Compare South Australia vs Tasmania for skilled migration: state nomination, Subclass 190 & 491 visas, occupation lists, job opportunities, cost of living, lifestyle, and which state offers faster permanent residency in 2025.
Introduction
Skilled migrants face a big decision. Australia needs over 190,000 migrants this year, yet only two pathways guarantee state nomination success: the Subclass 190 (permanent) and Subclass 491 (provisional) visas. South Australia and Tasmania consistently rank as the most welcoming regional states. Both offer state sponsorship, but they differ sharply in processing speed, occupation demand, job availability, and lifestyle. This guide compares them head-to-head so you can choose the right state for your skills and family goals.
Skilled Migration Programs: How State Nomination Works in SA and Tasmania
Both states participate in Australia state nomination programs, but their approaches differ.
South Australia runs one of the fastest and most predictable systems. The state opened 3,800 nomination places for 2024–25 (3,000 for Subclass 190, 800 for Subclass 491). Processing currently takes 4–8 weeks for onshore applicants. South Australia frequently updates its occupation list — now over 480 occupations — and removes the offshore work experience barrier for many roles.
Tasmania allocates only 2,100 places (1,350 Subclass 190, 750 Subclass 491) but prioritizes candidates already living in the state. Offshore applicants face tougher rules: you need a genuine job offer or to fall under the Tasmanian Onshore Graduate or Business Operator streams. Processing times stretch to 3–6 months.
Winner for speed and accessibility: South Australia.
Occupation Lists and In-Demand Jobs: Where Your Skills Fit Best
Your occupation decides everything.
The South Australia occupation list remains one of the broadest in the country. Engineers, nurses, teachers, accountants, chefs, and ICT professionals almost always qualify. The state added 70 new roles in the latest update, including aged care workers and software developers.
The Tasmania occupation list follows the national Critical Skills List more strictly and contains fewer than 200 priority roles. Healthcare, construction, hospitality, and agriculture dominate. Popular roles like marketing specialists or HR managers rarely appear unless you already live in Tasmania.
Winner for occupation availability: South Australia (especially if your role sits outside healthcare or trades).
Job Market and Salary Comparison: Adelaide vs HobartJobs turn nominations into reality.
Adelaide’s economy grows faster than Hobart’s. South Australia posted 28,000 new jobs in the past year, led by defence (AUKUS projects), health, renewable energy, and space industries. Average full-time salary sits at $92,500 AUD. Unemployment hovers around 4.1%.
Tasmania’s job market stays tight. The state added only 6,000 positions, mostly in tourism, aquaculture, and public sector roles. Average salary reaches $86,000 AUD, and unemployment stands at 3.9%. Competition runs high because fewer vacancies exist.
Real-world outcome: South Australian nominees receive 40–60 job interviews within three months (migration agent data). Tasmanian nominees onshore average 15–25.
Winner for job opportunities: South Australia.
Cost of Living and Housing Affordability: Adelaide vs Hobart
Money matters after you arrive.
Hobart now ranks as Australia’s second-most expensive capital for rent. A three-bedroom house costs $550–$650 per week. Median house price: $740,000.
Adelaide offers better value. The same house rents for $480–$580 per week. Median house price: $685,000 and rising slower than Hobart. Groceries and transport cost 8–12% less in Adelaide.
Winner for housing affordability and daily costs: South Australia.
Lifestyle, Climate, and Family Considerations
Lifestyle often decides long-term happiness.
Adelaide delivers big-city advantages: 30-minute commutes, world-class wine regions 40 minutes away, excellent beaches, and 9 months of warm weather (average summer high 29°C).
Hobart offers stunning nature and slower pace. You reach Mount Wellington or wine regions in 20 minutes, but winter brings cold, wet days (average winter high 12°C). The population sits at just 250,000 — peaceful but limited nightlife and dating options.
Healthcare and education rank excellent in both states. Adelaide edges ahead with more private schools and hospitals.
Winner depends on you: Choose Adelaide for vibrancy and career growth; pick Hobart for nature and relaxed living.
Path to Permanent Residency: Who Gets PR Faster?
Both states lead to permanent residency, but timelines differ.
South Australia 491 visa holders upgrade to Subclass 191 after three years of living and working in regional SA (almost all of Adelaide counts as regional).
Tasmania 491 holders follow the same rule, but the state pushes the Subclass 190 visa harder for onshore applicants — instant PR.
Offshore applicants almost always receive 491 first. South Australia processes these faster and offers more places.
Winner for offshore applicants: South Australia.
Winner for onshore applicants already in Tasmania: Tasmania (direct 190 possible).
Conclusion
South Australia wins for most skilled migrants in 2025. It offers more nomination places, a longer occupation list, faster processing, stronger job growth, and lower living costs. Tasmania shines for onshore graduates, healthcare workers, or those who prioritize nature over career speed.
Assess your occupation, current location, and lifestyle priorities. Then lodge your Expression of Interest for the state that matches best — the right choice can cut years off your Australian dream.
