Gen Z is officially leading Australia’s Great Urban Exodus

4 min read
February 27, 2026
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New Move to More research conducted in December 2025 shows almost half (49%) of young metro residents are thinking about swapping big‑city life for a regional move, more than any other age group.

Across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, more than 5.3 million people are open to heading regional. What’s driving it? Lower living costs, more affordable homes and the chance to live closer to nature, without giving up career options.

Regional job opportunities have expanded in a big way, and employers are competing hard for young talent in areas like healthcare, education, trades and community services. Many regional roles now offer strong salaries, quick career progression and a real chance to get ahead faster than in the capitals.

When it comes to making the move, young workers say the biggest motivators are higher pay, relocation support and clear career pathways. Flexibility and access to training are also high on the list, reflecting a generation that wants to grow their skills while still keeping balance in their life.

Let’s build a stronger, more connected community together. We are keen to stay in touch so please email us with questions or advice at [email protected]

Move to More Home for Less

Affordability is a major drawcard for regional living. Are you one of the 50% of Gen Z movers seeking more affordable housing? If so a move to the regions might just be your best chance at making the Great Aussie Dream of home ownership a reality. But where to buy?

If slashing years off the mortgage is appealing, then we invite you to explore the Good Life Guide. Chances are you’ll find your “sweet spot” in regional Australia.

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Move to More Belonging, Less Buzz

Are you one of the 1.6 million Melbournians or 700,000 Brisbane residents thinking about making the move to the regions? Explore what life could look like in Ballarat, Dalby, Emerald and Streaky Bay with videos, stories and local insights designed to help you plan your next chapter.

Explore Ballarat, VIC

“I was fed up with the busyness of Melbourne… I wanted more of a community-oriented place. I immediately loved Ballarat… I think I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.”

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Explore Dalby, QLD

“You’re not going to miss out on anything here, in fact, you’re going to gain the most precious thing of all: your time. Dalby offers affordable living, short commutes, and a relaxed lifestyle with strong community spirit.”

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Explore Emerald, QLD

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Explore Streaky Bay, SA

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Move to More Opportunity, Less Overhead

On average ~80,000 roles are advertised on ViewJobs per month. 15% trades & services, 10% healthcare & community services and 10% hospitality & tourism.

The top 5 most in demand categories are healthcare & care, transport & logistics, retail & customer service, hospitality and trades & services.

Skilled/vocational/mid-level opportunities make up 45% of roles on ViewJobs with entry level & early career the next biggest group with 30%.

Healthcare Professionals

Regional communities need your skills and are often willing to offer incentives, housing support, and excellent career development opportunities.

Technicians and Trades

Regional apprentices often receive subsidised qualifications in multiple disciplines and allowances (travel, accommodation, remote location loading) which increase total earnings

Community and Personal Service Workers

Regional carers often receive incentives including salary packaging and additional leave.

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Move to More Collaboration

Regional Dialogue Day brings together bold regional initiatives shaping Australia’s future. Checkout the Fraser Coast Work Transition Initiative and Toowoomba’s Health Industry Workforce Development Plan, showing how regions are building strong local workforces and creating new opportunities for future movers.

Fraser Coast Work Transition Initiative

The Fraser Coast Work Transition Initiative helps local high school students step confidently into regional careers by connecting them with real‑world experience in manufacturing, engineering, health and construction. The program has already supported hundreds of students through work placements, apprenticeships and training pathways, strengthening the region’s future workforce and creating smoother transitions into jobs.

For movers, it highlights a community actively developing talent and opening clear career pathways for young people.

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Health Industry Workforce Development Plan

The Health Industry Workforce Development Plan is reshaping how health careers grow in Toowoomba. Led by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and Jobs Queensland, it brings together hospitals, universities, training providers and health organisations to build stronger local career pathways. With a “Grow Your Own” focus, it expands opportunities for students, trainees and professionals to develop locally. The five‑year plan aims to boost attraction, training and retention, strengthening the workforce and enhancing liveability for future movers to the region.

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Read about more Regional Dialogue Day projects here.

Butchers, Bakers, and Senior Decision-Makers: Why Regional Australia Can Offer a Better Income for Mum and Dad Workers

2 min read
March 10, 2025
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A new report from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) reveals that many jobs in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia pay more than those in major cities. The research, Beyond City Limits: Unveiling Income Premiums in Regional Australia, shows that across more than 80 occupations, you can earn a higher net income in regional areas when you factor in living costs.

The study looked at data from the Australian Census and Tax Office, covering 80% of the country’s workforce, and focused on net income after accounting for housing costs.

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Higher Pay in the Regions

In very remote and remote areas, workers in six out of eight major job groups earn more than their city counterparts. These groups include professionals, tradespeople, drivers, community service workers, and labourers. For people living in inner and outer regional areas, there’s still a pay boost for many roles, including trades, community services, and driving jobs.

Some of the individual jobs with a higher net income in regional Australia compared to major cities include:

Chief Executives
Electrical Engineers
Special Education Teachers
General Practitioners (Doctors)
Motor Mechanics
Electricians
Bakers and Pastrycooks
Butchers
Paramedics
Aged and Disabled Carers
Truck Drivers
Chefs

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A Great Opportunity for Families

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie says this report shows that you don’t have to live in a big city to earn a good income. In fact, many regional jobs offer better pay, which can be a great opportunity for families looking for a better work-life balance.

“The truth is, there are lots of high-paying jobs in regional Australia if you look beyond the big cities. These roles offer great pay and have the added bonus of a more relaxed lifestyle – less traffic, more affordable housing, and access to nature,” Ms Ritchie said.

With over 67,000 job vacancies in regional areas – 62% higher than the average before COVID – it’s clear that plenty of opportunities are waiting in these regions.

Income in the Regions Compared to the City

After adjusting for factors like age, gender, and experience, the report found that people in regional areas generally earn more:

13.6% higher in Very Remote Australia
12.8% higher in Remote Australia
Comparable in Outer Regional areas
2.4% lower in Inner Regional areas

For mums and dads looking for a new career path or thinking about a change of scenery, moving to regional Australia might offer an outstanding work-life balance, a better salary, and plenty of job opportunities.

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