Yes, Canberra is one of Australia’s most expensive cities to live in, especially in its leafy inner suburbs like Yarralumla and Red Hill, where homes often fetch more than $2 million. But beyond the property prices, this city blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and top-tier services with quiet, considered charm.
Planned, peaceful and green: Designed around Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra offers stunning views, accessible bushland and immaculate streetscapes
Café culture and community: From Braddon’s laneways to Kingston’s foreshore, locals enjoy world-class coffee, wine bars, and weekend markets
Cultural icons everywhere: National Gallery, War Memorial, Questacon, and Parliament House are all right here
Great climate: Crisp winters, mild springs, and dry summers—perfect for outdoor walks and weekend drives
Active lifestyle: Countless bike paths, mountain trails, sporting facilities and recreational parks
As someone who’s lived in both inner suburbs and the outer north, Canberra offers a rare mix of peace and professionalism.
Housing: Detached homes dominate most suburbs, with the priciest in Forrest, Yarralumla and Red Hill often featuring manicured gardens and sweeping lake views
Lifestyle: It’s quiet, safe, and surprisingly cosmopolitan. People here enjoy good food, short commutes, and a work–life balance few cities offer
Transport: Buses, light rail, and bike-friendly roads make getting around easy—plus, the airport is just 15 minutes from most places
Education & jobs: World-class universities (ANU, UC), strong public service employment, and excellent public/private schools
Diversity & vibe: Family-friendly, student-ready, and popular with professionals. Think dinner parties, weekend walks, and gallery dates
Canberra isn’t just about pretty parks and politics—it’s also extremely well-serviced. Here’s what locals enjoy day to day:
Electricity: Powered by sustainable sources—100% of Canberra’s electricity comes from renewable energy as of 2020
Internet: Strong NBN coverage, especially in newer suburbs and apartment precincts. Fibre connections are common in the inner north and south
Water & waste: ACT Government manages clean, reliable water supply and weekly bin collections, including green waste and recycling
Healthcare: Canberra Hospital, Calvary Public, and a network of bulk-billing GPs, medical centres, and pathology services
Cleaning and maintenance: Abundant local services from regular home cleaners to end-of-lease professionals, often rated highly by residents
Technology: Smart traffic lights, public Wi-Fi in city zones, and digital service centres for most government interactions
Emergency services: Highly responsive ACT Fire & Rescue, ambulance and police—supported by local disaster readiness programs
Walk the bridge-to-bridge loop around Lake Burley Griffin
Shop and dine at Manuka, Braddon, or the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets
Catch a show at Canberra Theatre Centre or Street Theatre
Go bush in Namadgi National Park or the nearby Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Visit top-tier museums: National Museum of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Questacon for families
Wineries and scenic drives just 30 minutes away in Murrumbateman or Bungendore
Explore embassies and architecture in Yarralumla on foot or bike
I’m part of a young family who moved from Sydney to Deakin.
“We used to think Canberra was ‘just the capital,’ but it’s so much more. Mornings are quiet, neighbours say hello, and we can ride to school and work. Everything runs smoothly—power, services, even bin day. Our weekends? Bushwalks, good coffee, and catching the sunrise from Red Hill Lookout.”
It’s the small details—clean footpaths, easy parking, quiet streets—that locals come to appreciate most.
According to CoreLogic and ACT Government data:
Yarralumla has the highest median house price—just over $2 million—thanks to lake proximity, embassies, and grand Federation homes
Red Hill, Griffith, Forrest, Campbell and Deakin all rank highly, with homes ranging between $1.4–$2 million
A property in Red Hill even fetched $8 million, Canberra’s highest recorded sale
These areas offer spacious blocks, heritage architecture, excellent schools, and premium access to Canberra’s best services.
Whether you’re exploring the lakeside trails of Yarralumla or enjoying coffee in Kingston, Canberra’s charm is subtle but strong. It’s not just about heritage suburbs or high prices—it’s about liveability, community, and ease. You’ll quickly discover where is the most expensive place to live in Canberra also happens to be among the most comfortable and well-serviced places to call home.
Which is Canberra’s most expensive suburb right now?
Yarralumla tops the list, with Red Hill and Forrest following closely.
Do all suburbs have reliable electricity and internet?
Yes. Canberra boasts 100% renewable power and wide NBN fibre coverage—particularly strong in established and central areas.
Is it expensive to maintain a home in Canberra?
While rates and property taxes are higher than average, services like water, waste and maintenance are reliable and efficient—especially in premium suburbs.
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“...and with energy costs continuing to rise in premium suburbs, smart solutions for reducing electricity and gas bills in Canberra are becoming increasingly important.”