5 Australian Destinations for Affordable Retirement Living

Key Takeaways Australia's most affordable retirement cities-from Launceston to Adelaide-offer a lower cost of living than the U.S. While median home values are above those in the U.S., they are about 30% to 50% lower than in the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne. These destinations already have established retiree communities, with 15% to 23% of residents aged 65 and older-meaning infrastructure, health care, and social networks are already in place. Australia offers Americans walkable cities, less crime, stunning coastlines, and a genuine slow-down-and-enjoy-life culture-all in a country where English is the native language, and the coffee is world-class. Gondolas on the Torrens River in Adelaide. Beyond Sydney and Melbourne, Australia offers retirees scenic cities with milder price tags and plenty of room to exhale.Robert Lang Photography / Getty Images Hobart's Constitution Dock at sunrise. The Tasmanian capital offers retirees waterfront living, mild weather, and home prices roughly 45% below Sydney.Steve Daggar Photography / Getty Images The Adelaide Festival Centre on the Torrens River in South Australia's capital city.Nick Rains / Getty Images Coffs Harbour offers retirees the chance of exercise, as well as a laid-back beach lifestyle without the Gold Coast price tag.Adam Smith / Getty Images Manicured gardens at Laurel Bank Park in Toowoomba. Known as the "Garden City," this inland Queensland hub trades beachfront living for flower festivals and crisp but not freezing winters.Traceydee Photography / Getty Images Launceston emerges from the morning mist, with the North Esk River winding toward the Tamar Valley beyond. Tasmania's northern city offers retirees historic charm, compact walkability, and the lowest median home price of any destination on this list.Wenyi Liu / Getty Images While the median home prices in these five cities are at or above typical U.S. levels, day-to-day living costs tell a different story. Groceries, dining out, transportation, and utilities run 15% to 35% lower than in comparable American cities. Sydney and Melbourne are as expensive as California. But venture beyond the big metros, and you'll find scenic cities with costs of living well below that in the U.S. Selection Criteria Housing costs : Median prices for homes are usually a good indicator of overall affordability; however, in fact, Australia's cost of living is lower overall, despite higher median home costs. For reference, as of 2025, the median home prices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne were $845k, $732k in Brisbane, and $548k in Melbourne. The national median was $591k. (All values here and below are in U.S. dollars, using the exchange rate as of mid-December 2025.) Living expenses : Other daily costs, such as parking, dining at restaurants, and purchasing local food, are typically lower in smaller cities than in capital cities. Healthcare : Each place has at least one major public hospital or a network of public and private clinics. Lifestyle and environment : Parks, beaches, gardens, vineyards, or other natural settings, plus mild climates (compared with more inland or northern locales). Community and safety : Smaller populations and a history of attracting older residents as part...

Preview: ~500 words