Increasingly, Australians are moving away from urban centres, opting for longer commutes in order to achieve home ownership. The average daily commute spans 48 minutes, yet many are facing journeys nearly four times that length as property prices soar. For instance, PR consultant Megan Burton, who resides on the Sunshine Coast, makes a daunting four-hour journey to her Brisbane job. Once enjoying a mere 15-minute bus ride, she now endures a “brutal” commute to afford a home, as buying in Brisbane proved challenging for first-home buyers.
Similarly, Dr Aleisha Davis, who relocated with her family from Sydney to Bowral, now drives approximately 96 kilometres to her workplace in Newtown. She reflects on escaping the relentless rush of city life, finding her long commute preferable to the chaos she previously endured.
Adelaide journalist Bevan Jones also faces a three-hour round trip from Morphettville to Murray Bridge, explaining that he prefers to drive as public transport options would require multiple connections. These long-distance commutes highlight a growing trend among millennials and other Australians seeking affordability and lifestyle changes. The 2025 McGrath Report anticipates that more individuals will continue to migrate to coastal areas, seeking a better balance between work and personal life.