As someone who calls Adelaide home, I’ve experienced the unique charm of this South Australian city.
It’s a place that beautifully mixes excitement with calmness. In this article, I’ll share my personal journey of living in Adelaide.
You’ll hear about how it’s friendly to your budget, the fun and culture that fill the streets, and even some challenges that come with living here.
From my own experiences, I’ll show you why Adelaide is more than just a city – it’s a place where life is enjoyable and full of surprises.
Let’s dive into what makes Adelaide a special place to live.
Reasons to Love Living in Adelaide
Adelaide is nestled in the heart of South Australia. This city uniquely blends affordability with educational excellence, making it an ideal place for residents from all walks of life.
LIVING IN ADELAIDE
1. Adelaide is affordable
Adelaide, one of the most affordable capital cities, is ideal for students to live and explore on a budget. It’s around 33% cheaper to live here than in Sydney.
Rent prices and public transport costs, as well as entertainment costs, all tend to be cheaper in Adelaide than in other Australian liveable cities.
LIVING IN ADELAIDE
2. Top Australian Educational Institutions
You’ll find lots of Australia’s top educational institutions in Adelaide, including universities, private colleges, and culinary and hospitality schools.
From modern architectural triumphs in the city’s cool west side to historical colonial-era sandstone buildings (you might feel like you’ve stepped right into Hogwarts!).
Adelaide’s university campuses are breathtakingly beautiful.
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3. Work-Life Balance and Laid-Back Lifestyle
The South Australian lifestyle is pretty laid back, and work-life balance is real, not just a vague promise. Plus, South Australia has more public holidays than Ireland or the UK.
Employment or award contracts grant nine total territorial and regional holidays in addition to the standard ones.
For example, many employees are allowed time off for Adelaide Cup Day, Labour Day and the Queen’s Birthday.
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4. Adelaide is Festival Central
Ask any international student, and they’ll tell you the same thing: there’s always something happening in Adelaide.
Major festivals in Adelaide include WOMADelaide, Adelaide Festival, Illuminate Adelaide, FEAST Festival, Adelaide Fringe, OzAsia and IndoFest – to name a few!
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5. Calming and Relaxing Atmosphere
On one hand, Adelaide has all the benefits of a thriving city. On the other, it can be refreshingly laid-back, quiet and relaxed.
So, once you’re done sightseeing, partying or working, you’ll always be able to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the city to focus more on your studies.
It makes Adelaide a fantastic place to dedicate time to studying and increase productivity.
Take your books to the State Library of South Australia, the Botanic Garden or one of the city’s many great study cafés for a change of scenery.
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6. Transport in Adelaide is Convenient
If you are an international student in Adelaide, you’ll be pleased to know getting to your classes is super easy via public transport, wherever they may be.
Flinders Univeristy even has its very own railway line!
Many inner-city transport services are free (including buses), so you can enjoy, experience and explore Adelaide affordably.
There are also trains and bus systems.
You can access a concession Adelaide metro CARD, which offers discounted trips on Adelaide’s public transport system.
Adelaide is also bicycle-friendly. There are safe cycling paths throughout Adelaide City and the suburbs.
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7. Plenty of Great Getaways
You’ll be spoiled for choice regarding weekend getaways, with many great trips just a short distance from the city.
You can explore wine regions like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and the Clare Valley and head to the Adelaide Hills.
Check out the area’s quaint villages, hop on Kangaroo Island, or see some of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders.
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8. Full of City Cultural Activities
In the heart of Adelaide CBD lie many of South Australia’s major arts and cultural institutions, most of which are free to visit.
These include the State Library of South Australia, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and the South Australian Museum.
Also notable are the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Flinders University Museum of Art, the Adelaide Festival City Centre, and the Adelaide Zoo.
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9. Adelaide is Sports Mad City
Even by Aussie standards, the people of Adelaide are mad about sports. From Aussie Rules Footy to cricket, pro-tour cycling, basketball, soccer and horse racing.
Did I mention all that sunshine? Adelaide also has some of the loveliest beaches where you can enjoy surfing.
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10. Thriving Food and Bar Culture
Adelaide’s food and drink scene is one of the best in Australia. Be adventurous and hunt for Adelaide’s hippest hidden laneway and rooftop bars.
Head to busy Rundle Mall Street and explore the international cuisine along Grote and Gouger Street.
Discover Adelaide’s West End (named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Australia by Lonely Planet) or enjoy a meal with a view over the ocean in Glenelg.
Your new campus might even be home to some iconic Adelaide eateries. The Flinders Taven at Bedford Park is run by the team behind Burger Theory.
It’s one of Adelaide’s first modern food trucks (and the start of the city’s food truck revolution).
Some other absolute must-visits for foodies include the Adelaide Central Market, Plant 4 Bowden and any of the state’s famed wine regions.
If you are a student, you must visit one of the city’s many 24-hour bakeries for a late-night study session with friends over milkshakes and doughnuts.
We recommend Café de Vili’s or the Bakery on O’Connell.
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11. Lots of Outdoor Activities
Hiking, cycling, a boat cruise on the river, there’s plenty to enjoy outdoors.
Famous Australian wine regions are just a short drive from Adelaide city, and Kangaroo Island is a hop on a boat away.
Eyeballing emus, kangaroos, parrots, and even breaching whales will be on your tick list if you enjoy nature.
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12. 2500 Hours of Glorious Sunshine
The South Australian climate is semi-Mediterranean, with warm summers and cool, snowless winters.
Temperatures in Adelaide average 25-35°C in Summer and 10-15°C in winter. How pleasant is that – you get loads of tan time and a bit of snuggle time!
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13. Big Opportunities for Internships and Employment
There’s ample opportunity to participate in internships and find part-time employment whilst studying in Adelaide.
After graduation, you can join one of Adelaide’s many major thriving industries.
These include food and wine, bioscience, health, agriculture, information and communications technology, defence, tourism and the arts.
Adelaide is also known as Australia’s ‘innovation capital’, with the state of South Australia gaining a reputation as a leader in industries.
Pros and Cons of living in Adelaide
Adelaide, a charming city in South Australia, offers a unique living experience. It’s where a big city’s hustle meets a small town’s tranquillity.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of calling Adelaide home:
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✅ Pros of Living in Adelaide
- Cheaper Areas Not Too Far from the City: Despite being a city with over a million inhabitants, living in the eastern suburbs or on the coast near Adelaide is often more affordable than living in inland areas.
- Heaps of Eateries: Adelaide boasts a wide variety of restaurants, food trucks, and eateries catering to all tastes.
- Good Work-Life Balance: Known for its laid-back environment, working in Adelaide allows a good balance between professional and personal life.
- Many Options for Road Trips: The city offers beautiful landscapes and scenery, making road trips a delightful experience.
- Good Public Transport System: Adelaide has an efficient public transport system, including trams, buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel around the city.
- Activities for Every Personality Type: From outdoor sports like hiking and surfing to cultural activities and food and wine tasting, there’s something for everyone.
- Great Selection of Local Beers, Ciders, and Wines: The region is surrounded by vineyards, offering ample opportunities for wine tasting and enjoying local beverages.
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🛑 Cons of Living in Adelaide
- Accommodation is Expensive: While cheaper than larger Australian cities, accommodation in Adelaide still forms a significant part of living expenses.
- Pricey Meals: Eating out in Adelaide, whether in restaurants or food courts, can be expensive.
- Tricky to Find a First Position in Employment: New expats may need help to secure their first job in Adelaide, as local employers often prefer candidates with local experience.
- Domestic Flights are Pricey: Traveling interstate from Adelaide can be expensive, with costs sometimes higher than international flights to nearby countries.
- Frequency of Public Transport: While public transport is available, the frequency can be low, especially for those suburbs far from the city centre, leading to wait times and potentially complicated connections longer.
Final Thoughts of Living in Adelaide
Adelaide, a city where tranquillity and vibrancy coexist, offers a unique living experience that combines the comfort of a smaller city with the perks of urban life.
Its affordability compares favourably with other major Australian cities. It is an attractive destination for those seeking a high-quality yet cost-effective lifestyle.
The city’s commitment to the cultural richness, evident in its numerous festivals, thriving arts scene, and diverse culinary landscape, adds charm and appeal.
However, Adelaide has challenges like any city, such as the competitive job market and accommodation costs.
Despite these, the city’s advantages, including its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community, make it a compelling choice for many.
Whether moving for work, study, or simply seeking a change of scenery, Adelaide provides various opportunities and experiences that appeal to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
