Melbourne is an Australian city that is rich in culture and history. This city experienced a boom in population when gold was found in 1851.
Nowadays, the idea of moving to Melbourne, Australia, is still attractive to many people. This city offers career opportunities, a beautiful coastline, and excellent neighbourhoods for families.
There are things you need to know before moving to Melbourne. Therefore, we will share the 7 most reliable pieces of advice, including information about the cost of living in Melbourne, Australia, to help you make your budget.
1. Facts About Living In Melbourne, Australia, That You Should Know
To get you started on your moving preparation, we will share some interesting facts about Melbourne. These facts will give you an idea of what you should prepare to adapt to this city.
The Weather Is Nice
Melbourne is known to have lovely weather. This city has a temperate oceanic climate where it experiences four seasons.
The summers start from December to February, and autumns will start from March to May. June to August will be the winter months, and springs start from September to November.
Suppose you are from countries that celebrate Christmas in winter. In Melbourne, you’ll get to experience Christmas in the summer!
Additionally, please check the weather forecast before going anywhere since Melbourne has 139 days of rain per year, though the rain is usually a drizzle or light shower.
Friendly People
In general, Australians are known for their hospitality. They will be open and friendly to newcomers, including a foreigner.
Even so, you will need more time to be close to them. But don’t worry! As you get to know each other better, you’ll find your best mates in Melbourne.
Beautiful Coastline
Melbourne is located on the beautiful coastlines of Port Phillip Bay. It is blessed with beautiful beaches, so you don’t have to travel out of town to enjoy summer.
2. Discover The Neighbourhood That Suits You The Most Before Moving To Melbourne, Australia
Having your home secured before your move will save you from spending extra on a hotel room. That’s why you need to search for a home before heading to Melbourne.
To help you with your search, we share some of the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne that you can use as references.
Albert Park (pictured above)
This high-class suburb is only three kilometres away from Melbourne’s CBD (central business district). This area is perfect for raising a family as schools, parks, and public transit are nearby.
In addition, this neighbourhood mainly consists of terrace houses that cost around 2 million AUD (1,486,510 USD) per unit.
St Kilda
This neighbourhood has beautiful beach views and is located only five kilometres from CBD. This lovely area offers amenities such as restaurants, bars, schools, markets, parks, and public transit.
The property price in Kilda is pretty high, which is around 2 million AUD (1,486,510 USD) per unit.
Elwood
Elwood is another suburb by the beach. You can enjoy living a beach life in this area while still having all the amenities you need.
Unlike Albert Park and St Kilda, Elwood offers lower property prices. The average house price in this area is 1.7 million AUD (1,263,533 USD) per unit.
Yarraville
Yarraville is known to be the home to Melbourne’s professional and artsy people. It is a place where coffee culture is prominent, evident from the plenty of coffee shops scattered in the neighbourhood.
This area is located next to the Yarra River, an iconic Victoria’s waterway due to its cultural and spiritual significance.
Yarraville is a neighbourhood you can consider if you’re looking for a more affordable area! It offers lower property prices compared to neighbourhoods around the beach areas. On average, the house price in Yarraville is about 1 million AUD (743,255 USD) per unit.
Suppose you are not interested in buying a house or apartment in the above neighbourhoods. In that case, you can find apartments for rent. The rental prices vary depending on the location and size of the property.
3. Don’t Hesitate To Search For Better Opportunities In Melbourne’s Job Market
Melbourne’s local economy consists of various industries. This means more job opportunities for you.
To help you spot more opportunities in the job market, below are some of the biggest industries in Melbourne that contribute to local employment:
- medical technologies,
- health and residential aged care,
- agriculture and food processing,
- professional services,
- construction,
- transportation, and
- digital technologies.
Even if you do not have experience in any of the above sectors, not to worry! Melbourne still has other sectors like hospitality, finance, and many more.
If you plan to live and work in Melbourne, ensure that you secure a job before moving. Especially if you’re moving from overseas, having a job or employer will help you in your visa application.
Another thing you need to remember is health insurance. Your employer usually will provide private medical insurance. Therefore, you need to learn the coverage to decide if you need additional coverage or not.
4. Make A Budget Based On The Average Cost Of Living In Melbourne, Australia
Making a budget estimation for your monthly expenses is important. This estimation will help you determine how much money to save monthly before moving to Melbourne.
Therefore, you can use this information about the average cost of living in Melbourne as your reference.
The estimated monthly living expense for a family of four in this city is 6,366 AUD (4,740.44 USD). A single person is estimated to spend around 3,276 AUD (2,439.47 USD) a month on living expenses.
After finding the average cost of living, you need to add the estimation with the average rent in Melbourne. The monthly rental prices in this city range from 1,419 AUD to 2,553 AUD (1,056 to 1,901 USD).
If you want to pay less for accommodation, choose an apartment outside the city centre or find a roommate.
5. Learn How To Go Around The City By Taking Public Transport
The next thing you need to know is the public transport. It will be easier for you to go around the city if you are familiar with the transport system.
If you want a cost-friendly way to commute, you can take a bus, tram, or train in Melbourne. These transport options are more affordable compared to taxis.
You will need a myki card to pay for the public transport in this city. Visit local shops to buy and top up the balance of your myki card. You can also find their services on PTV Hubs’ official website.
6. The Iconic Events You Shouldn’t Miss In Melbourne
Melbourne is a melting pot where various cultures become one in this city. Therefore, it is also called the Culture Capital in Australia.
You will find plenty of events in Melbourne throughout the year. Some events are even internationally recognised.
Here are some of the most awaited events in Melbourne:
- Australian Open Tennis,
- Australian Grand Prix,
- Melbourne Fashion Week,
- Royal Melbourne Show,
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and many more.
These events also provide excellent opportunities to get closer to your local colleagues or friends. This way, you won’t be stuck inside the expat’s bubble and will feel more at home.
7. Explore The city Attractions And The Food Scene In Melbourne
There is no way you’ll get bored in Melbourne! This city has plenty of attractions to visit and good food to enjoy.
Here are our recommendations on top-rated city attractions and iconic local dishes you can find in Melbourne. To make your exploration even more fun, you can ask your local friends to tag along.
Must-Visit City Attractions
Living in Melbourne wouldn’t be complete if you haven’t visited any of the following places:
- Flinders Street Railway Station,
- Queen Victoria Market,
- National Gallery Of Victoria,
- Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne,
- Puffing Billy Railway,
- Healesville Sanctuary, and
- Brighton Beach.
For art lovers, you can also explore several places in Melbourne that display street art. Some of the street art spots you can visit are AC/DC Lane and Johnston Street.
If you want more adventure, you can go to Grampians National Park, which will take you three hours by car. You will find stunning scenery in this park, with waterfalls, mountains, wildflowers, and Australian wildlife.
Recommended Local Dishes
One of the best ways to settle in a new city is to get familiar with the local taste. Therefore, here are some recommended famous local dishes in Melbourne:
- lamb roast,
- meat pie,
- gozleme,
- hot jam doughnut, and
- jaffle.
Since you are in Melbourne, get yourself a glass of Melbourne’s cocktail and enjoy the excitement of visiting hidden bars.
Many bars in this city use the concept of hard-to-find bars. You will be surprised to find bars behind bookcases or on the dodgy laneways.
Conclusion On Moving To Melbourne
Melbourne is a vibrant city with many things to offer, such as job opportunities, excellent public transport, family-friendly neighbourhoods, international events, recreational options, and tasty food.
This city is also known for its lovely weather and friendly people. You will enjoy living in Melbourne since you can have a work-life balance that is crucial for mental health.
Before moving to Melbourne, you need to ensure that your relocation is well planned and executed. Some tips you can follow are making a relocation list, making a budget, and engaging Sanelo to ship your belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Melbourne
Is Melbourne A Good Place To Live In?
Melbourne is an excellent place to work, study, and live in. It is a liveable city that is safe and comfortable with amenities within reach.
The multicultural population in Melbourne has led to diversity in cuisines and attractions. This makes living in Melbourne less dull since you will always have things to do.
On top of that, Melbourne is an excellent choice for digital nomads. You can work and enjoy the beach life at the same time here.
How Much Money Do I Need To Live In Melbourne?
An annual salary of 60,000 AUD (44,481 USD) is enough for a single person to afford living expenses in Melbourne. If you have dependents or family members, you need to earn more to afford bigger accommodation and living expenses.
Is Melbourne Kid-Friendly?
Melbourne has plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as an ice-skating rink, museums, and parks. In addition, this city also has excellent schools where you can trust your kids’ education to them.
How Do I Contact Sanelo To Help Me With My Relocation To Melbourne?
You can visit our official website and contact us to consult your relocation needs. Please remember to start your quote three or two months before your moving trip. This way, our team will have enough time to arrange your shipment schedule.
If you need more tips and information about moving to cities around the world, check out the following articles: