Young workers ditch Sydney as they embrace ‘financial gap year’ to beat city’s sky-high living costs

As rent, groceries and bills spiral higher in major cities, more young adults are opting for what’s being called a “financial gap year”.

They’re stepping away from the urban lifestyle of Australia’s most expensive city Sydney to reset their finances, reduce expenses and rethink priorities.

At 31, Tim Abbott was doing everything right.

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He had a steady job in Sydney’s digital marketing industry, a buzzing social life and access to all the conveniences of city living.

But like many young Australians, he was getting nowhere financially.

“I was earning decent money,” Tim said on TikTok.

“But at the end of every month, I had nothing left. Rent, tolls, food, and commuting just drained it all.”

The frustration pushed the Sydneysider to make a bold move: Abbott ditched the city and relocated to outback Queensland for what a financial gap year.

And he said it’s the best decision he’s ever made.

“I‘ve only been here for a short while but I’m already able to make significant and meaningful savings because I’m not paying $40,000 a year to live in a sharehouse in Sydney.”

Abbott now lives hundreds of kilometres away from Brisbane in a remote part of Queensland, working on a farm.

It’s a far cry from city offices and Wi-Fi-equipped cafes.

His days start at 5:30am and involves logging trees and other outdoor labour.

But he’s not complaining. His weekly rent has dropped from $600 in Sydney to nearly nothing, as he’s living in a caravan.

“I’m having a lot of fun so far and I’ve come here with absolutely zero experience,” he said.

Groceries are simpler, fuel lasts longer and there are no tolls roads or tempting expensive takeaway restaurants in sight.

“Every month I’m saving more than I ever could in the city,” he said.

“It’s easily 75 per cent cheaper. I’m aiming to put away $100,000 in a year.”

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Abbott’s story isn’t unique.

Across TikTok and social media, thousands of young Aussies are sharing how they’ve stepped away from traditional career paths to take time off from high-cost cities to reduce expenses to build savings.

Regional Australia is a strong draw for city dwellers, with 26 per cent more people relocating from capital cities to regional areas than vice versa, according to the June Quarter Regional Mover Index (RMI).

“Regional Australia is no longer a second choice – it’s the smart choice. From career opportunities to community connection, the regions are delivering,” said Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).

How to take a financial gap year

If you’re thinking about leaving Sydney to earn money in a regional area for 12 months, here are four important steps to take.

Crunch the numbers: Figure out your total monthly costs in the city and compare that to a remote or regional setup. Factor in rent, transport, groceries, and healthcare.

Have a savings goal: Whether it’s $20k or $100k, having a target helps you stay motivated.

Be realistic: Remote work may be physically demanding or offer less flexibility. You may be far from support systems, entertainment, or healthcare.

Plan your return: Whether it’s six months or a year, consider what comes next — job prospects, housing, and how the gap affects your long-term career path.

Abbott said after two month in the outback, he didn’t regret his move.

“I think 40 year old Tim is going to thank 30 year old Tim for taking the time to do this,” Abbott said.