City Profile
Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory
Australia · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Narrabundah is an established, inner-south suburb of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, known for its multicultural character and leafy residential streets. Originally developed in the post-WWII housing boom, the suburb has evolved into a vibrant community blending mid-century public housing origins with modern architectural infills. Its tree-lined avenues and proximity to major employment hubs in the Parliamentary Zone and Civic make it a highly desirable residential pocket for families and professionals alike.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a welcoming, inclusive, and highly liveable region, home to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Its economy is robust and knowledge-based, with major industries including public administration and safety, specialized services, healthcare and social assistance, renewable energy, innovation, space science, information technology, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, environmental sciences, and defense. Living in the ACT generally offers a high quality of life with a moderate cost of living compared to other major Australian cities, and residents enjoy a four-season climate with warm summers and cool winters. The territory boasts Australia's highest employment rate and average income, alongside easy access to national parks, ski fields, and coastal beaches.
How this 66/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 108.0 | 33.8 | 25% | 8.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $95,000 Income needed to live here: $62,000 Unemployment rate: 3.5% | 86.4 | 20% | 17.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.4% Job growth rate: 2.3% | 63.0 | 15% | 9.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 74 / 100 | 74.0 | 10% | 7.4 |
| Overall score | 66.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
Featured Events
Happening in Narrabundah
Featured and sponsored events in Narrabundah.
Local Directory
Businesses in Narrabundah
Featured local businesses in Narrabundah.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Narrabundah reflects the broader economic landscape of Canberra, which generally tracks slightly above the Australian national average due to high median incomes driven by government and public service employment. Housing costs, both for purchasing and renting, form the largest portion of household expenses, though everyday goods and services remain comparable to other capital city suburbs. Utility expenses and transportation costs are moderated by the territory's compact layout and well-maintained energy infrastructure.
Income
Salary Insights
As part of the Australian Capital Territory, Narrabundah's economy is closely tied to the public administration, defence, education, and professional services sectors centered around Canberra. While the suburb itself is primarily residential, its residents benefit from short commutes to major employers including federal government departments, the Australian National University, and local health services. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are widely embraced by the professional workforce residing in the area.
The average salary in Narrabundah is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $62,000 to live comfortably.
Employment
Top Industries
Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Transportation in Narrabundah is heavily car-oriented, though the suburb is serviced by ACTION bus routes connecting residents to major transport interchanges and the Canberra light rail network. Walkability is moderate within residential pockets and local shopping areas, while an extensive network of cycle paths encourages active commuting. Driving times to Civic, the parliamentary triangle, and Canberra Airport are exceptionally brief.
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Drawbacks
Head to Head
Compare Narrabundah
Community Q&A
Questions about Narrabundah
What people ask about living in and moving to Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Quotes
Get quotes from local pros in Narrabundah
Tell us what you need and we’ll pass it to companies that serve your area. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
Compare Narrabundah with any city
See how it stacks up on cost, income, and quality of life.
Start Comparing