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The 5 Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra in 2025

January 8, 2025
The 5 Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra for First-Time Homebuyers

Key takeaways:

  • Cheapest suburbs in Canberra: Chisholm, Kambah, Wanniassa, Calwell, and Evatt offer affordable housing options.
  • Suburbs provide family-friendly amenities, parks, and green spaces, ideal for first-time buyers.
  • Tuggeranong suburbs boast excellent transport links and local shopping centres.
  • Belconnen’s Evatt combines affordability with proximity to city conveniences.

With rising property prices and increasing living costs, finding an affordable settling spot is getting harder and harder for Australians. But don’t worry—these cheapest suburbs in Canberra offer great value without compromising on convenience or livability.

Based on the Domain End-of-Year Report, here are 5 budget-friendly suburbs in Canberra with lower median house prices. Perfect for first-time buyers, these areas provide a mix of affordability, amenities, and lifestyle appeal. Let’s dive in!

Chisholm: Affordable and Family-Friendly

Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra chrisholm
House for sale in Chisholm

Median Price per Square Metre: $982

Chisholm, in Tuggeranong, is known for its family-oriented environment and affordability.

  • Amenities: The suburb features the Chisholm Group Centre, providing residents with various shops and services.
  • Recreation: Chisholm offers parks and green spaces, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Transport: Regular bus services connect Chisholm to Tuggeranong Town Centre and other key areas.

Kambah: Space and Affordability Combined

Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra - Kambah
House for sale in Kambah

Median Price per Square Metre: $1,053

Kambah is Canberra’s largest suburb, offering spacious properties and affordability.

What makes Kambah unique?

  • Amenities: Kambah Village Shopping Centre provides a supermarket, service station, and various small shops and businesses.
  • Outdoor Living: The suburb is home to the Murrumbidgee Country Club, district playing fields, and the Kambah Adventure Park.
  • Transport: Several ACTION bus routes service Kambah, linking it to Tuggeranong and Woden bus interchanges.

Explore more properties for sale in Kambah ACT 2902.

Wanniassa: Convenience Meets Affordability

Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra - Wanniassa
Apartment for sale in Wanniassa

Median Price per Square Metre: $1,091

Wanniassa is a well-established suburb with a family-friendly atmosphere and affordable housing options.

Why Wanniassa?

  • Shopping: The Erindale Centre offers various service and retail outlets, including supermarkets and speciality stores.
  • Recreation: Facilities include the Erindale Vikings Club, Active Leisure Centre, and Wanniassa Enclosed Oval.
  • Education: Wanniassa hosts several schools, such as Wanniassa Hills Primary School and Trinity Christian School.
  • Transport: Serviced by several ACTION bus routes, Wanniassa offers easy access to Tuggeranong Town Centre and beyond.

Explore more properties for sale in Wanniassa, ACT 2903.

Calwell: Peaceful and Scenic Living

Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra - Calwell
Calwell High School: Image credit: Wikimedia Nick-D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Median Price per Square Metre: $1,101

Calwell offers a serene lifestyle with affordable housing, making it ideal for those seeking a community vibe and natural beauty.

What makes Calwell appealing?

  • Local Amenities: The Calwell Shopping Centre includes a supermarket and retail outlets.
  • Tranquillity: Surrounded by hills and green spaces, Calwell provides a peaceful environment.
  • Family-Friendly: The suburb features schools and childcare facilities, catering to young families.
  • Connectivity: Bus services link Calwell to Tuggeranong and other Canberra hubs.

Evatt: Affordable Living in Belconnen

Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra - Evatt
Apartment for sale near Evatt

Median Price per Square Metre: $1,123

Evatt, located in the Belconnen district, offers affordable housing with excellent accessibility.

Why Evatt?

  • Prime Location: Close to Belconnen Town Centre, Evatt provides access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Green Spaces: The suburb features parks and walking trails, promoting an active lifestyle.
  • Schools: Evatt hosts a variety of educational institutions, making it family-friendly.
  • Transport: Regular bus services offer easy commutes to Canberra City and nearby suburbs.

Final Thoughts

Canberra has plenty of affordable suburbs for first-time buyers, and Chisholm, Kambah, Wanniassa, Calwell, and Evatt are excellent choices. These areas offer a mix of cheap prices, amenities, and livability, making homeownership more accessible than ever.

These suburbs are a fantastic starting point if you’re ready to enter the property market. With options for different lifestyles and budgets, now is a great time to begin your journey to homeownership in Canberra.

Frequently Asked Questions on ‘Cheapest Suburbs in Canberra’

Q: How do people afford to live in Canberra, Australia?

A: Canberra’s cost of living is high, with average monthly expenses around $2,393. However, the median after-tax salary is $3,763, covering about 1.6 months of expenses. Residents manage by budgeting carefully and taking advantage of the city’s amenities.

Q: What is the best suburb of Canberra to live in?

A: Forrest is a prestigious suburb in Canberra’s inner south. It features character-filled homes on large blocks and offers access to esteemed schools and the walking trails of Red Hill. Residents enjoy a dress-circle lifestyle with everyday essentials available at Manuka Village.

Q: Where is it better to live as a family, Sydney or Canberra?

A: Canberra is often considered better for families due to its lower cost of living, less traffic, and abundance of green spaces. The city offers a family-friendly environment with quality education and healthcare facilities.

Q: What is it like to live in Canberra?

A: Living in Canberra offers a high quality of life with abundant green spaces, cultural institutions, and a strong sense of community. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with access to amenities and natural beauty.

Q: Which is the most affordable and decent Australian city?

A: Adelaide is considered one of the most affordable Australian cities. It offers a balance of affordability and quality living, with a vibrant culture and entertainment scene.

Q: Where can I get affordable property in Australia?

A: Regional areas like Wagin in Western Australia and Elizabeth South in Adelaide have seen significant growth yet remain affordable. These areas offer potential for property investment with lower entry costs.

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Soho is your expert team in Australian real estate, offering an innovative platform for effortless property searches. With deep insights into buying, renting, and market trends, we guide you to make informed decisions, whether it's your first home or exploring new suburbs.
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