If you're planning to move to Australia with your family, chances are you’ve heard a lot about both Sydney and Melbourne. We had the same dilemma before moving to Melbourne: How does it stack up to Sydney? What’s life really like for families? Here's what we've learned since moving to this vibrant city.
Melbourne vs. Sydney: What's the Difference?
Let’s start with the big question: Melbourne or Sydney?
Sydney is Australia’s glam city, with its stunning beaches and the famous Sydney Opera House. It’s fast-paced, cosmopolitan, and a bit more touristy. Melbourne, on the other hand, has a different kind of charm. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, it's more relaxed, filled with festivals, art, music, and some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste.
Where Sydney offers the beach lifestyle, Melbourne is more about lifestyle variety: hidden laneways with street art, cozy cafés, and world-class restaurants. If you're into arts and events, you'll love it here. There's something happening every weekend—whether it's a food market, festival, or live music.
Weather: Four Seasons in One Day
One thing you’ll definitely notice about Melbourne is the unpredictable weather. Locals joke that you can experience all four seasons in a day—and honestly, that’s pretty accurate! Summers can get scorching (with temperatures hitting over 40°C some days), but mornings can still feel chilly. Winters are cold and damp, but not freezing. Compared to Sydney, Melbourne has cooler, less beach-friendly weather, but it’s perfect if you love variety. Layering clothes is key!
Living Costs: How Expensive is Melbourne?
Living in Melbourne is not cheap, but it's still more affordable than Sydney. Cost of living depends heavily on where you choose to settle. For example, if you live in the inner suburbs like South Yarra or Carlton, expect higher rents and pricier groceries. Moving out to the outer suburbs, like Doncaster or Glen Waverley, can help save on both rent and overall living expenses.
Groceries, utilities, and public transport are generally in line with what you'd expect from a large city, but Melbourne offers more affordable options when it comes to entertainment. Many family-friendly activities, parks, and events are free or low-cost.
Rental Costs: Suburb Choice Matters
If you’re renting, Melbourne’s rental market has a lot of variation. For a three-bedroom family home, expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $1,200 per week, depending on the suburb. Areas like Toorak and Southbank come with a premium price tag, while outer suburbs like Werribee or Craigieburn are much more affordable.
Generally, rent in Melbourne is lower than Sydney, which is another reason families might choose Melbourne. Plus, there are lots of family-friendly suburbs with parks, schools, and shops just around the corner.
Housing Costs: Buying a Home
If you’re considering buying, the housing market in Melbourne can be competitive. House prices in the inner city can be astronomical, especially for anything with more than two bedrooms. Median house prices in Melbourne hover around $1 million for a family home, but again, this depends on the suburb. In outer areas, prices can drop to the $600,000 to $800,000 range.
Melbourne’s housing prices are still steep but slightly more accessible than Sydney’s, where the median house price is over $1.5 million. However, for growing families looking for space, it’s worth considering the outer suburbs where you can find more affordable properties with gardens and more room to grow.
Schools: Quality and Costs
As parents, schools are top of mind. One of the great things about Melbourne is its high-quality public and private schools. Many families, ourselves included, find that public schools in Melbourne offer excellent education, especially in the eastern suburbs and Bayside areas.
If you’re opting for private education, tuition fees range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the school. Public schools, of course, are free or have very low fees, and many are highly regarded. Do some research on school zones—certain areas are zoned for some of the best public schools, which can affect house prices in those suburbs.
Culture & Nationality: Diverse and Welcoming
Melbourne is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. You’ll find people from all walks of life, and as a family, it’s great to expose the kids to such a rich variety of cultures. The Italian, Greek, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities are especially vibrant here. This diversity spills over into the food scene, so you can enjoy a range of cuisines all over the city.
Melburnians are friendly and laid-back. The culture here values community and inclusivity, which makes it a great city for newcomers.
Crime Rate: Is Melbourne Safe?
Melbourne is generally considered a safe city, especially in the suburbs where most families live. Like any major city, there are areas with higher crime rates, but for the most part, Melbourne’s crime rate is low compared to other global cities.
Inner city suburbs and nightlife areas like St Kilda may see more petty crime, but violent crime is rare. Suburbs like Hawthorn, Brighton, and Camberwell are popular with families for their safety and peaceful environments.
Final Thoughts: Is Melbourne Right for Your Family?
Melbourne offers an incredible lifestyle for families. With its diverse culture, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities, it’s no wonder that so many families choose to call this city home. Yes, living and housing costs can be high, but if you’re looking for a vibrant city with strong community ties, great food, and plenty of things to do with the kids, Melbourne is a fantastic choice.
The differences between Melbourne and Sydney are clear, but what makes Melbourne special is the balance between work and play. It’s the kind of place where your family can enjoy both the city buzz and a laid-back lifestyle at the same time. If you’re considering the move, we can say from experience: Melbourne is worth it.