Suitable For Small Items
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 1 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 2 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 2-3 Bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 3-4 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 4-5 Bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
In recent years, Australia has seen a clear shift in where people choose to live. While Sydney remains the country’s largest and most dynamic city, an increasing number of residents are deciding to relocate. One destination that continues to stand out is Canberra.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind the growing migration trend and why Canberra is becoming such an attractive option.
One of the biggest reasons behind the move from Sydney to Canberra is the rising cost of housing.
As of 2026, Sydney remains one of the least affordable housing markets in the world. The city has a price-to-income ratio of around 13.8, which means property prices are far higher than what most households can realistically afford.
Housing isn’t the only expense putting pressure on Sydney residents. The overall cost of living is also significantly higher. In 2025–2026, data shows that Sydney is roughly 20–25% more expensive than Canberra across several everyday expenses.
Lifestyle is another major reason people are leaving Sydney. While Sydney offers incredible career opportunities, the fast pace of city life can become overwhelming. Long commutes, crowded suburbs, and rising expenses are starting to affect how residents view their quality of life.
The rise of remote work has also played a significant role in the growing trend of people moving from Sydney to Canberra. Before the pandemic, only about 8% of Australians worked from home regularly. By 2020, that number jumped to around 40%, and flexible working arrangements have remained common since then.
One of the biggest reasons people consider Canberra is the difference in housing costs. For example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canberra’s city centre is around $2,500, while a similar apartment in Sydney averages about $3,300 per month.
Canberra is widely known for its high standard of living. The city consistently ranks highly in national and international livability comparisons thanks to its clean environment, well-planned suburbs, and excellent public services.
Residents benefit from wide streets, well-maintained parks, and thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods that make everyday life more comfortable.
Canberra is the centre of the federal government. Many major government departments and agencies are headquartered there, creating a steady demand for skilled workers across various fields. These roles offer structured career progression. Because of this, Canberra ranks among the Australian cities with the highest average incomes.
Canberra is surrounded by open landscapes, nature reserves, and national parks. Green spaces are integrated throughout the city, giving residents easy access to outdoor activities.
Lake Burley Griffin sits at the heart of Canberra and is a popular spot for cycling, walking, kayaking, and weekend picnics. Just outside the city, areas like Namadgi National Park offer hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Sydney and Canberra are about 286 kilometres apart by road. Most people travel via the Hume Highway and Federal Highway, which provide a direct route between the two cities.
Under normal conditions, the drive usually takes around three to three and a half hours. Because the distance is relatively short, professional removalists Sydney can complete the move within the same day.
Being organised makes moving much easier. Many families follow a clear timeline to manage the important tasks before the move.
Begin researching interstate removalists Sydney and requesting quotes so you can compare services and prices. This is also a good time to start decluttering your home.
Confirm your booking with a removalist and lock in your moving date. Start packing items that are not used regularly and notify utility providers about your upcoming move.
Most packing should be completed at this stage. Organise important documents, valuables, and essential items so they are easy to access during the move.
Removalists will load your belongings, transport them to Canberra, and unload them at your new home, so you can focus on getting comfortable in your new space.
Timing can affect both cost and availability when booking a removalist. Moving services are busiest during the summer and the end of the year.
If possible, moving during autumn or early spring can make scheduling easier. Choosing a weekday move also helps reduce costs.
Kingston is a popular inner-city suburb close to Canberra’s CBD and the Parliamentary Triangle. It is known for Kingston Foreshore, which features cafés, restaurants, and walking paths along Lake Burley Griffin. The suburb has many modern apartments, making it especially attractive to young professionals.
Belconnen is a major district about 10 km northwest of the city centre. It offers a mix of housing options and strong amenities, including the University of Canberra, shopping centres, and Lake Ginninderra. The area is popular with families, students, and professionals.
Gungahlin is one of Canberra’s fastest-growing regions, known for newer housing developments and modern infrastructure. Located in the north, it offers shopping centres, schools, and light rail access to the city, making it convenient for commuters.
Tuggeranong is located in southern Canberra and is known for its quieter suburban lifestyle. The district surrounds Lake Tuggeranong and offers more affordable housing compared with many central suburbs.
Woden Valley is an established district located south of Canberra’s city centre. It is a major employment hub with government offices, retail centres, and Canberra Hospital, making it convenient for professionals.
Moving from Sydney to Canberra presents a great opportunity for those seeking a more balanced lifestyle. With lower housing costs and a strong employment market, Canberra continues to attract professionals, families, and retirees looking for a change of pace.
If you’re planning a move, having the right removalist can make the process much easier. We Move Group can help ensure your relocation from Sydney to Canberra is hassle-free. Call us today at 1300 017 159 for a free quote or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can assist you.
