A lifestyle advantage that helps your business compete
The strong lifestyle appeal of regional Victoria is a key driver in attracting and retaining skilled talent, helping businesses secure a reliable, high-quality workforce.
Regional Victoria offers more than just a place to live. It delivers affordability, community and opportunity. With a compelling mix of attractive lifestyle and strong business fundamentals, it’s a key consideration for businesses and skilled professionals alike.
Whether you’re expanding your operations or looking for the perfect location to live and work a spot in regional Victoria could be the perfect solution.
Benefits of regional Victoria for businesses
- In the 12 months to September 2024, regional Victoria recorded a 30% increase in net population inflows,1 driven by internal and overseas migration.
- Regional migration programs and lifestyle incentives attract skilled workers seeking a balanced lifestyle.
- The regions offer lower cost of living and housing compared to Melbourne.2
- Significant funding for healthcare and infrastructure is improving liveability and connectivity. This attracts and retains a skilled workforce.
- Modern transport, digital connective and amenities support both business and lifestyle needs.
Affordable and attractive lifestyle
- Median house prices are considerably lower than in Melbourne, making home ownership more accessible.
- After adjusting for living and housing costs, regional incomes in Australia are higher than metropolitan incomes across many occupations.3
- Regional hubs offer strong primary, secondary and tertiary education options.
- Regional Victoria is home to 5 universities across 11 cities and towns, with specialisations in areas such as sustainable food systems, water management and a leading Australian hydrogen research laboratory.
- Modern hospitals and specialist services are supported by ongoing government investment.
- Retail, dining and cultural attractions are thriving in regional centres.
Growing communities
- In the 12 months to September 2024, regional Victoria recorded a 30% increase in net population inflows1 driven by internal and overseas migration.
- The regions are home to Australia’s oldest art galleries, renown wine growing areas and a thriving food culture.
- Cities like Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong are among the most liveable regional centres in Australia.
Health and wellbeing
- Access breathtaking natural environments, including coastal and bushland settings.
- The outdoor-oriented lifestyle is supported by walking trails, bike paths and open green spaces.
- Lower urban stress makes for better mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Businesses can attract talent from both Melbourne and regional areas, thanks to strong transport links.
Proximity to Melbourne and major ports
- Many of Victoria’s regional cities are within 2 hours of the Port of Melbourne, the Port of Hastings and key freight corridors.
- The rise of hybrid working makes commuting easy – live regionally and work in Melbourne a few times a week.
The business advantage
Combine these lifestyle advantages with a strong industry base, lower business costs, robust infrastructure and connectivity and innovation hubs, and regional Victoria becomes one of Australia’s most compelling investment destinations.
Our agricultural products are in demand around the world and our agribusinesses are renowned as clean and world-leading. Our deposits of critical minerals and rare earths are driving decarbonisation across the globe. We're the freight and logistics capital of Australia, with many of our export products coming from our regions. Regional Victoria is at the forefront of Australian manufacturing including advanced manufacturing and is home to cutting-edge medical research facilities and defence industry capabilities.
The Victorian Government has introduced 50% stamp duty discount for businesses and investors buying commercial and industrial property in regional Victoria.
The headline payroll tax rate for regional Victoria has been reduced to one quarter of the rate applied in Metropolitan Melbourne. At 1.2%, it's the lowest headline payroll tax rate in the nation.
Make the move today
Whether you’re a business seeking growth or an individual looking for a better lifestyle, regional Victoria offers the perfect balance of opportunity and quality of life.
We can help you understand how a regional Victoria location may benefit your business.
Sources
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. Accessed 3 July 2025. Population components by SA2 and above, 2021-22 to 2023-24, Regional Populations. Table 4
- Hedonic Home Value Index. Corelogic, March 3, 2025, p.4
- Beyond City Limits: Unveiling Income Premiums in Regional Australia. Regional Australia Institute, 3 March 2025
FAQs
Lifestyle is a key driver of talent attraction and retention. Affordable housing, shorter commutes and access to natural environments help businesses secure a stable, productive workforce and reduce turnover.
Yes. Regional Victoria recorded a 30% increase in net population inflows in the year to September 2024, driven by both domestic and international migration –reflecting strong demand for regional lifestyles.
Regional centres offer quality education, modern healthcare, vibrant cultural scenes and access to outdoor lifestyles –combined with significantly lower housing costs than Melbourne.
Yes. Most regional cities are within 2 hours of Melbourne and key freight infrastructure, enabling businesses to combine lifestyle benefits with strong connectivity and market access.
