ACT | Updated June 2026

Moving to Canberra

Australia's Capital — Highest Incomes

Quick Answer:

Median rent $640/week. Avg salary $100k (highest in Australia). Best for government, public policy, IT, research. ACT runs its own Matrix-based 190/491 nomination. High incomes and excellent services.

460,000

$640/week median rent

Continental (four distinct seasons)

Canberra is Australia's purpose-built capital, home to federal government, national institutions, and universities. It boasts the highest average incomes in the country, excellent schools and healthcare, and easy access to nature, with bushland and the Snowy Mountains nearby.

Visa Pathways for Canberra

Available Visa Types

190491 (regional for migration)

Priority Occupations for ACT

ICT ProfessionalPolicy AnalystAccountantRegistered NurseEngineer

State Nomination Requirements

ACT uses a Canberra Matrix points system. Living and working in Canberra significantly boosts ranking.

Processing Advantage

ACT is classified regional, giving 491 access and extra points despite being a capital

Learn About Skilled Visas

Expat Community Insights

Largest Expat Communities

IndianChineseBritishFilipinoVietnamese

Time to Settle

2-4 months to feel settled (transient, professional population)

Best Time to Arrive

March-May or September-November (avoid cold winters)

Expat Groups to Join

Canberra Newcomers
Indians in Canberra
British Expats ACT

The assumption worth dropping before you start looking. Price band and travel time do not track each other in Canberra: the dearest suburbs here are not the closest in, and the cheapest are not the furthest out. What you are paying for is character — water, nightlife, heritage streets — not minutes saved. Pick the commute you can live with, then choose within it.