Looking for the cheapest place to live in Queensland? We’ve got you covered with a list of the top 6 most affordable suburbs in Queensland.
From median house prices to rent costs, suburb highlights, and living conditions, this guide is your go-to resource for finding cheap housing and affordable living in Queensland.
So whether you’re looking for the cheapest houses in Queensland or cheap farmhouses for rent in QLD, Soho’s got your back. So to kick us off, let’s help you find affordable places in Queensland that offer a modest lifestyle.
Overview of Queensland’s Affordable Suburbs
Queensland offers a diverse range of affordable living options, catering to various budgets across its regional areas. Below is a breakdown of the most affordable suburbs in Queensland, focusing on median prices and rent.
Median House Prices
Median house prices in Queensland’s most affordable suburbs range from $170,000 in Charleville to $858,000 in Nerang. Here’s a detailed look at the median house and rent prices across these suburbs:
- Charleville: $170,000
- Bundaberg: $422,500
- New Auckland: $444,750
- Manunda: $510,000
- Zillmere: $809,250
- Nerang: $858,000
Median Rent Prices
- Charleville: $260 weekly
- Manunda: $460 weekly for houses and $360 weekly for units
- Bundaberg: $480 weekly for houses and $380 weekly for units
- New Auckland: $480 weekly
- Zillmere: $530 weekly
- Nerang: $740 weekly
Which Are the Cheapest Suburbs in Queensland?
#1: Bundaberg – Why Is Bundaberg the Cheapest Place to Live in Queensland?
- Median house price: $422,500
- Median rent price: $480 for houses and $ 380 for units.
Population: 50,000-90,000
Bundaberg is the cheapest place to live in Queensland, offering a diverse job market, vibrant lifestyle, and affordable housing. It’s an ideal location for those seeking budget-friendly living in Queensland.
Highlights:
- Low crime rates and a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Excellent access to shopping centres and dining options.
- Proximity to national parks like the Sunshine Coast and Great Sandy Marine Park.
Living Quality:
- Offers a robust economy and elevated infrastructure spending.
- Maintains a small-town charm despite its size, enhancing its appeal as an affordable yet vibrant place to live.
Overall, Bundaberg is an excellent place to move to, with a diverse job market, an exciting lifestyle and good cheap housing for Queensland.
Discover more properties for sale in Bundaberg.
What are the Other cheap places to live in Queensland?
Although Bundaberg has, by far, the cheapest housing in comparison to any other district of Queensland, there are at least five others tied for second place. Check these out:
New Auckland
- Median house price: $444,750
- Median rent price: $480 weekly
Population: 5,089
Highlights:
- A thriving community with a significant percentage (34.16%) of the population living in rental accommodation.
- Ideal climate conditions with plenty of sunny days, suitable for retirees.
Living Quality:
- Features a low vacancy rate of 1.81%, indicating a stable housing market.
- Well-equipped with major facilities and services, supporting a high quality of life.
Looking to buy on a budget? Check out our round up of cheap houses for sale in Queensland!
Discover more properties for sale in New Auckland.
Zillmere
- Median house price: $809,250
- Median rent price: $530 weekly
Population: Predominantly family households, 59.4% with children.
Zillmere is one of the best affordable suburbs in Queensland, known for its proximity to Brisbane CBD, strong property growth, and family-friendly environment. With a median price of $809,250, it’s a top choice for those looking to live in Queensland’s most affordable areas.
Living Quality:
- Offers moderate job opportunities and good public school options.
- Higher than average unemployment rate at 9%, which is something potential residents may consider.
Discover more properties for sale in Zillmere.
Nerang
- Median house price: $858,000
- Median rent price: $740 weekly
Highlights:
- Ranked as the 55th best suburb in Australia, noted for its quiet environment and spectacular views.
- Features Nerang National Park and Country Paradise Parklands.
Living Quality:
- The housing market has seen a growth of 13.99% in the past year.
- Predominantly occupied by couples and young families, offering a peaceful and safe environment.
Discover more properties for sale in Nerang.
Manunda
- Median house price: $510,000
- Median rent price: $465 for houses and $ 360 for units.
Highlights:
- One of the most affordable places not only in Queensland but also in Australia.
- Provides all essential amenities for a quality residential area, including parks and sports facilities.
Living Quality:
- Affordable housing with an average cost around the $300,000 mark, making it accessible for first-time home buyers and renters.
Discover more homes for sale in Manunda.
Charleville
- Median house price:$170,000
- Median rent price: $260 weekly
Population: 3,000
Charleville is an attractive option for affordable living in Queensland, offering some of the lowest house prices in the state. It’s perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle in a secluded and quiet environment.
Highlights:
- Extremely affordable housing options, significantly lower than other areas.
- Located far from major cities, offering a secluded living environment.
Living Quality:
- Limited amenities and services due to the small population and remote location.
- Suitable for those with a very tight budget looking for a significant decrease in living costs.
Discover more real estate for sale in Charleville.
Start Your Journey to Affordable Living in Queensland
Ready to find your dream home in one of Queensland’s best affordable suburbs? Explore our latest real estate listings and start your journey to affordable living in Queensland today.
FAQs around finding the cheapest place to live in Queensland
What are the cheapest coastal towns to live in QLD?
The cheapest coastal towns in Queensland include Hervey Bay, known for its whale watching, Mission Beach for its relaxed vibe, and Barney Point in Gladstone for its affordable coastal living.
You can read more about why Barney Point is so cheap and about the Gladstone Property Market in Soho’s article.
While not the cheapest coastal town to live in QLD, you might find cheap houses for sale in Redcliffe for as low as $650,000.
Looking for cheap rentals? Check out our round up of cheap houses for rent under $250/week in QLD!
What are the most affordable suburbs in Southeast Queensland?
South east Queensland is the home to various affordable suburbs. They include Forest lake, Zillmere, Riverhills, Springfield Lakes, Alexandra Hills, Nambour, etc.
The median prices in these cities vary from $681,693 to $850,000. These regional areas feature solid buying opportunities, making them the favourites of numerous property space buyers.
You might want to check out the affordable Hervey Bay as well but do read our review of the worst suburbs of Hervey Bay before you do!
If you’re looking for cheap beach houses for sale in Queensland to live out your seachange, you can explore suburbs like Mission Beach and Cardwell.
Logan is also a popular choice for investors as it has many growth suburbs. But do research the worst suburbs in Logan before making your decision.
Do you need any long-term strategies to buy a home on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast region is known for its high land value and elevated cost of living. However, its surrounding areas offer fantastic homes at affordable prices.
With a little planning and moderate investment, you can expect to buy great properties around the Gold Coast.
What is the best place to stay in Queensland?
Queensland has many suburbs with affordable costs of living and cheap accommodations. You can consider Bundaberg, French Ville, South Mackay, Nerang, Kirwan, etc.
Sources
Data compiled from local real estate reports, government housing statistics, and market analysis as of 14/08/2024. Information on median house and rent prices, suburb highlights, and living conditions were sourced from reliable platforms such as Domain, CoreLogic, and Queensland Government Housing Reports.
