stay or need more personalised advice, feel free to check out our other articles or contact us directly for support.