Canberra bursts with leafy boulevards, national museums, and oval-sided charm—plus a refreshing dose of affordability compared to other capitals. Yes, Canberra is one of Australia’s more affordable capital cities when it comes to housing and rent.
Green spaces & Lake Burley Griffin—moderate climate, bike paths, and parks at your doorstep.
Cultural life—home to the National Gallery, museums, theatre, and food festivals.
Compact layout—well‑planned suburbs and easy commutes; everything feels reachable.
Balanced lifestyle—warm café culture, low traffic jams, and a friendly local vibe.
Stable job market & high education levels, supporting good wages and community amenities.
Thinking of moving here? Here's the low-down:
Median rent in Canberra sits around AU$663 a week, lower than Sydney or Melbourne.
Rentals for houses in suburbs like Belconnen average AU$571/week, and units in Lyons are closer to AU$471/week.
If buying: median property price is about AU$1.05 million, with strong rental yields.
Monthly public transport passes cost around AU$120.
Suburban centres have local grocers, cafes, gyms, medical centres, and green spaces.
Belconnen and Woden offer excellent access to shops, schools, lakes, and libraries.
Many suburbs are pedestrian-friendly, well-lit, and feel safe.
Canberra is one of the safest cities in Australia, with excellent public and private school options.
Canberra is modern, well-serviced, and efficient. Every suburb has access to essential public and private services:
Electricity & Gas: Delivered via providers like ActewAGL; consistent supply and fair pricing.
Water & Wastewater: Managed by Icon Water, with safe drinking water and reliable sewage systems.
Internet & NBN: Fast NBN access in nearly all areas; providers include iiNet, Telstra, and Aussie Broadband.
Waste Management: Weekly rubbish and recycling pickup via ACT Government services.
Cleaning & Home Services: Plenty of professional cleaning, gardening, and home repair businesses across Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, and Belconnen.
Public Libraries & Health Clinics: Available in all districts, with access to both public and private healthcare.
From day trips to coffee spots, here’s what locals enjoy:
Tour the National Gallery, Parliament House, or the Australian War Memorial.
Stroll or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin, a 10‑km loop with picnic spots.
Visit cafés and weekend markets in Braddon, Kingston, and Belconnen.
Scenic drives to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or Namadgi National Park.
Catch a film at Palace Electric or browse local art in Civic.
Annual events: Floriade, Enlighten, and the Multicultural Festival.
"We moved here from Sydney and couldn't believe how much space we got for less rent. Belconnen has everything—lakes, shops, schools, cafes. Our electricity and NBN setup was smooth and quick. It just works," shares Sam, a young parent renting near Emu Bank.
Another local says:
"Living in Kambah means a 20-minute drive to the city, but cheaper rent, friendly neighbours, and clean air. We love it."
Looking to save? Try these budget-friendly suburbs:
Phillip (Woden Valley)—houses from AU$365/week, close to shops and schools.
Belconnen—median rent around AU$400/week.
Lyons—units from AU$471/week.
Many Canberra suburbs are under the AU$600/week mark.
Chisholm – ~AU$982/m²
Kambah – ~AU$1,053/m²
Wanniassa – ~AU$1,091/m²
Calwell – ~AU$1,101/m²
Evatt – ~AU$1,123/m²
These areas offer good blocks, low-maintenance homes, and essential facilities close by.
If you're asking "Where is the cheapest place to live in Canberra?", look to Belconnen, Woden Valley, and Tuggeranong for strong value. With stable utility services, great public transport, and cultural gems, Canberra offers both comfort and affordability.
And yes, where is the cheapest place to live in Canberra? These suburbs are your best bet.
Which suburb in Canberra has the cheapest rent?
Phillip in Woden Valley—houses from AU$365/week, close to schools and shops.
What's the most affordable suburb to buy in?
Chisholm and Kambah offer large blocks under AU$1,100/m².
Are services like electricity and internet reliable?
Yes. Canberra has consistent electricity, water, and fast NBN coverage citywide.
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"Canberra households are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, from solar panels to water-saving appliances. One practical step families take is finding ways to reduce laundry electricity and gas costs in Canberra, which helps both the environment and the household budget."