Canberra is the capital city of Australia and the heart of Australian politics. Construction began on this purpose-built capital in 1913, with almost half a million people now calling this spacious city home. Located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra is renowned for its expansive parks and gardens, as well as its historic buildings, including Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the High Court of Australia, and the National Gallery of Australia. Canberra offers a range of accommodation types to cater to its diverse population, suitable for all budgets. So, read on if you're considering a move to the Australian capital.
You only need to spend a few hours in the 'Bush Capital' to notice its very well-planned design, with wide roads and bike paths, making it easy to navigate. Twenty-five percent of this inclusive and welcoming city's population was born overseas, and approximately are enrolled at its two high-caliber universities: the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra (UC).
The rental market in Canberra
Canberra boasts the highest median weekly income in Australia, and it's the for those on a median wage. However, finding a suitable rental can pose a real challenge for lower-income earners. Canberra has a large public service workforce, and at the start of the year, new positions and contracts commence, which brings an increase in new residents and demand for rental properties. This time of year also sees an influx of university students preparing for the start of the school year.
Rental prices vary significantly across Canberra, depending on factors such as location and property size. In April 2025, data revealed that at AUD 721 (USD 467) per week. If you're looking to keep costs down, consider sharing a flat or house with friends or fellow students or finding a room within a house or apartment, as this can be less expensive per week. Renting a room is a great way to meet new people, and it's an excellent option for those who don't wish to be tied into a long-term rental contract. Popular websites for flat sharing in Canberra ¾±²Ô³¦±ô³Ü»å±ðÌý, , and .
Short-term rental options in Canberra
What to do if you're looking for short-term accommodation in Canberra while you wait for your ideal house to become available? One option is to approach Airbnb hosts to see if they are willing to be flexible with the lease duration. Some Airbnb hosts offer month-long rentals, which are longer than the usual short-term stays. But even if they don't advertise these on their listings, you can always approach them to see if they will negotiate. This will simplify the logistics of multiple short-term rentals — for you and the host!
Student accommodation in Canberra
As mentioned above, Canberra is home to two prestigious universities, the and the , making it an excellent place to study. If you are coming to Canberra as an international student, the universities offer on-campus accommodation ranging from dorm rooms to self-contained apartments. They also work with accommodation providers such as , which operates multiple student properties throughout the city. Then there's always the option of sharing a flat or house with other students, which is a great way to save money, especially as rent in Canberra is known for being very high. Sharing allows students to split the costs of rent and utilities.
When it comes to location, international students are drawn to suburbs near the universities in Canberra as well as the city center ('Civic' to locals) for convenience, amenities and access to public transport. Acton and Belconnen are popular choices, and other desirable areas include Lyneham, Braddon, Kaleen, and Turner.
House-hunting in Canberra
Rental properties in Canberra can be in high demand due to the large number of residents employed by the government. So, to find housing in Canberra, you'll need to thoroughly research the market in advance and determine the type of accommodation you prefer and what your budget will allow. Most vacant properties are advertised online, so that's the best place to start, with Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý being the most popular websites to search.
Good to know:
As in all Australian cities, rent prices in Canberra are advertised at weekly rates rather than monthly, which can differ from other countries around the world.
Renting accommodation in Canberra
Rent is generally paid fortnightly or monthly to the landlord or real estate agent using bank transfer or direct deposit. When signing a contract or lease to rent a property, you will also need to pay one month's rent as a security deposit, as well as two or four weeks' rent upfront. The most common leases are for six months or one year, and you can sometimes negotiate on the duration.
Rental properties can either be furnished or unfurnished. Houses and flats may or may not come with appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators. Be sure to double-check what is included with the property before signing a contract. Canberra can get very cold in the winter months and very hot in the summer, so the weather may impact your heating and electricity bills.
they use, including water, gas, electricity, and internet/cable costs. Additionally, be aware that if damage is caused to the property, you may be required to forfeit your security deposit. Therefore, it is essential to contact your landlord or real estate agent immediately if any issues arise.
Good to know:
, and landlords are not allowed to refuse pets altogether unless they have approval from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Canberra's neighborhoods
Canberra is roughly divided into north and south by the large man-made lake called Lake Burley Griffin. On either side of the lake, the city is divided into districts, and inside these districts, you'll find suburbs. Some of the most well-known Canberra suburbs and their are:
North Canberra
City centre – apartment: AUD 630 (USD 408)
Braddon – house: AUD 750 (USD 486), apartment: AUD 590 (USD 382)
Ainslie – house: AUD 770 (USD 499), apartment: AUD 667 (USD 432)
Dickson – house: AUD 697 (USD 452), apartment: AUD 610 (USD 395)
Belconnen – house: AUD 550 (USD 356), apartment: AUD 550 (USD 356)
Gungahlin – house: AUD 695 (USD 450), apartment: AUD 520 (USD 337)
South Canberra
Barton – apartment: AUD 595 (USD 386)
Forrest – house: AUD 1,280 (USD 830), apartment: AUD 650 (USD 421)
Kingston – house: AUD 1,050 (USD 680.50), apartment: AUD 625 (USD 406)
Griffith – house: AUD 1,150 (USD 745), apartment: AUD 595 (USD 386)
Narrabundah – house: AUD 730 (USD 473), apartment: AUD 590 (USD 382)
And here's a summary of some of Canberra's most popular suburbs:
Braddon
Located in the inner north, Braddon is known as Canberra's hipster hangout. Canberra's most densely populated suburb has a large transient population and is home to some of Canberra's best bars, restaurants, and cafes, which are centered along Lonsdale Street.
Kingston
Kingston is a popular choice for families and young professionals. This affluent suburb is known for its waterfront dining, tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and historic charm.
Belconnen
Affectionately known as 'Belco,' this lively suburb in the north is popular with families. It's known for its shopping centers, parks and recreational facilities in a naturally beautiful setting.
Gungahlin
'Gunners' is a rapidly growing, multicultural neighborhood that's known for its modern apartments, parks, and recreational facilities and boasts a thriving dining and entertainment scene.
Dickson
This small inner-north suburb is popular with students and creatives and is known for its multicultural restaurants, cafes, and bars. It's also home to Canberra's Chinatown.
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