Broome, Australia

Broome sits on the far northwest coast of Australia, a small town of 15 thousand people at just 19 m above sea level, set to the clock of Australia/Darwin and wrapped in an arid climate that trades lush green for red dust, big skies, and dry heat. The nearest airport is EDD, 34 km away, which keeps the town connected without letting it feel crowded. Expats who settle here tend to cluster in Cable Beach and Djugun, two neighborhoods that balance beach access with the practical rhythms of daily life. The expat community is small, so newcomers often find their social circle through work, school, or the shared routines of a place where everyone eventually crosses paths.

Living costs in Broome run below the biggest Australian cities, with a cost of living index of 92/100 against New York City as 100. Rent tells the story clearly: a 1-bedroom in the city center goes for $1,497/mo, while the same outside the center drops to $1,195/mo. Three-bedroom units run $2,924/mo in the center and $2,855/mo outside it. Beyond rent, a single person can expect about $1,400/mo in monthly costs, and a family of four around $5,000/mo. Utilities add $209/mo, internet $49/mo, and a mobile phone plan $42/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $139/mo and a gym membership $160/mo. Eating out is moderate: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $21 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $139, and a cappuccino is $5. The average monthly net salary locally is $3,829/mo, which means budget-conscious singles can land near $1,442/mo in total costs, mid-range lifestyles around $2,317/mo, and comfortable ones near $2,890/mo. Average internet speed sits at 50 Mbps, enough for most remote work and streaming.

Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 70/100 and a crime index of 28/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is excellent at an index of 15, where lower is better, a benefit of the remote coastal setting and lack of heavy industry. Healthcare quality is rated Good, and English is widely spoken, which removes a common barrier for expats navigating appointments, paperwork, and everyday errands. The overall expat score is 61/100, with a digital nomad score of 61/100, a retiree score of 51/100, and a FIRE score of 45/100, numbers that suggest a place that works well for some lifestyles and demands patience from others.

For longer stays, the Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405) is the relevant retirement pathway, while remote workers can look to the Australia Digital Nomad Visa. Arrival is through EDD, 34 km from town. Broome suits people who want a small, quiet, sun-drenched base with good air, low crime, and a cost structure that rewards those who earn locally or bring remote income. It is less suited to anyone craving a large expat scene or big-city convenience, since the community is small and the nearest airport is a short drive rather than a walk. For the right person, the trade is straightforward: fewer distractions, lower pressure, and a daily life shaped by dry heat, open space, and a town that knows its own pace.