The Homely Report: The top 50 most liveable and affordable suburbs in Australia

Welcome to our first edition of The Homely Report’s: Top 50 Most Liveable and Affordable Suburbs according to Homely locals.

Looking for the best and most budget-friendly places to settle down in Australia that also offer lifestyle benefits? Homely’s hyperlocal suburb and street reviews as well as local discussion forums provide an in-depth look at cities, suburbs, and towns across the nation, reviewed as both affordable and liveable by the people who know the areas.

These insights are collected from thousands of locals discussing the various aspects of suburbs and streets that make or break the decisions that matter to property seekers. From the cost of living in the area, to house and unit prices, local business growth, infrastructure developments to community attributes and local amenities like parks, schools as well as suburb friendliness, all these factors impact what our users consider the most liveable suburbs.

In addition to this valuable qualitative data, you’ll also find median house and unit prices on many suburbs on Homely, which can be useful in comparing possible purchase prices – as well as potential rental yields – if you’re looking to purchase an investment property in one of these areas.

So what makes these top 50 suburbs both extremely liveable and affordable?

David Webb from Homely.com.au says, “The majority of these locations are close to a regional hub. And when looking at any property in an area that might be new to you, it is important to look for infrastructure or plans to build infrastructure. This can indicate not only positive capital growth, but also whether a place is going to be able to provide the comfort and access factors you need.”

David continues, “This is where some of the local knowledge provided by Homely can really help you make the most informed decision about where to live.”

So let’s dive into what the locals on Homely think are the top most affordable and liveable areas in Australia this year. The area topping our list this year is surprisingly interesting and very budget-friendly, where you can pick up a 3-bed family home for around $300,000. Situated in the rugged west of Tassie with plenty of community activities and a welcoming, friendly vibe, Queenstown is fast becoming a highly attractive area for people looking to own a home in a quaint suburb in beautiful surroundings. Locals in Queenstown like Emmap28 say, “​​Queenstown is a beautiful small little town that has a variety of businesses to make life still enjoyable. Whilst the lifestyle is relaxed, businesses are still growing and strong.” You can read more local suburb reviews here.

Other notable highlights include Davoren Park near Adelaide, which locals consider a more affordable version of North Adelaide. Offering a perfect blend of affordability and quality lifestyle with all the amenities of Adelaide, it’s a hit among astute investors and savvy young families. Homely user Pistol says, “It is the undiscovered gem of the inner city suburbs. My advice is get in now before the secret is out.”

While median house prices around the $1m mark aren’t necessarily considered affordable to everyone, Homely locals have rated a handful of suburbs as relatively more affordable when compared to their blue chip neighbours and based on high quality lifestyle factors, amenities and access. A great example of this is Southport, Gold Coast, which has a median house price of $902,500 versus Surfers Paradise, which has a median price of $1.9m. Homely user Justin says “Lived on GC 20 yrs moved to Southport 3yrs ago due to excellent public transport, close to shops and broadwater. Everything is in Southport. Cheap to buy in comparison to other suburbs.”

Read on for the full list of the top 50, or discover what locals are saying about places you’re interested in on Homely. 

Homely’s top 50 most liveable and affordable suburbs for 2024

1. Queenstown, TAS – Offers mountain views and a quiet lifestyle. Median price: $187,500 “So much potential, great affordable housing.”
2. Mount Johns, NT – Located in Alice Springs, offers a serene desert environment with modern amenities. Median unit price: $218,750
3. Port Augusta – Most affordable with redevelopment potential. Median house price: $213,750 – $220,000. “At the crossroads of great Australian adventures + very affordable living“
4. Zeehan, TAS – Known for its mining heritage and quiet, remote lifestyle. Median price: $220,000
5. Ingham, QLD – Offers a peaceful lifestyle with sugar cane fields and proximity to tropical beaches. Median price: $222,500
6. Katanning, WA – Centrally located in the Great Southern region, known for its multicultural community and agricultural industry. Median price: $21,000 (land) – $237,500 for a house.
7. Morwell, VIC – Offers good public transport and recreational spaces. Median price: $290,000 – $330,000
8. Kalgoorlie, WA – Historic mining town with a strong community. Median price: $347,000
9. Moe, VIC – Known for community spirit and affordability. Median price: $355,000. “I’ve finally found an affordable home in a safe town.”
10. Kadina, SA – Quiet life with access to services. Median price: $367,500 – $370,000
11. Davoren Park, SA – Known for its convenience without the price tag. Median house price: $382,750 – $418,000
12. Maryborough, QLD – Rich in history with affordable housing and a strong community feel. Median price: $385,000
13. Horsham, VIC – Known as a vibrant community hub in the Wimmera region with good amenities. Median price: $165,000 – $391,000
14. Murray Bridge, SA – Good growth potential, community-oriented. Median price: $400,000 – $437,750
15. Mount Gambier, SA – Affordable with a strong community focus. Median price: $415,000 – $455,000
16. Newborough, VIC – Appreciated for its family-friendly and peaceful environment. Median price: $420,000 – $460,000
17. Esperance, WA – Coastal town with scenic views and amenities. Median price: $445,000.
18. Shepparton, VIC – Offers affordability with strong community vibes. Median price: $407,500 – $447,000
19. Bundaberg East, QLD – Low cost of living with good amenities. Median price: $460,000.
20. Corio, VIC – Affordable with good growth potential. Median price: $480,000
21. Newtown, QLD – Offers good value for money. Median price: $485,000
22. Woodridge, QLD – Family-friendly with parks and recreation. Median price: $505,000
23. Traralgon, VIC – Known for its family-friendly environment. Median price: $400,000 – $505,000
24. Norman Gardens, QLD – Quiet suburb with growth potential. Median price: $505,000
25. Taree, NSW – Set on the Manning River with affordable homes and a slow-paced lifestyle. Median price: $501,000 – $505,000
26. Flora Hill, VIC – Popular among students and academics. Median price: $517,000 -520,000
27. Rockingham, WA – Popular for dining and safe living. Median price: $532,000 – $645,000
28. Hackham, SA – Family-friendly with parks and recreation. Median price: $535,750 – $565,000
29. Gawler, SA – Offers historic charm and growing amenities. Median price: $475,000- $560,000
30. Centenary Heights, QLD – Affordable suburban lifestyle. Median price: $570,000
31. St Albans Park, VIC – Growing appeal among families. Median price: $590,000
32. Warrnambool, VIC – Coastal living with a growing market. Median price: $550,000 – $591,000
33. Broome, WA – Strong growth, unique lifestyle. Median price: $455,000 – $610,000
34. Encounter Bay, SA – Quiet, coastal lifestyle. Median price: $612,000 – $700,000
35. Pooraka, SA – Offers good public transport and affordable living. Median price: $617,500 – $622,500
36. Madeley, WA – Known for schools and green spaces. Median price: $670,000
37. Lang Lang, VIC – Praised for its beautiful scenery, community-friendly atmosphere, and affordable housing options. Median price: $672,500
38. Frankston, VIC – Offers a vibrant beach lifestyle with good amenities. Median price: $740,000 – $780,000
39. North Haven, SA – Known for its safe and quiet environment. Median price: $748,500 – $933,000
40. Kyneton, VIC – Combines country charm with community feel. Median price: $787,500 – $847,000
41. Elermore Vale, NSW – Family-friendly with access to Newcastle amenities. Median price: $818,250 – $890,000
42. Rainbow Beach, QLD – Offers peace and quiet with clean, green landscapes. Median price: $850,000
43. Little Mountain, QLD – Great for outdoor lifestyles. Median price: $890,650.
44. Penrith, NSW – A bustling suburb in Greater Western Sydney, perfect for families $841,000 – $897,500
45. Florey, ACT – Known for great schools and family living. Median price: $900,000
46. Oxley Park, NSW – Known for its neighbourly spirit and access to parks. Median price: $902,500 – $905,000
47. Southport, QLD – Balances suburban comfort with city access. Median price: $902,500
48. Dundowran Beach, QLD – Beach proximity and quiet living. Median price: $975,000
49. Flinders View, QLD – Known for its family-friendly environment and green spaces. Median price: $1,000,000
50. Wynnum, QLD – Coastal suburb with great amenities and lifestyle. Median price: $1,050,000. “Properties in Wynnum are still remarkably affordable compared to bayside suburbs in other major Australian cities. It’s almost like Brisbane hasn’t realised the value of property close to the sea.” 

Whether you’re looking to move to a vibrant city or a serene suburb, Homely’s 2024 report provides all the information you need to make a better-informed decision that suits your budget and lifestyle. Explore places on Homely to discover your perfect new home.

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^Median house price data is general only and gathered from multiple sources including National Property Data Group and a licensed Corelogic data provider. Please refer to data disclaimers on relevant sources. Homely does not warrant the accuracy, currency or completeness of the data obtained, and to the full extent permitted by law excludes all loss or damage howsoever arising (including through negligence) in connection with the data provided.  All qualitative data mined via Homely’s unique street and suburb review content, including millions of pieces of individual, user-generated comments from real locals and local real estate agents.