A Little-Known Top City in Australia — Great for Migration: The Sunshine Coast

In a recent article by demographer Glenn Capuano, the top 50 cities and towns in Australia were reviewed for their demographics and growth trajectory. 84% of the population live in these urban areas.

Glenn asked how urbanised Australia is, examining populations and year-on-year changes. One of the cities that stood out as showing significant growth (12.9% in 5 years and 2.5% in the last year) is the Sunshine Coast.

With a name that epitomises all that we think of when considering Australian migration, the Sunshine Coast is a cool one to watch! It is more of a coastal region than a city because it stretches up the eastern seaboard about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

Situated in the heart of Queensland and No. 9 on the top 50 list, this area houses nearly 418,000 inhabitants. In fact, Queensland is host to 12 of the top cities down under, just pipped by New South Wales.

How Attractive Is Queensland as an Area to Live?

Queensland is one of Australia’s most attractive states to live in, but whether it’s the right fit depends a lot on what you value. It offers an enviable climate and lifestyle, but may not be for everyone.

On the positive side there is of course the climate, which enjoys warm to tropical weather with mild winters. There is, as the name says, plenty of sunshine (Brisbane generally has over 280 sunny days a year). Naturally, this is ideal if you enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Alongside the climate also come its natural beauty and amazing diversity. For instance, there is the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, thousands of kilometres of beaches, national parks, mountains, islands, and tropical forests. If you enjoy hiking, diving, sailing, fishing, or simply spending time outdoors, it’s difficult to beat.

As regards lifestyle, many people move to Queensland for a more relaxed pace compared with Sydney or Melbourne. Cities in this territory tend to have more outdoor dining, less commuting (depending on where you live), a great sporting culture and nice community-sensitive suburbs.

What Is the Cost of Living Like?

Historically Queensland was much cheaper than southern Australia, although that gap has narrowed. Nevertheless, it is generally less expensive than Sydney. And there is affordable housing and good employment depending on your profession.

What Lifestyle Benefits Are There in Queensland?

In terms of the following sectors, there are benefits to living in Queensland, and tech and professional services are strong sectors too:

• Mining and resources
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Tourism
• Education
• Agriculture
• Renewable energy

Against this, one should realise that there is the heat and humidity, as the tropical north can be extremely humid for much of the year. You may experience cyclones and flooding as well as severe storms, which can affect insurance premiums. Don’t forget too, the vast distances — travelling within the state often involves long flights or lengthy drives.

Different regions offer very different lifestyles, as follows:

• Brisbane: Australia’s third-largest city, offering a balance of career opportunities, culture, and outdoor living. See our guide to jobs in Brisbane.
• Gold Coast: Beaches, nightlife, tourism, and a fast-growing economy.
• Sunshine Coast: Relaxed coastal lifestyle, popular with retirees and remote workers.
• Cairns: Tropical climate with easy access to reefs and rainforest.
• Townsville: Regional city with defence, education, and healthcare industries.
• Toowoomba: Cooler climate, lower housing costs, and a strong regional economy.

What Specifically Is Great About the Sunshine Coast?

Coastal cities such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have become more expensive over the past few years, but this represents their growing attraction.

Indeed, the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is one of Australia’s most desirable places to live, combining beautiful beaches, a warm subtropical climate, and a laid-back way of life. Located around 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, as mentioned, is rather a diverse coastal region made up of thriving communities such as Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Noosa Heads, Caloundra, Buderim, and Nambour.

Known for its exceptional quality of life, the Sunshine Coast attracts families, professionals, retirees and remote workers looking for a balance between modern conveniences and access to nature. Residents enjoy kilometres of sandy beaches, national parks, scenic hinterland villages and year-round opportunities for surfing, swimming, hiking, cycling, and boating.

In terms of commerce, Maroochydore serves as the region’s commercial and business centre, while Mooloolaba is renowned for its waterfront dining and marina. Noosa Heads offers a blend of luxury accommodation, boutique shopping, and the natural beauty of Noosa National Park, while Caloundra is popular for its family-friendly beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Inland communities such as Buderim and Nambour provide quieter residential neighbourhoods. A safe place to bring up your children, they offer excellent schools and a strong sense of community.

The Sunshine Coast economy has grown well beyond its tourism roots. Today, healthcare, education, construction, professional services, technology and sustainable industries all contribute to a resilient regional economy. Thus, combined with excellent healthcare facilities, quality schools, and a modern university, the region continues to attract people relocating from across Australia and overseas.

One of the Sunshine Coast’s greatest strengths is its lifestyle. The region enjoys warm summers, mild winters, abundant sunshine plus a strong outdoor culture. Whether enjoying an early morning walk along Mooloolaba Beach, exploring rainforest trails in the hinterland, or dining at one of the many local cafés, residents benefit from an environment designed around health, recreation, and community.

While property prices have risen in recent years as demand has increased, the Sunshine Coast continues to offer an appealing alternative to Australia’s larger metropolitan areas. Although many residents need to own a car to travel throughout the region, its combination of natural beauty, growing infrastructure, employment opportunities together with its relaxed coastal living places it among Australia’s most sought-after destinations.

For those considering a move to Queensland, the Sunshine Coast represents more than a holiday destination. It is a vibrant coastal region where lifestyle, opportunity, and nature come together, making it one of Australia’s premier places to live, work, and invest.

Emigrate-to-Australia.co.uk assists those looking for visas and migration options with our specialist registered agents as part of Taylor Hampton Solicitors. As such we are well placed to help you navigate the difficulties and overcome any hurdles to speed you off to a fresh life down under.

If this interests you, please contact our Head of Australian Migration, Timea Pocze-Graf at timea.graf@emigrate-to-australia.co.uk or call 0044 207 427 5290.

When you get there, please send us a postcard!

Sources: The top 50 largest cities and towns in Australia (2025 update) | Informed Decisions