Settling in Adelaide is a distinctive choice, as the entire state of South Australia, including Adelaide, is a designated area for the 491 visa. Adelaide has the lowest cost of living among Australia’s mainland capital cities. This article analyses the city for skilled migrants.
Settling in Adelaide: the job market and employment
Adelaide’s job market is tied to healthcare, education (University of Adelaide, UniSA), defence (naval shipbuilding at Osborne Naval Shipyard), space (headquarters of the Australian Space Agency), wine production and agriculture.
Skilled workers in healthcare, education, defence engineering, space technology, agriculture or manufacturing have opportunities. Adelaide is growing its high-tech and space industries, creating many new highly skilled jobs.
Life and cost of living in Adelaide
Adelaide has the lowest cost of living and rent among mainland Australian capital cities (Hobart, Tasmania is lower but is not on the mainland). This is a major advantage for new migrants. The city is known for the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills wine regions.
It has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild winters. With a moderate population of about 1.4 million, it offers full urban amenities but a more relaxed pace than the larger eastern cities.
The Vietnamese community and visa notes
Adelaide has a significant Vietnamese community, concentrated in Athol Park and the northern suburbs. The community has markets, restaurants and services catering to Vietnamese residents.
Notably: Adelaide is the only major city on mainland Australia recognised as a designated area for the 491 visa. People living in Adelaide still earn 15 points under this visa – a major advantage over Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Skilled migration to Adelaide still follows the federal system via 189/190/491/482/186; you should check current requirements.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Adelaide is the capital of SA with about 1.4 million people, with jobs in healthcare, education (Adelaide, UniSA), defence (Osborne Naval Shipyard), space (Australian Space Agency), wine and agriculture. It has the lowest cost of living among mainland Australian capitals. Mediterranean climate. Significant Vietnamese community (Athol Park). NOTABLY: the only major city on mainland Australia that is a designated area for the 491 (15 bonus points).
