According to new research from global recruitment firm Robert Walters, more than half (54%) of Australian professionals are planning to relocate in search of better value, higher pay, or improved affordability.
The trend is already playing out in population data. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that Western Australia led the country in population growth in 2024, rising by 2.8%. Victoria followed at 2.4%, Queensland at 2.3%, and New South Wales at just 1.7%.
Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters Australia & New Zealand, said financial pressures were now driving a major shift in internal migration patterns.
“The decision of where to live is no longer just a matter of preference; it has become a strategic decision driven by financial pressures,” Mr Peters said.
“Choosing a place where one can earn a competitive income without spending most of it on daily living expenses will be a pivotal factor in these moves.”
Perth and Brisbane are emerging as key destinations.
“Cities like Perth and Brisbane are increasingly seen as smart lifestyle choices,” he said.
“They offer more affordable housing, less congestion, and better work-life balance, without the crushing costs of Sydney or Melbourne.”
Wages not keeping pace
The research, based on a survey of more than 2,000 Australians, found that 70% of professionals are either already working a second job or are actively considering one to cope with rising costs.
Meanwhile, 90% expressed concern that their current salary will not be enough to meet expenses this year.
While ABS data shows that wages rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to early 2025, this growth has not kept up with the cost of everyday essentials.
The Consumer Price Index rose by 2.4% to February 2025, with sharper increases seen across groceries, housing, utilities and fuel.
In real terms, someone earning $80,000 and receiving a 3.2% raise, worth $2,560, may still be around $3,000 worse off once cost increases are factored in.
“We’ve reached a point where workers on $80,000 a year who receive a 3.2% raise… are still likely to be about $3,000 worse off overall due to rising costs,” said Mr Peters.
“That’s money disappearing from people’s pockets.”
The number of Australians working multiple jobs has reached a record high, with over one million holding more than one position — 6.7% of the workforce — according to ABS figures from the December 2024 quarter.
Among people aged 20 to 24, the rate jumps to 9.0%.
]“As cost-of-living pressures rise, we’re seeing more professionals explore second jobs, side gigs, or even interstate relocation in pursuit of financial stability,” Mr Peters said.
“While work-life balance was once a priority, today it’s clear that salary has retaken centre stage. People simply can’t afford to stay in roles that don’t pay enough to keep up with their lives.”
Salaries high, satisfaction low
Even in states with relatively high average incomes, dissatisfaction is widespread. In New South Wales, 90% of workers said their pay doesn’t match the cost of living — the highest dissatisfaction rate in the country.
Victoria followed at 84%, Queensland at 83%, and Western Australia at 80%.
When asked whether their pay had kept up with inflation, only 16% of respondents in NSW said yes.
That figure rose to 20% in Victoria, 21% in Queensland, and 27% in WA — the highest in the country, reflecting lower living costs in the west.
Cost-of-living relief featured heavily in the recent federal election, with the re-elected government promising a range of measures — including targeted energy rebates, expanded rental assistance, and stronger wage-setting mechanisms.
However, Mr Peters warned that while policy reforms are welcome, action is needed now at the employer level.
“These election promises are a step in the right direction, but the gap between political commitments and the everyday realities of working Australians is still wide,” he said.
“Employers need to act now, not wait for government intervention, to retain their workforce.”
“This is a warning bell for businesses,” Mr Peters added. “If salaries don’t reflect the realities of today’s economy, companies will lose skilled talent — either to better-paying roles, second jobs, or to other states.”
