Choosing the right city can determine how fast you find work and how much you spend. The best cities in Australia for working holiday jobs depend on your role, budget, and lifestyle.
For a deeper comparison, read cities and regions and the city vs regional guide.
City vs regional job tradeoffs
Major cities usually offer more jobs but higher rent. Regional towns can be cheaper and may help with visa extensions, but jobs can be seasonal.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane overview
Sydney has a large hospitality market and strong tourism demand but higher living costs. Melbourne offers a wide range of hospitality and events work with a big student population. Brisbane can feel more affordable and has steady tourism and service jobs.
Perth and Adelaide notes
Perth has mining and regional access plus seasonal demand. Adelaide can be lower cost with fewer roles but less competition. Both can work well if you target specific industries.
Choosing based on your job type
- Hospitality: larger cities and tourist hubs
- Tourism: coastal and holiday regions
- Regional work: towns near eligible postcodes
Use the jobs guide and housing guide to match your plan to each city.