Where can we find the cheapest rent in Australia right now?
It’s no news that the interest rate rises have been housing affordability all the more out of reach. So, for many of us putting our dreams of home ownership to one side, how can we reduce rental expenses?
For one, units will almost always rent for less than a house. And it’s clear that renting in regional areas and out of cities will open you up to a lot more affordable options.
So, where exactly might we find these affordable rental properties?
Let’s dive into the capital cities and see which suburbs have the cheapest rent in 2-bedroom houses and units.
Quick Look at the Cheapest Suburbs to Rent in Australia
| City | Cheapest Suburb for Houses | Rent for Houses (per week) | Cheapest Suburb for Units | Rent for Units (per week) |
| Sydney | Willmot | $422 | Cabramatta | $360 |
| Melbourne | Melton | $380 | Albion | $330 |
| Brisbane | Wacol | $420 | Rocklea | $380 |
| Adelaide | Elizabeth North | $395 | Elizabeth Downs | $380 |
| Perth | Medina | $450 | Orelia | $370 |
| Hobart | Primrose Sands | $420 | Mount Stuart | $400 |
| Darwin | Moulden | $500 | Gray | $430 |
| Canberra | Belconnen | $530 | Lyons | $470 |
Cheapest rent in Sydney
- Lowest median rent for houses: Willmot ($422/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Cabramatta ($360/week)
The cheapest rent in Sydney is Blackett NSW. Explore in our guide on the cheapest suburbs in Sydney!
If you’re looking for a cheap one bedroom apartment for rent in Sydney, you can expect to pay around $350 per week in the more affordable suburbs like Blackett and Mount Druitt.
Blackett is a relatively quiet suburb, with a population of around 3,452 people. The suburb is home to a number of parks and sporting facilities, including Blackett Park, which is home to the Blackett Soccer Club.
The suburb is well-served by public transport, with bus services connecting the suburb to Mount Druitt, St Marys, and the Blacktown train station. The M4 motorway is also nearby, providing easy access to other parts of Sydney.
Blackett is a great option for those looking for a quiet, affordable suburb in Western Sydney. The suburb is close to major amenities, and is well-served by public transport. If you are looking for a family-friendly suburb with a strong sense of community, then Blackett is a great choice.
Explore rental properties in Blackett NSW.
Cheapest Rent in Melbourne
- Lowest median rent for houses: Melton ($380/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Albion ($330/week)
Need more affordable neighbourhoods to choose from? Check out Soho’s article on the cheapest suburbs in Melbourne for more.
The suburb with the cheapest rent in Melbourne is Albion VIC. It is a residential suburb with a mix of houses and apartments. But the median rent in Albion is $450 a week.
The suburb is home to a number of parks and sporting facilities, including Albion Park, which is home to the Dandenong Rangers basketball team.
Albion is well-served by public transport, with bus services connecting the suburb to Melbourne’s central business district and other parts of the city. The Dandenong railway line also passes through Albion.
Albion is a great option for those looking for a quiet, affordable suburb in Melbourne’s south-east. The suburb is close to major amenities, and is well-served by public transport. If you are looking for a family-friendly suburb with a strong sense of community, then Albion is a great choice.
Explore rental properties in Albion VIC.
Cheapest rent in Brisbane
- Lowest median rent for houses: Wacol ($420/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Rocklea ($380/week)
The suburb with the cheapest rent in Brisbane is Rocklea QLD.
While not ranking among the most prestigious, Rocklea offers a mix of affordability and access. The area benefits from good transport links with train lines and major roads nearby.
However, Rocklea has a blend of residential and light industry, which can mean noise or traffic from trucks. While it features some fresh food markets, cafe culture is limited.
If affordability and easy commuting are high on your priority list, Rocklea could be a contender, but be prepared for a less-frills suburban vibe.
If you’re looking for cheap houses for rent in Brisbane’s Northside, explore the suburbs of Goodna and Redbank Plains.
Discover more rental properties in Rocklea QLD.
Cheapest rent in Adelaide
- Lowest median rent for houses: Elizabeth North ($395/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Elizabeth Downs ($380/week)
The cheapest rent you’ll find in Adelaide is in Elizabeth North SA. The liveability of Elizabeth North is generally considered to be good.
The suburb is safe and family-friendly, and it is well-connected to amenities and public transport. However, some people may find the suburb to be a bit too quiet for their liking.
Explore more rental properties in Elizabeth North SA.
Cheapest rent in Perth
- Lowest median rent for houses: Medina ($450/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Orelia ($370/week)
Orelia WA is where you’ll find the cheapest rentals in Perth. Need to move closer to the beach? Our round up of the cheapest beach suburbs in Perth is just for you.
Living in Orelia offers a slower pace of life than living in a big city like Perth. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. The town also has a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a primary school.
If you are looking for a quiet, affordable place to live with easy access to the outdoors, then Orelia is a great option.
Discover more rental properties in Orelia WA.
Cheapest rent in Hobart
- Lowest median rent for houses: Primrose Sands ($420/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Mount Stuart ($400/week)
The suburbs with the cheapest rent in Hobart are Primrose Sands for houses and Mount Stuart for apartments.
In Hobart, Primrose Sands offers a balance of affordability and beachside living. The median rent sits below the Hobart average, and residents enjoy direct access to sandy shores. However, it can feel a bit isolated from the city center, and amenities are on the limited side.
Find more available rental properties in Primrose Sands TAS.
Mount Stuart, closer to the heart of Hobart, boasts a vibrant atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and a strong sense of community.
The price tag reflects this, with a median house price above the city average. If you prioritize affordability and coastal life, Primrose Sands might be ideal. If proximity to city buzz is more important, consider Mount Stuart, but expect to pay more.
Find more available rental properties in Mount Stuart TAS.
Cheapest rent in Darwin
- Lowest median rent for houses: Moulden ($500/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Gray ($430/week)
Moulden is one of the cheapest places to rent in NT. It’s a quiet town with a relaxed atmosphere. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the MacDonnell Ranges and the Ross River. There are a number of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Moulden, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
The liveability of Moulden is generally considered to be good. The town is safe and friendly, and it is well-connected to amenities and public transport. However, some people may find the town to be a bit too remote for their liking.
If you’re looking for the cheapest rent in Darwin, you can also check out suburbs like Driver and Bakewell.
Explore rental properties in Moulden NT.
Cheapest rent in Canberra
- Lowest median rent for houses: Belconnen ($530/week)
- Lowest median rent for units: Lyons ($470/week)
The Canberra suburb with the cheapest rent for houses in Belconnen ACT. However, bear in mind that Canberra is one of the most expensive cities to rent homes in Australia.
Belconnen is a well-planned suburb with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The suburb is home to a number of parks and sporting facilities, including the Belconnen Skate Park, the Belconnen Mall, and the Belconnen Town Centre.
The liveability of the suburb is generally considered to be good. The suburb is safe and family-friendly, and it is well-connected to amenities and public transport. However, some people may find the suburb to be a bit too spread out for their liking.
While you’re at it, you might want to check out the best suburbs in Canberra to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Explore more rental properties in Belconnen ACT.
More on who has the cheapest rent in Australia
What is the cheapest city to rent in Australia?
Out of the capital cities, the cheapest city to rent in is Melbourne. It may be surprising to many, but because of the supply of high-rise residential buildings, Melbourne can accommodate more rentals and therefore, the rental prices are lower than in Canberra or Sydney.
Which city in Australia has the lowest cost of living?
Among the major cities, Adelaide and Perth have relatively lower cost of living indices. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 83.8 and a rent index of 34.7, while Perth has a cost of living index of 78.6 and a rent index of 39.2.
Can you live cheaply in Australia?
It is possible to live cheaply in Australia, especially in cities where the cost of living and rent are lower. Smaller cities and regional areas tend to be more affordable than major metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne.
Where in Australia has affordable housing?
Affordable housing can be found in cities with lower rent indices such as Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane. Additionally, regional areas and smaller towns often offer more affordable housing options such as Elizabeth North and Coober Pedy in SA.
Which state in Australia has the cheapest housing?
States with smaller cities and regional areas, such as South Australia or Western Australia, might offer more affordable housing options compared to New South Wales or Victoria.
Is it cheaper to live in Sydney or Melbourne?
Sydney has a slightly higher cost of living index (77.1) and rent index (56.7) compared to Melbourne, which has a cost of living index of 76.7 and a rent index of 42.1. This suggests that it is generally more expensive to live in Sydney than in Melbourne.
Want to find more cheap rentals in Australia?
Where you’ll find the cheapest rent in Australia varies over time. Check out our article on Top Websites for Home Buyers to keep up to date on suburb trends. And before that, you can read up on how to do use property research tools.
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