Compare job opportunities, in-demand occupations, cost of living and lifestyle in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Discover which Australian state offers the fastest settlement path for skilled migrants in 2025.
Introduction
Over 190,000 permanent migrants arrived in Australia last financial year, and most face the same big question: NSW, Victoria, or Queensland? Each state promises strong job opportunities for immigrants, yet the reality differs dramatically. Sydney delivers the highest salaries but carries brutal housing costs. Melbourne excels in healthcare and education roles. Queensland pushes regional migration with lower living expenses. This settlement comparison reveals where new migrants actually thrive in 2025.
In-Demand Jobs and Skilled Occupation Lists Across the Three States
Australia’s labour market shortages remain acute in healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and teaching. Jobs and Skills Australia regularly updates the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), but each state maintains its own priorities for state nomination.
New South Wales keeps the tightest NSW skilled occupation list with heavy focus on healthcare jobs Australia-wide (nurses, doctors, allied health) and IT jobs Australia-wide (software engineers, cyber security). The Sydney job market stays red-hot for experienced professionals who can handle premium rents.
Victoria spreads opportunities more evenly. The Victoria skilled occupation list opened dozens of healthcare and teacher jobs Australia needs desperately, plus engineering and construction roles tied to major infrastructure projects. Melbourne job market rewards specialists in aged care, disability services, and secondary education.
Queensland takes a different approach. The Queensland skilled occupation list prioritises trades jobs Australia lacks — electricians, plumbers, carpenters — alongside nursing and teaching for regional areas. The 491 visa occupations list is significantly broader than the 190 visa occupations in Queensland, making regional migration Australia’s fastest pathway here.
Cost of Living and Housing Reality Check
Money talks loudest for new migrant employment Australia success. Sydney remains the most expensive capital: median house price $1.4 million, weekly rent for a two-bedroom unit around $720. Melbourne follows closely at $950,000 median house and $550 weekly rent. Brisbane offers relief — $820,000 median house price and $600 weekly rent for similar property.
Groceries, transport, and utilities stay comparable, but the housing gap decides breathing room. A software engineer earning $130,000 in Sydney feels squeezed; the same salary in Brisbane leaves substantial savings.
Queensland also delivers the strongest regional options. Towns like Toowoomba, Cairns, and the Gold Coast hinterland combine in-demand jobs Australia 2025 with rents often below $450 per week and fast-track 491 visa pathways.
Lifestyle, Community and Settlement Support
Sydney offers unmatched cultural diversity and established migrant networks, yet long commutes and pace exhaust many newcomers. Melbourne wins for arts, food, and education — perfect for families prioritising schools and universities.
Queensland sells sunshine and space. Brisbane job market grows rapidly in health and education while maintaining a relaxed vibe. Regional Queensland provides the easiest integration for many migrants: smaller classes for children, stronger community ties, and employers who actively sponsor.
All three states provide excellent settlement services, but Queensland’s regional areas often deliver more personalised support because local councils compete for skilled migrants.
Visa Pathways and State Nomination Chances
State nomination Australia adds 5–15 points to your migration points test — often the difference between invitation and waiting years.
NSW remains highly competitive. Only top-scoring applicants in priority occupations Australia marks critical (usually 90+ points) receive 190 visa invitations.
Victoria paused parts of its 190 program in 2024–2025 but keeps 491 regional visas flowing, especially for healthcare and education.
Queensland runs the most migrant-friendly program right now. Lower points thresholds, broader Queensland skilled occupation list, and thousands of 491 places make it the quickest permanent residency route for many occupations on the CSOL.
Conclusion
No single “best” state exists — only the best state for your priorities. Choose NSW if maximum salary and big-city networks matter most. Pick Victoria for healthcare, teaching, or family-focused settlement. Head to Queensland for affordable living, faster permanent residency via regional visas, and genuine work-life balance. Assess your occupation, budget, and lifestyle goals, then align them with the state that truly needs you in 2025.
