Sydney is a city known for its high cost of living, but for those seeking affordable housing options, there are several suburbs where rent and property prices are much more budget-friendly. Let’s explore why people choose to live in some of the cheapest suburbs in Sydney and what are the most affordable suburbs, such as Mount Druitt, Fairfield, Bradbury, Blacktown, and others.
Why People Live in the Cheapest Suburbs in Sydney?
Living in the most affordable suburbs in Sydney offers several benefits, especially for students and budget-conscious individuals:
- Affordability: Rent and living costs are much lower, allowing you to save money while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.
- Quality of Life: These suburbs provide a quieter, more relaxed environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
- Close-Knit Communities: Affordable areas often foster strong community ties, making it easier to connect with neighbours and feel at home.
- Student-Friendly: Many students choose cheap places to rent in Sydney Australia because they’re close to schools and other students. This makes it easier to find a community and feel at home.
- Part-Time Job Opportunities: The suburbs offer less competitive, stress-free part-time job options that suit a student’s schedule.
- Access to Nature: Many suburbs are near parks and outdoor spaces, offering residents a chance to enjoy nature and a healthy lifestyle.
- More Space: Affordable areas often provide more spacious living arrangements, offering better value for money.
These factors make the cheapest areas to rent in Sydney an appealing choice for those seeking both savings and a quality of life.
Top 10 Cheapest Suburbs in Sydney [Ranked]
| Rank | Suburb | Median Weekly Rent (Units) | Median Weekly Rent (Houses) | Distance to Sydney CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cabramatta | $380 | $550 | 30km |
| 2 | Canley Vale | $380 | $610 | 30km |
| 3 | Bradburry | $400 | $565 | 54km |
| 4 | Fairfield | $400 | $620 | 30km |
| 5 | Minto | $430 | $578 | 50km |
| 6 | Mount Druitt | $445 | $550 | 43km |
| 7 | Macquarie Fields | $460 | $550 | 38km |
| 8 | Campbelltown | $480 | $530 | 53km |
| 9 | Liverpool | $480 | $560 | 31km |
| 10 | Blacktown | $520 | $570 | 34km |
1. Cabramatta
- Population: Approximately 21.8k
- Nearby Universities: Navitas Skilled Futures Cabramatta College, Australia ABC College Cabramatta
- Known For: Pailau Gateway, Cabra-Vale Park Memorial Bandstand
Cabramatta, just 30 kilometres southwest of Sydney’s CBD, is one of the cheap places to live Sydney. With houses averaging $550 per week and units renting for $380 weekly, it offers budget-friendly options for renters looking to live near the city. The suburb is home to a wide range of authentic Asian eateries, bustling markets, and diverse shops, offering residents easy access to unique dining and shopping experiences.
Rental yields for houses in Cabramatta are 2.94%, with property prices rising 14.68% over the past year. Despite its affordability, Cabramatta has seen solid growth, with house prices up 4.17% in the past quarter. The suburb also offers plenty of green space, with 16 parks covering 12.7% of its area, making it a well-rounded and cost-effective place to live.
2. Canley Vale
- Population: Approximately 10.3k
- Nearby Universities: University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University
- Known For: The Liverpool Plaza, Canley Vale Road
Canley Vale is among the cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent, with units renting for a median of $380 per week and houses at $610 per week. These competitive rental prices make it an appealing option for those seeking budget-friendly living in one of the cheap areas to live in Sydney. The suburb is well-served by public transport, including regular train services to the CBD, further adding to its convenience.
The area also offers strong investment potential, with a gross rental yield of 4.98%. The median unit price has increased by 17.4% over the past five years, demonstrating solid growth and continued demand in this affordable suburb.
3. Bradbury
- Population: Approximately 9.4k
- Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University, Macquarie University
- Known For: Its streets feature names of native Australian trees, adding to its natural charm.
Bradbury, located 54 kilometres southwest of Sydney CBD, is a standout area for those seeking cheapest suburbs in Sydney to rent. With units typically renting for $400 per week and houses averaging $565 per week, it offers a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced suburbs. The suburb’s housing mix caters to a wide range of renters, from individuals to families, with both older homes and newer properties available.
Beyond its affordable rent, Bradbury is well-served by key amenities, including Bradbury Public School, local parks like Bradbury Park, and the nearby Macarthur Square shopping centre, offering everything from retail stores to dining options, making it a practical choice for everyday living. Its peaceful streets, named after native Australian trees like Stingybark and Jacaranda, further enhance its appeal.
4. Fairfield
- Population: Approximately 18.1k
- Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University, University of Sydney
- Known For: Wat Khemarangsaram, Fairfield City Museum
Fairfield, situated 30 kilometres southwest of the CBD, stands out as one of the Sydney’s most affordable suburbs, making it a practical choice for renters. With rental prices starting at $400 per week for flats and averaging $620 per week for houses, it provides excellent value in a market known for high costs. The suburb features diverse housing options, catering to singles, families, and professionals alike.
In addition to its affordability, Fairfield offers strong rental yields, making it appealing to both renters and property investors. Houses in Fairfield yield around 2.9%, while units offer a competitive 5.0%, reflecting the suburb’s balance of low property prices and steady rental demand. This combination of affordable living costs and attractive investment returns further solidifies Fairfield’s reputation as one of Sydney’s most budget-friendly suburbs.
5. Minto
- Population: Approximately 14k
- Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University, Institute of Business and Management Australia
- Known For: Fastlane Karting Sydney, Shri Shiva Mandir
Minto is one of the most affordable suburbs in Sydney for renters, located 50 kilometres southwest of the CBD. With units averaging $430 per week and houses at $578 weekly, Minto offers significant savings compared to other areas in Sydney. The suburb caters to various household sizes, with options ranging from townhouses to detached homes, making it an ideal choice for families.
Strong rental demand in Minto is reflected in its low vacancy rate of just 0.4%. With a median house price of $860,000 and homes selling quickly, the suburb remains highly desirable. Minto’s appeal is further enhanced by its direct access to the Minto railway station, which offers frequent services to Sydney’s CBD, as well as nearby bus routes. Additionally, residents benefit from proximity to Minto Mall, local schools, and expansive parks, making it a well-connected and convenient choice for renters.
6. Mount Druitt
- Population: Approximately 13.6k
- Nearby Universities: Mt Druitt College of TAFE, Western Sydney Institute
- Known For: The Great Western Highway, the Manse
Mount Druitt, located just 43 kilometres from Sydney’s central business district, is one of the most affordable suburbs in Greater Western Sydney, making it a popular choice for renters. With a variety of housing options, including units, townhouses, and houses, rental prices are budget-friendly. Units typically rent for a median of $445 per week, while spacious houses have a median rent of $550 per week.
Despite its affordability, Mount Druitt offers excellent connectivity with the Mount Druitt railway station, essential amenities such as schools, shopping centres, and medical facilities. Its combination of affordability and convenience makes it an ideal option for those seeking a cost-effective rental in Sydney, making it one of the cheap places to live in Sydney Australia.
7. Macquarie Fields
- Population: Approximately 15.9k
- Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University – Liverpool Campus, University of Wollongong – Liverpool Campus
- Known For: Macquarie Field House, Ingleburn Reserve
Macquarie Fields is another one of the cheapest suburbs to rent in Sydney, offering affordable rental options. Houses have a median rent of $550 per week, while units are even more affordable at $460 per week. House rents have seen a 5.65% increase over the past year, and units have grown by 11.80%, reflecting the suburb’s rental growth potential. Rental yields in Macquarie Fields are competitive, with houses yielding 3.62% and units at 4.42%.
The suburb is also family-oriented, featuring 38 parks that cover nearly 27.7% of the area, providing ample green space for outdoor activities. With easy access to schools and sports fields, Macquarie Fields is highly appealing to families. Its population grew by 4.1% from 2011 to 2016, and with its affordable rents and strong growth prospects, Macquarie Fields continues to attract both renters and investors seeking value in a well-connected, community-focused area.
8. Campbelltown
- Population: Approximately 186k
- Nearby Universities: Western Sydney University – Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University – Liverpool Campus
- Known For: Dharawal National Park, Glenalvon House
Campbelltown, situated 53 kilometres southwest of Sydney’s CBD, is a highly affordable suburb for renters. With a median rent of $530 per week for houses and $480 per week for units, it offers great value compared to many other parts of the city. Over the past year, house rents have increased by 5.91%, while unit rents have seen a slight decrease of 1.54%. The suburb also offers solid rental yields, with houses providing 3.60% and units 5.10%. Additionally, Campbelltown experienced a strong population growth of 20.8% between 2011 and 2016.
The suburb boasts excellent amenities, including 29 parks that cover 11% of the area, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Campbelltown also has a number of schools and easy access to Campbelltown Station, offering regular train services to the city. With its ample green spaces, schools, and convenient transport links, Campbelltown is an attractive and practical choice for both renters and investors.
9. Liverpool
- Population: Approximately 21.3k
- Nearby Universities: University of Wollongong, Al Amanah College
- Known For: The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool Cathedral
Located around 31 kilometres southwest of Sydney’s CBD, Liverpool stands out for offering some of the cheapest apartments in Sydney. Apartments in the area rent for a median of $480 per week, while houses start at $560 per week. The suburb is particularly accessible, with multiple train stations, including Liverpool Station, offering regular services to the CBD in under 1 hour. Several bus routes also run through the area, making commuting to surrounding suburbs and key destinations easy.
The median property price for a house in Liverpool is approximately $1,040,000, and for units, it’s about $490,000. For property investors, Liverpool offers strong rental yields, with houses providing around 3.1% and units yielding 5.7%. The combination of relatively low housing costs, solid rental returns, and proximity to essential amenities and transport makes Liverpool a highly desirable location for those seeking affordable living or looking to invest in the Sydney property market.
10. Blacktown
- Population: Approximately 39k
- Nearby Universities: Macquarie University, Western Sydney University
- Known For: Blacktown Showground Precinct, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Blacktown offers one of the most affordable Sydney suburbs rent with houses averaging $570 per week and units at $520 per week. This makes it an attractive choice for renters seeking value and convenience, as it’s well-serviced by Sydney Trains with easy access to the CBD.
Rental yields for houses in Blacktown are currently 3.27%, with houses experiencing 11.75% growth over the past year. This makes Blacktown a solid option for investors while still remaining accessible for renters. The suburb continues to grow, with strong demand reflected in the 508 house sales in the past 12 months.
How to Find the Cheapest Suburbs in Sydney
Finding the cheapest suburb in Sydney to rent requires research and patience. Here are a few tips to help you find your perfect place:
1. Know Your Budget
Before looking for a nice suburb to rent, know how much you’re willing to spend each week on rent. This helps you narrow down your search to areas where the rent is within your budget range.
2. Consider the Commute
While some suburbs are cheaper than others, you need to consider the transport options and the time it will take you to commute to work or university. Some of the more affordable suburbs may be further out from the city centre, which could increase transport costs and travel time.
3. Look for Emerging Areas
Some suburbs may not be popular now, but they could grow quickly in terms of amenities, infrastructure, and transportation. Identifying these up-and-coming areas is important, as they may offer lower rental rates in the near future.
4. Use Online Tools
Rental Websites like uhomes.com can help you compare weekly rental prices across different suburbs or neighbourhoods, helping you find the best deals on housing options in Sydney.
Conclusion
To sum up, while Sydney is one of the most expensive cities, it’s still possible to find affordable options in some of the cheapest suburbs in Sydney. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or looking for a family home, areas like Mount Druitt, Blacktown, and Liverpool offer excellent value for money. Just keep in mind the property’s size and how far it is from the city centre. Additionally, consider your budget, transport options, and nearby amenities. With a bit of planning, you can find a place that suits your needs without going over budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While choosing cheap suburbs in Sydney to rent or buy a home, you’d better consider the following aspects:
- Proximity to work or university: Ensure the commute is manageable.
- Transport options: Look for areas with good public transport links.
- Local amenities: Check for schools, parks, shops, and healthcare facilities.
- Lifestyle preferences: Choose a suburb that suits your needs, whether it’s a peaceful area or a vibrant community.
Suburbs like Liverpool, Fairfield, and Blacktown strike a balance between affordable rents and access to amenities such as schools, shopping centres, and public transport.
Blacktown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, and Penrith are considered the most affordable suburbs in Sydney for families. Rental costs and house prices are normally lower than in other areas. And the public amenities and transportation are pretty convenient for family members.
In general, apartments tend to be cheaper than houses in the same area. For example:
- 1-bedroom apartments in Mount Druitt can be as low as $208 to $350 per week.
- Houses, especially larger ones with multiple bedrooms, tend to have higher rents.
