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Cost of living squeeze drives Melbournians to seek a country change - and the Riverina is braced

  • .
  • Sep 26
  • 2 min read

Soaring mortgages, rental stress and rising living costs are forcing many Melbourne families and professionals to consider a life beyond the city — and the Riverina is pitching itself as the perfect place to start fresh.

New figures show capital city residents moving to regional Australia outnumbered those heading in the opposite direction by 26 per cent.

The Regional Movers Index (June Quarter 2025) — developed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), reveals migration from capitals to the regions made up 11.2% of all internal migration for the quarter, compared to just 8.9% from regions back into the cities.


A couple embraces, overlooking a vast, lush landscape from a rocky hill. The sky is overcast, adding a serene mood to the scene.

Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina, said the data mirrors what communities in southern NSW are seeing on the ground.

“This is part of a national shift. People are realising they don’t have to put up with sky-high rents and endless commutes when regions like the Riverina can offer both opportunity and lifestyle,” Ms Whiting said.


Three people at a health booth talk and smile. Bright scarves and casual attire. A banner with images and text in background. Warm atmosphere.

“Here, you can buy a home without the crippling mortgage, walk to work in minutes instead of commuting for hours, and raise your family in a safe, connected community.”

Robert Busico, Senior Catering Officer, Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre has long known the benefits of a Riverina tree change.

“I moved to the Riverina 15 years ago for a catering job, and I’ve never looked back. Life’s simpler out here—less stress, no traffic, everything’s close by and affordable. Melbourne had its pace, but this place gave me peace,” he said.


People gather around a table with brochures and eco-friendly items in a bright room. One person writes, others read and discuss materials.

The push comes ahead of the 2025 Country Change Expos in Wagga Wagga (13 September) and Griffith (25 October), where visitors can meet local councils, employers, education providers, and real families who’ve already made the move. Guided town tours will also give attendees the chance to see first-hand what life in the Riverina looks like.

According to a survey released by the RAI earlier this year, more than 50% of Millennials and over 40% of Gen Z are actively considering a move to the regions.

With major infrastructure projects underway and growing demand across healthcare, construction, IT and aged care, the Riverina is hungry for new talent.


“These expos are the perfect opportunity to come and have life-changing conversations. It’s not just about jobs — it’s about building a future,” Ms Whiting said. “For anyone ready to make the leap, the Riverina has the lifestyle, the industries and the opportunities to thrive. And with lower operating costs, it’s the perfect place to start or grow a business.”


Bunting flags with "Country Change" text hang under a white tent on a sunny day, with people and trees blurred in the background.

EVENT DETAILS

Griffith Country Change Expo – Saturday 25 October

Free entry, with town tours available.


An Australian Government Initiative - Regional Australia.

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