Every year, tens of thousands of people pack up and move to Sydney. But what makes this city so appealing? Between the beaches, the culture, and the global job opportunities, Australia’s biggest city has a lot to offer.
Coming from places like Melbourne, Brisbane, or regional NSW, many make the move every year for better lifestyle and career opportunities.
A global city with global opportunities
If you’re after career growth, Sydney is hard to beat. As Australia’s financial and economic hub, Sydney is home to major national and international headquarters. There are lots of attractive opportunities if you’re looking to make it big in:
- Finance and banking
- Technology and start-ups
- Professional services
- Healthcare
- Education and research
- Tourism and hospitality
Sydney’s job market is going strong, with the unemployment rate sitting near historic lows. This means there should be plenty of openings for skilled workers, which is why so many ambitious people are flocking to Sydney.
Outdoor lifestyle and liveability
Sydney city’s skyline is pretty impressive, but the real magic lies in the surrounding suburbs. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches like Bondi, Manly, Coogee and more, making it easy to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Imagine starting your mornings with ocean swims, scenic runs, and coastal or park walks. Weekends can be spent exploring national parks, harbour lookouts, and hidden coves.
Unlike many other global megacities, Sydney never feels too far removed from nature. Even the central business district has lush parks and family-friendly outdoor areas among the towering office buildings. If you want a good mix of fresh air and urban streetscapes, a Sydney move is an easy choice.
Convenient moving options
Relocating to a major city is a huge task. Luckily, Sydney offers plenty of professional removalists who can help you move interstate to Sydney. From packing and transporting to secure storage solutions, removalists can handle every stage so you can get settled in Sydney faster.
The cost of moving to Sydney depends on where you’re coming from, so make sure to get a quote well in advance. See how much it costs to move from your specific city in our 2026 Guide to Moving Interstate.
Diverse culture
Sydney has long been known for its multiculturalism, one of the main reason why people love it. About 33% of its residents were born overseas, building thriving communities across the city. From bustling Chinatown and the Mediterranean flair in the Inner West to the South Asian communities in Western Sydney, cultural diversity is part of daily life.
This mix of culture makes Sydney feel open, creative, innovative and welcoming for newcomers from interstate or overseas.
Quality of life
Many people move to Sydney simply because it offers an excellent standard of living. Its the 6th most liveable city in the world because of:
- Stability, healthcare and education
- Infrastructure and public transport
- Clean, safe neighbourhoods
- Beautiful environment and strong culture
There’s always something happening in Sydney: Food festivals, fireworks displays, theatre, galleries, and live music.
For families, students, and professionals, Sydney’s education and healthcare systems are major benefits.
Education
Sydney has world-class universities including the University of Sydney, UNSW, Macquarie University, and Western Sydney University. Its schools (public, private, and selective) are also highly regarded. The high-quality education is why many families and international students flock to Sydney.
Healthcare
The city’s healthcare system is highly accessible, with public and private healthcare networks staffed by highly trained professionals. There are many everyday medical care facilities available, along with world-leading hospitals and medical research facilities.
Safety
Sydney is considered one of the safer capital cities in Australia. Many have well-maintained infrastructure, strong community services, and low crime rates, making it appealing for families, retirees, and young professionals.
Climate
On top of it all, Sydney has a very temperate climate with warm summers, mild winters, and sunshine throughout most of the year. You won’t have to deal with the extremes you find in other regions.
The cons of living in Sydney
Of course, no global city is perfect. Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city, so even with higher wages, you’ll still pay more for rent, house prices, and food.
Traffic in Sydney is heavy during peak hours, and while the public transport network is extensive and continuing to grow, trains and buses can sometimes be unreliable. The newer metro and light rail systems have made things better, but expect long commutes if you move further from the CBD or beaches.
Plus, the strong job market also means more competition for some roles. Even so, many people find that Sydney’s lifestyle, career opportunities, and beautiful surroundings make it all worth it.
Moving forward
Sydney is an economic powerhouse with stunning natural surroundings and lively culture. That’s what keeps drawing people in. The city offers plenty of career opportunities while also giving you easy access to the great outdoors.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Sydney, take a look at our list of Sydney’s Most Liveable Suburbs to see where to call home next. Holloway Removals can help make the move interstate easy.
