Data updated Oct 9, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 73)
Busselton sits on the coast of Western Australia at just 15 m above sea level, in the Australia/Perth timezone, and enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and mild wet winters. The city is home to 27 thousand people, and its small expat community tends to settle in Abbey Waters, Geographe, and West Busselton, where coastal living meets everyday convenience. With an overall expat score of 73/100, a retiree score of 73/100, and a FIRE score of 73/100, it draws those seeking a quieter pace without losing access to essential services.
Monthly costs for a single adult run about $1,050/mo excluding rent, with utilities at $195/mo, internet at $63/mo, a mobile phone plan at $33/mo, and a gym membership at $24/mo. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,409/mo in the city centre and $1,406/mo outside the centre, while a 3-bedroom place costs $1,761/mo in the centre and $1,757/mo further out. Budget-tier living totals $1,369/mo including rent, mid-range reaches $2,104/mo, and a comfortable lifestyle comes to $2,329/mo. Everyday spending is modest: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $17 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $84, and a cappuccino is $4.
Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of just 15/100. Air quality is excellent at an index of 15, and healthcare quality is rated Good. English is widely spoken, which eases daily life for newcomers, and average internet speed of 45 Mbps supports remote work and streaming.
For longer stays, the Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405) is available for retirees, while the Australia Digital Nomad Visa suits remote workers; the digital nomad score is 69/100. The nearest airport is BQB, 7 km away, making arrivals and departures straightforward. Busselton fits budget-conscious singles, mid-range professionals, and comfortable lifestylers, as well as retirees and digital nomads who value safety, clean air, and a small, welcoming expat scene.
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Busselton at the budget tier comes to about $1,985 a month for one adult, with $1,406 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $165 on groceries, $70.00 on dining out, $53.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $291 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$1,406/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$165/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$70.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$53.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$291/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Busselton at the mid-range tier comes to about $2,203 a month for one adult, with $1,406 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $220 on groceries, $174 on dining out, $112 on entertainment and lifestyle and $291 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$1,406/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$220/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$174/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$112/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$291/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Busselton at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,546 a month for one adult, with $1,409 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $308 on groceries, $355 on dining out, $183 on entertainment and lifestyle and $291 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$1,409/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$308/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$355/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$183/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$291/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1408.6/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Busselton's cost of living compares with Kununurra
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Busselton is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a relaxed regional atmosphere. Property theft and petty theft occur occasionally, particularly in tourist areas near the jetty, but serious crime is rare. The main practical concerns are standard Australian issues: isolated location means limited emergency services response times, and drink-driving is culturally normalized in regional areas. For a 30-65 American, this is an excellent choice if you value quiet, low-crime living—just maintain normal precautions and avoid driving after drinking.
See how Busselton's healthcare compares with Kununurra
Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, moderated by the Indian Ocean.
A charming coastal town with relaxed atmosphere perfect for short workations.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Busselton Business Centre | Located in the heart of Busselton, this center offers a professional environment with various office solutions, including coworking. It's a good option for those seeking a traditional office setting with flexible terms and is close to amenities. |
| The Urban Hub | A community-focused coworking space in Busselton, The Urban Hub provides a collaborative environment for freelancers and small businesses. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and central location, making it easy to connect with other professionals. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Busselton long-term? Australia Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Busselton? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Busselton's digital nomad life compares with Kununurra
A coastal hub in Western Australia known for its iconic jetty and proximity to the Margaret River wine region. Popular for retirees and FIFO workers.
Areas of Busselton that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Bustling hub, beach access
The heart of Busselton, offering easy access to the iconic jetty, shops, restaurants, and the beach. A mix of families, retirees, and tourists frequent the area. Walkable and well-serviced by public transport, but can be noisy during peak season and events.
Residential, family-friendly, quieter
A primarily residential area west of the city center, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Popular with families and retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle. Requires a car for most errands, but close to Geographe Bay and some parks.
Modern, coastal, growing suburb
A newer suburb with modern housing and a growing community. Close to the beach and features parks and walking trails. While still developing, it offers a good balance of affordability and lifestyle, but a car is essential.
Coastal living, relaxed, established
An established coastal suburb known for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the beach. Offers a mix of housing options, from older homes to newer developments. Good for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the coast, but requires a car for most amenities.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1409/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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