Best Regional Areas for PR in Australia 2025-26

Marcus spent three months researching every regional area in Australia. He had his 491 visa approval. He could move anywhere classified as “regional.” But where? Adelaide? Perth? Geelong? Hobart? Each Google search gave him a different answer. Every migration forum had different opinions. Everyone seemed to have a different “best” location.

Frustrated, Marcus made a spreadsheet. He ranked 20 regional areas across 12 different factors: job availability, cost of living, weather, proximity to major cities, healthcare, schools, lifestyle amenities, future growth potential, and more.

When he finished, one city scored significantly higher than the others for his specific situation (IT professional, married with one child, loved the beach, needed good schools).

That city was Wollongong, NSW.

Two years later, Marcus tells everyone who’ll listen: “Wollongong was the perfect choice. Great tech jobs, stunning beaches, amazing schools for my daughter, and we’re only 90 minutes from Sydney when we want the city experience.”

Here’s the truth: There’s no universally “best” regional area. But there IS a best regional area for YOUR specific situation, priorities, and occupation.

Let me help you find it.

The Ranking Methodology: What Actually Matters

Before we dive into specific cities, let’s talk about what makes a regional area “best” for migration purposes.

You need to evaluate regional areas across these factors:

1. Job Market Strength

• How many job openings in your occupation?
• Salary levels compared to metro areas?
• Industry diversity (what if you want to change careers)?
• Unemployment rates
• Future growth projections

2. PR Pathway Success

• How easy to get state nomination?
• Historical approval rates
• Meeting 191 income thresholds
• Stability of regional classification

3. Cost of Living

• Median house prices
• Rental costs
• General expenses (food, transport, utilities)
• Affordability relative to salaries

4. Lifestyle Quality

• Climate and weather
• Natural environment (beaches, mountains, etc.)
• Entertainment and cultural activities
• Restaurant and dining scene
• Sports and recreation facilities

5. Practical Amenities

• Quality of schools (if you have children)
• Healthcare facilities and specialists
• Shopping and services
• Public transport
• Internet and infrastructure

6. Location Benefits

• Distance to major city (for occasional visits)
• Airport access for international travel
• Day trip possibilities
• Community size and diversity

7. Future Growth Potential

• Population growth trends
• Economic development projects
• Government investment
• Long-term stability

Let’s rank the best regional areas based on these criteria.

The Top 10 Regional Areas for PR in Australia

#1: Adelaide, South Australia

Population: 1.3 million
Distance to nearest major city: It IS a major city
Median house price: $630,000
Key industries: Healthcare, education, defense, manufacturing, wine

Why it ranks #1:

Adelaide is the secret weapon of Australian regional migration. It’s a major city—with everything you’d expect from one—but counts as “regional” for visa purposes.

Job Market: 9/10

• Strong healthcare sector (hospitals, aged care)
• Growing defense industry (submarine contracts)
• Robust education sector (universities)
• Emerging tech and innovation sector
• Lower unemployment than national average

PR Pathway: 10/10

• Entire state is regional (no restrictions on where you live)
• Regular state nomination rounds
• Clear, transparent nomination process
• Strong history of approving applicants
• Easy to meet 191 income thresholds

Cost of Living: 9/10

• 30-40% cheaper housing than Sydney/Melbourne
• Median house: $630,000 (vs. $1.4M in Sydney)
• Lower rent, utilities, general costs
• Excellent value for money

Lifestyle: 8/10

• Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers)
• Beautiful beaches (20 minutes from CBD)
• World-class wine regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale)
• Excellent restaurants and café culture
• Major festivals and events (Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide)
• Good public transport

Amenities: 9/10

• Excellent hospitals and healthcare
• Great schools (public and private)
• Three universities
• Major shopping centers
• International airport with direct flights to Asia, Middle East

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, allied health)
• Teachers and education professionals
• Engineers (especially mechanical, civil)
• IT professionals
• Manufacturing and trades
• Families wanting big-city amenities without big-city costs

Downsides:

• Hot, dry summers (40°C+ days not uncommon)
• Smaller job market than Sydney/Melbourne (though still substantial)
• “Sleepy” reputation (though rapidly changing)
• Distance from east coast (if you have family/friends there)

Real resident feedback: “Adelaide gives you capital city living with regional visa benefits. It’s genuinely the best of both worlds.” – Priya, IT consultant

#2: Perth, Western Australia

Population: 2 million
Distance to nearest major city: 2,700km to Adelaide (yes, really)
Median house price: $650,000
Key industries: Mining, resources, healthcare, construction, education

Why it ranks #2:

Perth is Australia’s boom town. High salaries, strong economy, and stunning Indian Ocean beaches. Plus, the entire city counts as regional.

Job Market: 10/10

• Highest salaries in Australia (especially mining/resources)
• Strong demand for trades (electricians, plumbers, welders)
• Robust healthcare sector
• Growing tech sector
• Resources boom creating opportunities

PR Pathway: 9/10

• Entire Perth metro area is regional
• Strong nomination programs
• Diverse occupation lists
• Good success rates
• High salaries make 191 income threshold easy

Cost of Living: 7/10

• Housing more expensive than Adelaide but cheaper than Sydney
• High salaries offset costs
• Expensive flights to east coast
• Utilities can be pricey
• Overall good value given salary levels

Lifestyle: 10/10

• Stunning beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough)
• Beautiful weather (300+ days of sunshine)
• Outdoor lifestyle (water sports, hiking)
• Excellent wine regions (Margaret River, Swan Valley)
• Growing food and culture scene
• Relaxed, friendly vibe

Amenities: 9/10

• Excellent hospitals and healthcare
• Good schools
• Major universities
• Modern infrastructure
• International airport (direct flights to UK, Asia)

Who it’s perfect for:

• Engineers (mining, civil, mechanical)
• Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, welders)
• Healthcare professionals
• IT professionals
• Beach and outdoor lovers
• People who want high salaries

Downsides:

• Most isolated major city in the world
• 5-hour flight to Sydney/Melbourne
• Expensive to travel east or internationally
• Mining economy can be boom/bust
• Very hot summers

Real resident feedback: “The isolation worried me, but Perth is so beautiful and the money is so good, I don’t miss the east coast.” – James, civil engineer

#3: Geelong, Victoria

Population: 280,000
Distance to Melbourne: 75km (1 hour drive, 1.5 hours train)
Median house price: $650,000
Key industries: Manufacturing, healthcare, education, tech

Why it ranks #3:

Geelong is the “best of both worlds” location. Regional visa benefits with easy access to Melbourne whenever you want it.

Job Market: 8/10

• Growing tech and startup sector
• Strong healthcare (major hospitals)
• Manufacturing resurgence
• Deakin University (education jobs)
• Close enough to Melbourne for jobs there with regional living

PR Pathway: 8/10

• Clearly defined regional area
• Regular state nominations
• Clear pathway to 191
• Income thresholds very achievable

Cost of Living: 8/10

• 30-40% cheaper than Melbourne
• Median house $650,000 (vs. $1M+ in Melbourne)
• Lower rent
• Access to Melbourne prices when needed

Lifestyle: 9/10

• Beautiful waterfront and beaches
• Vibrant city center with cafés and restaurants
• Regular train service to Melbourne
• Wine region nearby (Bellarine Peninsula)
• Growing arts and culture scene
• Safe, family-friendly environment

Amenities: 9/10

• Excellent hospitals
• Great schools (public and private)
• Deakin University
• Good shopping
• Train to Melbourne for anything else

Who it’s perfect for:

• IT professionals who want regional benefits but Melbourne access
• Healthcare workers
• Teachers
• Young families
• People who want “close to big city” lifestyle

Downsides:

• Not quite as cheap as other regional areas
• Weather can be unpredictable (Melbourne-style four seasons in one day)
• Some areas still transitioning economically
• Train dependency if working in Melbourne

Real resident feedback: “I work in Melbourne 3 days a week but live in Geelong. Regional visa, Melbourne salary, Geelong cost of living. Perfect.” – David, software developer

#4: Gold Coast, Queensland

Population: 640,000
Distance to Brisbane: 80km
Median house price: $850,000
Key industries: Tourism, healthcare, construction, education

Why it ranks #4:

Iconic beaches, perfect weather, and major city amenities with regional classification. The lifestyle drawcard.

Job Market: 7/10

• Strong healthcare sector
• Tourism and hospitality (though lower wages)
• Growing education sector (universities)
• Construction boom
• Less diverse than major capitals

PR Pathway: 9/10

• Entire Gold Coast is regional
• Strong nomination programs
• Clear pathways
• Tourism/hospitality income thresholds can be challenging

Cost of Living: 6/10

• More expensive than other regional areas
• High demand = high prices
• Median house approaching $850,000
• Comparable to some metro areas

Lifestyle: 10/10

• World-famous beaches
• Perfect subtropical climate
• Water sports paradise
• Theme parks and attractions
• Vibrant café and restaurant scene
• Active, outdoor lifestyle

Amenities: 8/10

• Good hospitals (Gold Coast University Hospital)
• Good schools
• Bond University and Griffith campuses
• Major shopping centers
• Airport with domestic and international flights

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare professionals
• Hospitality and tourism workers
• Teachers
• Beach and water sports lovers
• Families wanting lifestyle focus

Downsides:

• Expensive for a regional area
• Tourism-dependent economy
• Can feel touristy and transient
• Hot, humid summers
• Cyclone risk

Real resident feedback: “Every day feels like vacation. The weather is perfect, beaches are beautiful. Worth every penny.” – Sarah, nurse

#5: Wollongong, New South Wales

Population: 300,000
Distance to Sydney: 85km (1.5 hours drive, 2 hours train)
Median house price: $850,000
Key industries: Healthcare, education, steel, manufacturing

Why it ranks #5:

Stunning coastal city with mountain backdrop, close to Sydney, and strong community feel.

Job Market: 7/10

• Strong healthcare sector
• University of Wollongong (education jobs)
• Manufacturing sector
• Growing tech sector
• Close enough to Sydney for additional opportunities

PR Pathway: 8/10

• Clearly regional classification
• NSW nomination programs
• Straightforward pathway
• Easy 191 income thresholds

Cost of Living: 6/10

• More expensive than inland regional areas
• Coastal premium
• Median house $850,000
• Still cheaper than Sydney

Lifestyle: 10/10

• Spectacular beaches
• Mountain escarpment for hiking
• Excellent cafés and restaurants
• Strong community feel
• Arts and culture scene
• Relaxed coastal vibe

Amenities: 8/10

• Major hospital
• Good schools
• University
• Good shopping
• Train to Sydney for major needs

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare professionals
• Teachers and education sector
• IT professionals
• People who want beach + mountains + city access

Downsides:

• Expensive for regional area
• Heavy industry presence (steel works)
• Some areas dated infrastructure
• Can feel like Sydney overflow

Real resident feedback: “The scenery is incredible—beach on one side, mountains on the other. Close to Sydney but way better lifestyle.” – Marcus, IT manager

#6: Hobart, Tasmania

Population: 240,000 (metro area)
Distance to mainland: Requires flight/ferry
Median house price: $650,000
Key industries: Tourism, healthcare, education, public sector, agriculture

Why it ranks #6:

Tasmania’s capital offers beautiful natural environment, lower cost of living, and easier nomination process.

Job Market: 6/10

• Healthcare sector strong
• Tourism and hospitality
• Public sector jobs
• Education sector
• Smaller overall job market

PR Pathway: 9/10

• Entire Tasmania is regional
• Very welcoming to migrants
• Easier nomination requirements
• Strong support for settling

Cost of Living: 9/10

• Very affordable housing
• Lower rent
• Cheaper overall expenses
• Good value for money

Lifestyle: 9/10

• Stunning natural beauty
• Clean air and environment
• Excellent local produce
• Growing food and wine scene (MONA museum, Dark MOFO festival)
• Safe, quiet, community-oriented

Amenities: 7/10

• Good hospital
• Good schools
• University of Tasmania
• Adequate shopping
• Limited entertainment compared to major cities

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality professionals
• Teachers
• People who value nature and environment
• Families wanting safe, quiet lifestyle

Downsides: 

• Small job market
• Cold winters (for Australia)
• Island isolation
• Limited career advancement in some fields
• Requires flight to mainland

Real resident feedback: “Hobart is perfect if you value quality of life over career advancement. The nature is unbeatable.” – Emma, teacher

#7: Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Population: 330,000
Distance to Brisbane: 100km
Median house price: $900,000
Key industries: Tourism, healthcare, education, retail

Why it ranks #7:

More relaxed than Gold Coast, beautiful beaches, growing economy.

Job Market: 7/10

• Growing healthcare sector
• Tourism and hospitality
• University campus (USC)
• Growing IT and creative industries
• Smaller but expanding market

PR Pathway: 9/10

• Entire Sunshine Coast regional
• Good nomination support
• Clear pathways

Cost of Living: 5/10

• Expensive (approaching metro prices)
• High demand location
• Lifestyle premium
• Housing approaching $900,000 median

Lifestyle: 10/10

• Beautiful beaches (less touristy than Gold Coast)
• Perfect climate
• Relaxed, family-friendly vibe
• Excellent cafés and restaurants
• Active lifestyle

Amenities: 7/10

• Growing hospital services
• Good schools
• University presence
• Adequate shopping

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare professionals with budget
• Tourism/hospitality workers
• Remote workers
• Lifestyle seekers

Downsides:

•  Very expensive for regional area
• Limited job diversity
• Can feel isolated from major city
• Tourist seasonal fluctuations

#8: Newcastle, New South Wales

Population: 320,000
Distance to Sydney: 165km (2 hours drive)
Median house price: $820,000
Key industries: Healthcare, education, mining services, manufacturing

Why it ranks #8:

Major regional city with strong economy, beautiful beaches, and university presence.

Job Market: 8/10

• Strong healthcare sector
• University of Newcastle
• Mining services industry
• Growing tech sector
• Port and logistics

PR Pathway: 8/10

• Regional classification
• NSW nomination programs
• Good pathway support

Cost of Living: 7/10

• More affordable than Sydney
• Still substantial for regional
• Coastal premium

Lifestyle: 8/10

• Excellent beaches
• Strong café culture
• Arts scene
• Sports oriented
• Good community feel

Amenities: 8/10

• Major hospitals
• Excellent schools
• University
• Good infrastructure

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare professionals
• Teachers
• Engineers
• Beach lovers

Downsides:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mining industry dependence
• Traffic congestion growing
• Some industrial areas

#9: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Population: 430,000
Distance to Sydney: 280km (3 hours drive)
Median house price: $850,000
Key industries: Public sector, education, healthcare, defense

Why it ranks #9:

Australia’s capital city with regional benefits. Planned city, excellent amenities, strong public sector.

Job Market: 8/10

• Strong public sector jobs
• Education sector (ANU)
• Healthcare
• Defense industry
• High average salaries

PR Pathway: 9/10

• Entire ACT is regional
• Strong nomination programs
• High income levels help 191 pathway

Cost of Living: 6/10

• Expensive housing
• High overall costs
• Cold winters increase heating costs

Lifestyle: 7/10

• Planned city (can feel artificial)
• Excellent facilities
• Good restaurants
• Cultural institutions
• Clean and safe

Amenities: 10/10

• Excellent hospitals
• Top schools
• ANU and other universities
• World-class museums and galleries

Who it’s perfect for:

• Public sector workers
• Teachers
• Healthcare professionals
• Families wanting excellent schools

Downsides:

• Expensive
• Can feel sterile/planned
• Very cold winters
• Public sector dependent economy

#10: Ballarat, Victoria

Population: 110,000
Distance to Melbourne: 115km (90 minutes drive)
Median house price: $550,000
Key industries: Healthcare, education, manufacturing, mining services

Why it ranks #10:

Historic gold rush city, affordable, close to Melbourne, growing economy.

Job Market: 6/10

• Growing healthcare sector
• Federation University
• Manufacturing
• Mining services
• Smaller market but expanding

PR Pathway: 8/10

• Regional classification
• Victoria nomination programs
• Affordable living helps savings

Cost of Living: 10/10

• Very affordable housing
• Low rent
• Cheap overall costs
• Excellent value

Lifestyle: 6/10

• Historic town charm
• Growing arts scene
• Close to Melbourne for entertainment
• Cold winters

Amenities: 7/10

• Good hospital
• Good schools
• University
• Adequate shopping

Who it’s perfect for:

• Healthcare workers
• Teachers
• Families on budget
• People who value affordability

Downsides:

• Cold winters (coldest in Australia)
• Small town feel
• Limited entertainment
• Older population demographic

How to Choose YOUR Best Regional Area

Now that you’ve seen the rankings, here’s how to find YOUR perfect match:

Step 1: Identify Your Must-Haves

What’s non-negotiable for you?

• Job availability in your occupation?
• Warm weather?
• Beach access?
• Close to major city?
• Affordable housing?
• Good schools for children?

Step 2: Research Job Markets

Go to Seek.com.au and Indeed.com.au. Search for your occupation in each regional area you’re considering. Look for:

• Number of current openings
• Salary ranges
• Types of employers
• Required qualifications

Step 3: Visit If Possible

If you can, visit your top 2-3 choices for a few days each:

• Walk around neighborhoods
• Check out amenities
• Feel the vibe
• Visit potential workplaces
• Talk to locals

Step 4: Join Online Communities

Facebook groups for each regional area:

• “Living in [City Name]”
• “[City] Expats”
• “[City] Buy Swap Sell”

Read discussions, ask questions, get real resident perspectives.

Step 5: Make Your Decision

Choose based on:

1. Job availability (most important)
2. Lifestyle fit for your preferences
3. Affordability for your budget
4. Nomination pathway ease

Conclusion

There’s no universally “best” regional area for PR. But there IS a best area for YOU based on your occupation, lifestyle preferences, and priorities.

Quick recommendations by situation:

• Healthcare worker with family: Adelaide or Perth
• IT professional wanting city access: Geelong or Wollongong
• Beach lover with budget: Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast
• Budget-conscious family: Ballarat or Hobart
• High-earner in trades/engineering: Perth
• Public sector worker: Canberra
• Lifestyle over career: Sunshine Coast or Hobart

The regional pathway to PR is your ticket to Australian permanent residency. Choosing the right location makes those 3 years not just bearable, but potentially the best years of your life.

Marcus didn’t just choose Wollongong for the visa. Two years later, he has zero plans to move anywhere else, even though he could.

“I thought I’d do my 3 years and move to Sydney,” he told me. “Now I realize Wollongong IS my home. I wouldn’t trade it for anywhere.”

Ready to find your perfect regional area? Download our Regional Area Comparison Tool, or book a consultation to discuss which location matches your specific occupation, lifestyle needs, and migration goals. Your perfect Australian city is waiting. It might just be regional.