The remote work lifestyle, once a necessity during the pandemic, is now a deliberate choice for many Aussies. The WFH exodus from Sydney has slowed down but the regions continue to offer unbeatable opportunities for housing bargains. Here’s where to look, and what to consider when you move.
What makes a good regional area to move to?
Just because a regional town is cheaper doesn’t make it perfect for a remote work move. You need to consider things like transport links, cost of living and even internet speeds and how it’s put together.
First and foremost, though, you’ll need a job that allows you to remote work the vast majority of the time. If you’re spending hours and hours commuting back and forth from the city in these suburbs, it’s going to do your head in and you’ll move back.
Here’s how we decided what makes a great suburb for remote workers.
Fast internet (preferably fibre-to-the-premises)
Reliable and fast internet is critical for remote work.
Look for towns with FTTP (Fibre to the Premises). It’s a complicated way of saying that the National Broadband Network Company (nbn Co) gave the town the good stuff: a fast fibre internet connection directly connected to your house. It’ll give you internet speed like water coming out of a firehose.
You’ll need it for the HD voice calls you’ll be on, the cloud-based collaboration you’ll be doing and the big files you’ll need to move around.
Public Transport Links
Access to reliable public transport—be it trains or coach services—provides flexibility for trips into Sydney or nearby cities. We found ones that offer a commute under two hours.
Cost of living
Regional areas still offer far cheaper property prices compared to Sydney. Groceries, petrol, recreational activities - everything is cheaper out of a city. Plus when it comes to the actual home you’ll purchase, price per square metre often half or less of city rates.
And with more space comes the ability to set up big areas for you to do your work so you can separate your home life from your work life even without leaving.
Here’s our working on that!
Sydney vs regional: cost of living compared
Property Prices
Sydney: Median house price of $1.06 million and a price per square metre over $13,000 in central areas.
Regional NSW: Median house prices in towns like Orange or Wollongong are between $680,000 and $1.1 million, with price per square metre often under $4,000.
Petrol Prices
Sydney: Around $2.20 per litre (on a bad week).
Regional NSW: Slightly cheaper, averaging $1.90–$2.00 per litre, though this can vary in more remote areas where the price starts to climb again.
Groceries
Sydney: Average family grocery bill of $180–$220 per week.
Regional NSW: Slightly lower, around $150–$190 per week, with cheaper produce from local farms.
Insurance
Sydney: Car insurance averages $1,500 annually, with home insurance often exceeding $2,000.
Regional NSW: Car insurance drops to $900–$1,200, and home insurance ranges from $1,200–$1,800.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Living regionally means your income goes further!
You might also be interested in: What is the cost of living in Australia by key cities and states?
Why 2025 is a good time to move to the regions
Despite the surge in regional property prices during the pandemic, 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent time for buyers.
First, there’s an increased supply of homes now. People want to move to the regions, and developers got the message, building more homes in regional areas to cash in on the trend.
Then there’s the trend of workplaces fully-embracing remote workers. Some workplaces aren’t forcing people back into their offices. In fact, they’ve embraced flexible working permanently, allowing you to cash in on the opportunity.
And finally, people who moved out of cities during COVID may be looking to now move back, allowing you to score a potential bargain from motivated buyers.
Top Regional Suburbs for Remote Workers in 2025
With all that in mind, these are our picks:
1. Wollongong
Internet: Extensive FTTP coverage.
Distance to Sydney: 1.5 hours by car or train.
Lifestyle: Stunning beaches, a vibrant café scene, and the Illawarra Escarpment for nature lovers.
Median House Price: $1.1 million.
2. Orange
Internet: FTTP available in key areas.
Distance to Sydney: 3.5 hours by car, coach services available.
Lifestyle: Renowned food and wine region, boutique shopping, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Median House Price: $680,000.
3. Bowral (Southern Highlands)
Internet: FTTP available in many neighbourhoods.
Distance to Sydney: 1.5 hours by car or train.
Lifestyle: Elegant village charm, gardens, and excellent dining options.
Median House Price: $1.3 million.
4. Bathurst
Internet: Widespread FTTP coverage.
Distance to Sydney: 2.5 hours by car, regular trains.
Lifestyle: Heritage town with a thriving arts scene, local farmers’ markets, and plenty of green space.
Median House Price: $590,000.
5. Goulburn
Internet: FTTP available across the town.
Distance to Sydney: 2 hours by car or train.
Lifestyle: A mix of rural charm and urban amenities, with affordable housing and a strong community feel.
Median House Price: $550,000.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics