Palmers Guide: Moving to Canberra

Thinking about Canberra?

If you’re looking for a change of pace without leaving Australia, Canberra might just be the perfect spot. Our capital city is only about a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney, which means you can enjoy a slightly slower lifestyle, lower living costs, and more green space — all without being too far from family and friends.

Why People Move to Canberra

Canberra is a garden city through and through. It’s well planned, full of parks, lakes, and leafy streets, and surrounded by hills and nature reserves. It’s quieter than the big coastal cities, but don’t think there’s nothing to do — there’s culture, food, and festivals everywhere.

Some highlights:

Affordable living: Rent is around 35% cheaper than Sydney, and everyday costs are roughly 11% lower. Yet local purchasing power is 19% higher, so your money goes further.
Convenience: Everything is fairly close together, so even a weekend adventure or a grocery run won’t eat up half your day.
Culture and lifestyle: Museums, theatres, live music, festivals, and national landmarks — Canberra has it all.

Canberra’s Climate

Canberra has four distinct seasons, and you’ll feel them all:

Summer: Warm and dry, 12–27°C, perfect for lake-side picnics.
Winter: Cold and crisp, 1–12°C, sometimes frosty — great for cozying up indoors.
Spring: November is the wettest month, but blooms everywhere make it worth it.

Tip: Keep sunscreen handy in summer — Canberra is sunny, even outside the beach cities!

Getting Around

Driving is the main way to get around Canberra. Thanks to its compact design, you can go from one side of the city to the other in under 30 minutes on most days. Public transport exists — buses, and a light rail connecting the northern suburbs to the city — but most locals rely on their car.

Cycling is also popular, with plenty of dedicated bike paths, so it’s easy to ditch the car for short trips.

Where to Live

Canberra is known for relatively even suburb pricing. There are no “super expensive” and “super cheap” extremes like Sydney or Melbourne. Some popular suburbs to check out include:

Braddon and Griffith: Central, trendy, and full of cafes and shops.
Tuggeranong and Gungahlin: More space for your dollar, perfect for families.

Tip: Spend some time exploring different suburbs before deciding — the vibe, commute, and amenities make a huge difference.

Culture & Lifestyle

Canberra is home to Australia’s most iconic institutions:

Parliament House
Australian War Memorial
National Museum of Australia
Lake Burley Griffin

The arts scene is strong, with Canberra Theatre, ANU School of Music, and local galleries. Festivals like Enlighten and the National Multicultural Festival ensure there’s always something to see or do.

Palmers Tips for a Smooth Move

Plan ahead: Peak moving seasons can get busy, so book early.
Vehicle prep: If you’re bringing your car, check registration, insurance, and parking permits.
Measure twice, move once: Doorways, lift access, and Canberra’s winter weather all affect your move.
Suburb scouting: Consider your commute, schools, and amenities before signing a lease or buying.
Keep us in the loop: Your Palmers Move Manager will make everything smoother if we know about pets, vehicles, or fragile items ahead of time.

Why Canberra Works

Affordable but vibrant lifestyle
Green, safe, and family-friendly
Culture, festivals, and attractions right at your doorstep

📞 If you are thinking about making Canberra your new home, Palmers Relocations can handle the heavy lifting — from logistics to paperwork — so you can start enjoying life in the capital without stress. Get a free moving plan today!