Raising awareness about the opportunities to live, work and invest in regional Australia
In December each year, the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) commissions market research to find out exactly how regional Australia is viewed by those living in our major metropolitan cities, what they are looking for and when they would be ready to make the move.
In December 2025 we found that a life in the regions is still very much top of mind for thousands of city dwellers. In fact, one-in-three are considering a sea-change or tree-change. More than two-thirds of those who are considering moving were ready to do so within the next 5 years.
This market research was about finding out what the pull factors were to the regions, and what would persuade movers to take a job in regional Australia.
The top three factors drawing people to regional Australia are:
- More affordable housing (43%);
- Cheaper cost of living (43%);
- More green spaces and a closer connection to nature (35%)
‘Without that mortgage stress we are able to allocate more of our income to doing fun stuff like buying a house and taking holidays with the kids.’ Helen Daly Mackay QLD
What was most interesting about this research was the increase in interest from younger cohorts. Almost half (49%) of Generation Z (1997- 2009) and 41% of Millennials (1981-1996) surveyed said they would consider a move. Young people are not just chasing a tree change, they’re looking for career opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and communities where they can thrive. Regional Australia is increasingly recognised as a place where you can create long term prosperity.
The research shows the top three factors that would persuade Gen Z to take a job in regional Australia were:
- Salary increase (61%)
- Receiving a financial incentive e.g. recruitment bonus, relocation payment or family travel assistance (49%)
- Shorter working hours/flexible working arrangements (41%)
The RAI developed this Move To More website in response, to raise awareness among all metropolitan Australians about the opportunities to live, work and invest in our regional towns and cities. A place where regionally curious Australians can search seventy-six regions and almost 2000 regional towns. Regional Australia is home to thousands of rewarding and diverse careers and Move To More has shown it can reach those city dwellers thinking about a move to more!
The website has received over 1.4 million page views since it launched! Visitors can explore career opportunities, search for their ideal community and find their dream home on Move To More. RAI Members have the opportunity to promote their regions through our enhanced town pages via videos and storytelling, as well as through mediums such as podcasts, email newsletters, this website and our social media channels.
To learn more about becoming an RAI member and promoting your region please contact our membership team today!
