Big city or small town for a working holiday

Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions for your working holiday. The place you pick as your base shapes everything: the jobs you can get, how you spend your money, your social life, and your overall experience. The choice between a major city and a smaller town or rural area is not just about scenery; it is a practical decision that affects your entire year abroad.

This guide compares the key aspects of living in a big city versus a small town to help you decide which environment is the right fit for your goals, budget, and personality.

Job opportunities and industries

The type and availability of work often depend on location. Cities and towns have different economic drivers, which creates different job markets for temporary workers.

Big city job markets

Large cities are major economic hubs with a wide variety of industries. You will find more opportunities in sectors like corporate administration, tech, finance, marketing, and large-scale retail. Hospitality jobs in cafes, bars, and hotels are abundant, though competition can be fierce. The sheer number of businesses means more potential employers.

If you are looking to gain experience in a specific professional field, a city is often your best option. However, you will be competing not only with other working holiday makers but also with local residents, students, and other migrants. A strong resume for jobs abroad and persistence are essential.

Small town and rural work

Smaller towns and rural areas have more specialized job markets, often centered on one or two key industries. These are frequently seasonal. Common examples include:

Tourism and hospitality: Jobs in ski resorts, national parks, or coastal holiday towns are popular. This could be work as a ski instructor, hotel staff, or a guide.
Agriculture: Fruit picking, farm work, and other harvest-related jobs are a classic part of many working holiday schemes. This work is physically demanding and its availability is tied to the seasons.
Local services: Small towns still need workers in local shops, cafes, and pubs, offering a chance to integrate into the community.

Some countries with working holiday programs encourage or require participants to work in regional areas for a period, sometimes as a condition for extending a visa. Always check the specific rules for your visa, as they can influence where you are able to work.

Cost of living and your budget

Your location is one of the biggest factors determining how quickly you spend your savings. The difference in costs between a capital city and a regional town can be significant.

The expense of city life

Major cities almost always have a higher cost of living. Accommodation will be your largest expense, with rent for a room in a shared apartment costing substantially more than in a smaller town. Daily expenses like public transportation, food, and entertainment also add up quickly. While wages might be higher in a city to reflect these costs, your net savings may not be. Careful banking and budgeting for your first weeks is critical to making your funds last.

Budgeting in a small town

In a small town, you will likely find lower rent and cheaper daily living costs. However, there are trade-offs. You may need a car to get around if public transport is limited, which is a major expense. The price of groceries and other goods can sometimes be higher due to transport costs to a more remote location. On the other hand, some seasonal jobs, particularly in agriculture or remote hospitality, include accommodation and sometimes meals. This type of arrangement can dramatically reduce your expenses and make it easier to save money.

Lifestyle and social connections

Consider the pace of life you want and how you prefer to socialize. The experience of making friends and integrating into a community differs greatly between urban and rural settings.

The pace of a big city

Cities offer endless variety. You have access to museums, theaters, concerts, diverse restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. There are always new people to meet from all over the world, including a large community of fellow travelers and expatriates. This can make it easy to find a social group quickly. However, the size and anonymity of a city can also feel isolating. It can be harder to form deep connections when everyone is busy or part of a transient population.

Community in a small town

Life in a small town is slower and more centered on the local community. It is easier to become a familiar face, get to know your coworkers and neighbors, and be invited to local events. This can lead to a more immersive cultural experience. Social life may be quieter, revolving around a few local pubs, community sports, or outdoor activities. For those who enjoy nature, small towns often provide easy access to hiking, beaches, or mountains. The potential downside is that if you do not connect with the community, a small town can feel isolating with fewer alternative social outlets.

Transport and getting around

How you move around affects your budget, your job search, and your ability to explore. Cities and towns present very different transportation challenges and opportunities.

Relying on public transport in cities

Most major cities have extensive public transportation systems, including trains, buses, trams, and subways. This makes it possible to live and work without owning a car, saving you a significant amount of money. You can usually access most parts of the city and surrounding suburbs with a transit pass. The downside is that you are tied to the system’s schedules and routes. Relying on public transport can also make it more difficult to take spontaneous trips out of the city to explore the wider country.

The need for a car in regional areas

Public transport in small towns and rural areas is often limited or nonexistent. To get to work, buy groceries, or explore the region, you may need a car. Buying, insuring, and maintaining a vehicle is a major financial commitment and involves significant paperwork. Some working holiday makers buy a car with friends or look for one being sold by other travelers who are leaving. If you plan to work in a remote area, research your transport options carefully before you commit. Some seasonal jobs that are hard to reach may offer staff shuttle buses.

How to make your choice

Your decision does not have to be permanent. Many people on a working holiday try both. You might start in a big city to get set up and then move to a smaller town for a seasonal job, or vice versa.

Define your goals: Are you prioritizing career experience, saving money, learning a language, or outdoor adventure? Your primary goal should guide your choice.
Research specific regions: Instead of thinking in general terms, research two or three specific cities and towns in your destination country. Look at their main industries, typical rent prices, and transport options.
Check visa conditions: Review the official rules for your visa. Some programs have requirements to work in specific regions, which may make the decision for you, at least for part of your stay.
Consider a mixed approach: Plan to spend a few months in different locations. This gives you a broader experience of the country and allows you to take advantage of different types of work as seasons change.
Have a flexible plan: Arrive with a plan, but be ready to change it. You might find that the place you chose is not a good fit, or you might hear about an amazing opportunity in a different part of the country.

Check before you go

Rules and conditions vary by country and are subject to change. Your own eligibility depends on your passport and the agreements between countries. Always verify information with official sources.

The official immigration website of your destination country: Confirm any visa conditions related to where you can live or work, including any requirements to work in regional areas.
Embassy or consulate of the destination country in your home country: Check for the most current visa application rules and processing information before you apply.
A qualified tax adviser: Ask for general information on how your work location might affect your tax obligations in your home and host countries.