^{image by Rae Allen, cc 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons}

Quarterly data released by Flatmates.com.au has revealed the cheapest suburbs within 10kms of Australia’s major city centres.

Often overlooked in favour of more sought-after neighbours, these suburbs offer cheaper rents for a similar location and lifestyle.

General Manager of Flatmates.com.au, Thomas Clement said despite rising rents in many cities, there were still a number affordable areas to find a home.

“While share accommodation is already the cheapest way to live, it is possible to live more frugally by broadening your search.” said Clement.

“If you’re willing to look a little further out from the city and in suburbs that aren’t as popular as their neighbours, you’re bound to find a very affordable new home.”

Sydney, NSW

Earlwood was the cheapest suburb to find a room at $198 per week, 20 per cent cheaper than neighbouring suburbs Marrickville and Sydenham. While it does fall just outside the 10km radius it was the only suburb under $200 within striking distance of the city. Ringed by the T3 Bankstown and T4 Eastern Suburbs train lines, Earlwood offers plenty of transport options into the city.

Top Five

Rank	Suburb	Area	Rent p/week	Distance to CBD
1.	Earlwood	Inner-West	$198.43	12km
2.	Chippendale	Inner-West	$205.56	2km
3.	Five Dock	Inner-West	$228.88	10km
4.	Ashfield	Inner-West	$229.12	9km
5.	Kingsford	Eastern Suburbs	$237.99	7km

Melbourne, VIC

West Footscray was by far the cheapest place to land a room close to Melbourne City. Located 7km west of the CBD, West Footscray is easily accessed by the Sunbury train line or by bus. With an average room rental at $150 per week, West Footscray is 24% cheaper than neighbouring Yarraville and 17% cheaper than Maidstone.

Top Five

Rank	Suburb	Area	Rent p/week	Distance to CBD
1.	West Footscray	West	$150.43	7km
2.	Pascoe Vale	North	$171.82	5km
3.	Moonee Ponds	North West	$179.84	4.5km
4.	Footscray	West	$186.53	5km
5.	Ascot Vale	North West	$198.79	4km

Brisbane, QLD

Located nine kilometres from Brisbane City, Moorooka is the best place to snag a cheap room. The average asking rent in Moorooka is $170 per week, which is 18% cheaper than nearby Tennyson. Serviced by the Beenleigh train line and plenty of busses, the suburb is well connected with the City and nearby universities.

Top Five

Rank	Suburb	Area	Rent p/week	Distance to CBD
1.	Moorooka	South West	$170.75	9km
2.	Wooloowin	North	$170.75	6km
3.	Ashgrove	West	$173.83	4km
4.	Newmarket	West	$173.83	5km
5.	Stafford	North	$174.69	6km

Perth, WA

Osborne Park is the cheapest suburb to find a room in Perth, with the average rent in the suburb at $168 per week. Located just 8km north west of the CBD, Osborne Park is 13% cheaper than neighbouring Innaloo and 22% cheaper than a room in Tuart Hill. The only catch is Osborne Park is predominately an industrial area. For those who are willing to overlook this minor negative, the suburb could offer an affordable option.

Top Five

Rank	Suburb	Area	Rent p/week	Distance to CBD
1.	Osbourne Park	North West	$168.85	8km
2.	Queens Park	South West	$170.21	11km
3.	Bentley	South West	$175.40	8km
4.	Morley	North East	$176.70	10km
5.	Nollamara	North West	$185.44	10km