Introduction
Adelaide’s growing reputation as one of Australia’s most liveable cities is making it a top choice for new migrants. This recognition in global livability indexes reflects the city’s unique blend of safety, affordability, and a high quality of life that sets it apart from other Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
For new migrants, these high livability rankings translate into tangible benefits, from a safe and affordable place to live to a growing economy with significant employment opportunities. This guide explores the top reasons to move or migrate to Adelaide, examining the city’s population trends and why South Australia is becoming an ideal destination for those looking to build a future in Australia.
Adelaide’s Ascent In Global Livability Rankings
Understanding The Global Livability Index Scores
Adelaide’s reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities is supported by its consistent and impressive performance in global indexes. The city has seen a remarkable rise in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Livability Index, climbing from 30th place in 2022 to 9th in 2025. This ascent highlights the city’s commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents.
The city’s high ranking is built on exceptional scores across several key categories that are crucial for new migrants. Adelaide achieved perfect scores, demonstrating world-class standards in essential services.
The breakdown of its 2025 scores includes:
| Category | 2025 Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 100 | Reflects a robust and accessible public health system. |
| Education | 100 | Indicates a world-class education sector with excellent universities and schools. |
| Infrastructure | 96.4 | Covers public transport, utilities, and road networks. |
| Stability | 95 | Signifies a safe and secure environment with low crime rates. |
| Culture and Environment | 91.4 | Recognises Adelaide’s vibrant festival scene, parklands, and food and wine culture. |
How Adelaide Compares To Other Australian Cities
When compared to other major Australian cities, Adelaide presents a compelling case for livability and affordability. In the 2021 EIU’s Global Livability Index, Adelaide was named Australia’s most liveable city and the third most liveable city in the world, placing it ahead of Perth and Brisbane.
This strong performance is also reflected in local surveys, where residents consistently rank Adelaide highly for its safety and lack of congestion.
Adelaide’s advantages become even clearer when looking at specific metrics. The city shares a stability score of 95 with Sydney and Melbourne, but offers significant benefits in terms of cost of living and housing.
For instance:
- Adelaide’s income-to-house-price ratio is considerably more favourable than that of Sydney or Melbourne, making homeownership a more realistic goal.
- Rent in Adelaide is approximately 45% lower than in Sydney, allowing new migrants to enjoy a higher standard of living with more disposable income.
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Key Factors in Adelaide’s Appeal for New Migrants
A Safe & Welcoming Environment For Families
Adelaide’s reputation as a safe and stable city is a significant draw for new migrants, particularly those with families. The city consistently ranks as one of Australia’s safest capitals, contributing to its high livability scores. This sense of security provides peace of mind, allowing new arrivals to settle in and build their lives without the stresses often found in larger metropolitan areas.
The city’s welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by its multicultural community. With a significant portion of its population born overseas, Adelaide has developed a diverse and inclusive social fabric. This environment is supported by:
- A strong sense of community
- Friendly locals who are willing to help newcomers
- Inclusive cultural practices that help migrants integrate and feel at home
Affordability & Lower Cost of Living
One of Adelaide’s most compelling advantages is its superior affordability compared to other major Australian cities. The cost of living is significantly lower, which means that the same income can support a higher quality of life. This financial benefit is a primary motivator for many individuals and families choosing to migrate to South Australia.
The most noticeable difference is in the housing market. For example:
- Rent in Adelaide is approximately 45% lower than in Sydney
- The city’s income-to-house-price ratio is far more favourable
- Homeownership becomes a much more realistic and attainable goal
These financial advantages allow new migrants to establish long-term financial security more quickly than they could in Sydney or Melbourne.
Vibrant Lifestyle & Better Work-Life Balance
Adelaide offers a relaxed lifestyle that prioritises a healthy work-life balance, a feature often highlighted by its “20-minute city” concept. Shorter commute times are common due to less suburban sprawl, meaning residents spend less time in traffic and more time with family or pursuing leisure activities. This convenience is a cornerstone of the city’s appeal.
The lifestyle in South Australia is enriched by a world-renowned food and wine culture, with regions like the Barossa Valley just a short drive away. The city is also known as the ‘Festival State’, hosting a vibrant calendar of internationally recognised events, including:
| Event / Festival | Description |
|---|---|
| The Adelaide Fringe Festival | The biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. |
| WOMADelaide | A celebrated world music, arts, and dance festival. |
| The Santos Tour Down Under | Australia’s premier professional cycling race. |
| Various Cultural & Sporting Events | Various events that cater to diverse interests throughout the year. |
Economic Growth & Employment in South Australia
Thriving Industries & High-Demand Jobs for Skilled Migrants
South Australia’s economy is experiencing a period of robust growth, creating a strong demand for skilled workers across several key sectors. The state’s Gross State Product grew by 3.8% in 2022-23, the fastest among all Australian states, leading to expanding employment in future-focused industries.
However, this growth has also created significant workforce gaps, with government analysis finding that 38% of occupations in South Australia are currently in shortage. This creates a promising landscape for new migrants with experiencedise in high-demand fields, making it a good time to understand the process for migration to Adelaide via South Australia’s Skilled Nominated Visa.
The key growth sectors actively seeking skilled professionals include:
| Key Growth Sector | Description & High-Demand Roles |
|---|---|
| Health and Social Assistance | As the state’s largest employing industry, there is high demand for registered nurses, general practitioners, and aged care workers. |
| Defence, Space & Technology | A national hub driving demand for engineers, IT specialists, cybersecurity professionals, and systems analysts for projects like AUKUS. |
| Trades and Construction | A multi-billion dollar public infrastructure program is fuelling the need for skilled tradespeople like project managers, carpenters, and electricians. |
| Education and Training | Consistent opportunities for academics, researchers, and education professionals due to world-class universities and a growing student population. |
| Renewable Energy | As a global leader in green energy, South Australia offers growing opportunities in a sector poised for massive future growth. |
Employer Response & Government Support
Both employers and the South Australian government are actively working to attract skilled migrants to fill these critical workforce shortages. Recognising that many industries cannot fill gaps from the local job market, the government has implemented a proactive and supportive migration program.
The entire state of South Australia, including Adelaide, is classified as a designated regional area, which provides migrants with access to visa incentives and priority processing. To facilitate this, several key initiatives are in place:
| Initiative / Program | Description |
|---|---|
| State-Nominated Migration Program | For 2024-25, SA has secured 3,800 skilled migration places, with a skilled occupation list featuring hundreds of priority professions. |
| Government Investment | Over $1.5 million invested into programs to help skilled migrants integrate, including support with qualification recognition and job matching. |
| Designated Area Migration Agreements | Allows SA employers to sponsor workers for positions they cannot fill locally, with more flexible requirements than standard visa programs. |
| Comprehensive Settlement Support | Organisations like the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) provide extensive support, including job assistance and community integration programs. |
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Decoding Adelaide’s Population Growth & Migration Trends
The Truth About The Interstate Migration Surge
A common narrative suggests Adelaide is experiencing a major surge in residents from other Australian states. While the city’s appeal has grown, the reality is more nuanced.
For decades, South Australia saw a consistent net loss of its population to other states, a trend often called a “brain drain.” However, this historic outflow has significantly slowed recently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state even recorded its first net interstate migration gains in decades.
Despite this positive shift, the most recent data shows a return to a slight net loss. The key takeaway is not a continuous surge, but rather a remarkable reversal of a long-term negative trend. This indicates that Adelaide is now far more competitive at:
- Retaining its existing residents
- Attracting new residents from across Australia
How Overseas Migration Shapes Adelaide’s Future
The true engine of Adelaide’s population growth is net overseas migration. Recent data reveals that overseas arrivals are the primary driver behind South Australia’s population increase, successfully offsetting the slight interstate losses mentioned above.
This reliance on international migration is not accidental but rather a deliberate and crucial part of the state’s economic and demographic strategy. South Australia’s future is shaped by its ability to attract skilled workers from around the world to:
- Fill critical workforce gaps
- Drive economic expansion
- Contribute to cultural diversity
This proactive approach is reflected in the state’s diverse population, with a significant percentage of residents born overseas. Furthermore, this commitment reinforces that both the government and local employers are not just open to new arrivals, but are strategically dependent on them for future prosperity.
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Conclusion
Adelaide’s high global livability rankings, superior affordability, and safe, family-friendly lifestyle make it a top choice for new migrants in Australia. The city’s growing economy, with high-demand jobs and proactive government support, is strategically shaped by overseas migration, creating a welcoming environment for new arrivals.
If you are considering a move to South Australia, navigating the visa application process with experienced guidance is crucial to securing your future. Contact our Adelaide migration lawyers at Moya Migration Law today to explore your visa pathways and benefit from tailored strategies designed to achieve your best possible outcome.
