I moved to regional Australia because I thought it would be easier than living in a big city... but here's why it's not working out

Daily Mail​

08-06-2025

A young woman struggling with the cost-of-living crisis has revealed how moving to the country for a cheaper lifestyle has backfired as there are no jobs available.
Larissa, 28, said her conception of a hardworking but comfortable life had been shattered by the current economic conditions.
She said in a TikTok video life was tough for those in their 20s and 30s and she often wondered 'what is the point?'
She said many young Australians had been sold the idea they could go to university, get a degree and get a good job before being set for life.
'And that job is meant to pay for a house and maybe a holiday once a year, and maybe you'd have some kids,' she said.
'And that's like not happening now and you're kind of just like, what's the actual point of anything?'
Larissa said she thought, by her age, she might have 'a three-bedroom house' and be 'thinking about kids and maybe be successful' in her career.
The disgruntled Aussie was interrupted by a sound in the background of the video, saying it came from her landlord's grandchildren because she lived in a 'tiny studio'.
'And no, I don't live in Melbourne or Sydney. I moved regional to try and save money and there's no jobs out here,' she clarified.
'Anyway, it's kind of just made me reassess my whole life. Like what am I doing? Should I just go travelling?
'I'm the type of person to plan everything but I'm just kind of feeling like f*** it. Do I just do what makes me happy?'
More than 3,000 social media users weighed in, many saying they felt similar impulses.
'We have a doctor and lawyer in the family and they can't afford houses in Sydney where they work,' one commiserated.
'(I'm) in my 30's, I'm the highest paid person in my extended family, minimal debt, in secure employment and it's miserable,' another said.
'I still cant buy a house – local or regional – so we're using money to travel and see the world.'
'That's exactly where we are at. We are miserable in Australia at the moment,' a third wrote.
'I'm 27 with a degree and living in a studio too, working full time and just spent my Sunday morning on Seek applying for weekend work,' one woman agreed.
'Median wage is $75,000 average rent is over $700 a week. The country is cooked,' another added, quoting Sydney unit rental averages.
Another added simply, 'Australia is broken'.
'It's a mince meat, cask wine future,' another joked.
Others, however, offered some harsher advice.
'I'm mid 40s. I felt like that in my 20s. It's called being in your 20s,' one wrote.
''Should I just go travelling?' There's your problem,' another said.
'If you are 28 and you don't have at least 80k in your bank account to use as a deposit and or a career that will enable you to get a loan of $650k then it's your fault you are where you are now at 28.'