Everything To Know about Living in Melbourne

Living in Melbourne is one of the most incredible experiences you can have. It has all the right ingredients for a wonderful life, with a beautiful and diverse landscape, a vibrant culture and friendly people. Melbourne is considered one of the world’s most livable cities, and is known for its amazing nightlife, alluring beaches, and top-notch amenities. Despite the pleasantry of living in Melbourne, there are many variables to consider before you move. Whether it’s packing your bags or signing a lease, there are certain things that need to be taken into account when it comes to living in Melbourne. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the city, including information about its history, lifestyle and economy. We’ll also cover the best areas to live in, the cost of living, finding a job, transportation methods and much more. Let’s begin by looking at the city’s background.

A Brief History of Melbourne

Melbourne was founded in 1835 as a small village settlement. Over the years, it steadily grew into the second-largest city of Australia and is now referred to as “the cultural and sporting capital of the nation’. The city holds immense significance in Australia’s history as the administrative center of the state of Victoria and its largest city. There are many museums, art galleries and other cultural sites that reflect Melbourne’s rich history.

Lifestyle and Culture

Melbourne is one of the most vibrant cities in Australia. It has a unique mix of old-world charm and modern-day sophistication, making it an ideal place for all walks of life. The city has a thriving cultural scene, which consists of performing artscentres like The National GalleryVictoria, National Theatre Company for Victorian Performing Arts, and popular nightlife spots along with family-friendly attractions such as zoos and amusement parks. There’s something for everyone in Melbourne! Melbourne also has some of Australia’s best shopping, ranging from designer labels to major department stores and vibrant markets. In addition to shopping, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy in Melbourne. Whether you want to explore the area’s beaches, hike through national parks or take part in one of the many sports events that make up the annual calendar, there’s something to satisfy every taste in Melbourne!

The Economy of Melbourne

Melbourne is a major economic hub in Australia, although it’s not as business-centric as other cities such as Sydney or Brisbane. The economy is largely focused on providing services such as tourism and hospitality, technology, education, finance and manufacturing. The city has a higher than average unemployment rate compared to other cities in Australia, which may make it difficult to find a job. However, for those who are determined to find employment in Melbourne can take advantage of some of the local hiring resources available from the Victorian government.

The Best Areas to Live in Melbourne

When deciding where to live in Melbourne, there are so many options to choose from! The key is to consider your lifestyle needs and budget before deciding on a specific suburb or area. Here’s an overview of the most popular areas and districts in Melbourne:

St Kilda

It is one of the most popular areas of Melbourne with its beachside location, lively nightlife, and countless restaurants and cafés

Docklands

This is an up-and-coming area with many residential high-rises – it’s perfect for those who want to live close to the CBD but don’t want to pay CBD prices

Southbank

This area is located just across the Yarra River from the CBD and is known for its endless entertainment options and amazing views

Fitzroy & Northcote

These inner-city suburbs are popular with young professionals – trendy cafes, chic boutiques, music venues & world-famous street art make these areas vibrant & exciting

Coburg & Brunswick

Coburg & Brunswick are located just outside of the CBD – they are in close proximity to public transport links & have plenty of parks & gardens to explore

Cost of Living in Melbourne

The cost of living in Melbourne can be hard to gauge as it depends on your lifestyle needs. Rent is generally higher than many other Australian cities, but it can also be relatively low depending on the area you choose to live in. The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in central Melbourne is around AUD$535 per week (including utilities). However, rent prices can vary substantially depending on your chosen location. The cost of groceries can also vary depending on where you shop and what you buy. Some local supermarkets offer discounts for bulk buying so it’s worth looking into this option if you’re looking to save money. On average, though, you can expect to pay around AUD$120 – AUD$200 a week for groceries. Finally, transportation costs can vary greatly depending on your usage. Public transport options such as trains are relatively affordable but if you prefer driving then you’ll have to factor in the cost of petrol and vehicle registration fees.

Finding a Job in Melbourne

Finding a job in Melbourne can be a daunting task but if you’re willing to put in the effort then there are plenty of opportunities available. It’s important to keep an eye out for job postings on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, but there are also several government-funded programs available to those looking for employment in Melbourne. You can access job search resources from websites like JobAccess or Australian JobSearch which are both free for jobseekers to use. Additionally, there are career centres located around Victoria that provide support for those looking for work (a full list can be found here) and Australian Immigration services offer assistance with finding jobs appropriate for visa holders (more info here).

Transportation Around Melbourne

When moving around Melbourne, public transport is one of the most convenient options as it’s relatively affordable and covers most parts of the city. There are several ways you can get around including: buses, trains, trams and rideshare services like Uber and Ola.

Buses

Melbourne buses have frequent schedules and cover most parts of the city. You can buy tickets at any ticket office or vending machine at railway stations and bus terminals. The Adult Metro 2-Hour ticket offers unlimited travel across all modes of public transport within two hours from the time of purchase (AUD$4.20). You can also purchase daily (AUD$8.40) or weekly (AUD$44) tickets if needed. More information on ticket prices can be found here.

Trains

Trains offer quick access to various areas around Melbourne such as St Kilda, South Yarra and Box Hill. The fare structure is the same as buses with 2 hour (AUD$4.20), daily (AUD$8.40) or weekly (AUD$44) tickets available for purchase at station ticket offices or vending machines. You can also get a MYKI smartcard which allows you to travel hassle-free on all modes of public transport across Victoria (more info here)

Trams

Trams run frequently throughout central Melbourne and along main routes throughout the city centre, south east and west suburbs (more info here.) Tram tickets use the same fare structure as trains and buses with 2 hour (AUD$4.20), daily (AUD$8.40) or weekly (AUD$44) tickets available for purchase at station ticket offices or vending machines. You can also get a MYKI smartcard which allows you to travel hassle-free on all modes of public transport across Victoria (more info here.)

Rideshare Services

If you’re looking for a more convenient way to get around then rideshare services such as Uber or Ola offer cheaper alternatives to taxis and are perfect for short trips between two points. Prices vary depending on the distance travelled but on average you can expect to pay around AUD$10 – AUD$15 for an 8km trip from the CBD to St Kilda.

Accommodation available in Melbourne

There are a number of accommodation choices available in Melbourne depending on your needs and budget – from shared houses or apartments to luxury hotels and Airbnbs.

Shared Accommodation

Shared accommodation is one of the most popular options amongst students and young people who are looking for affordable living – this includes sharing rooms, houses or apartments with other people (more info here.) Prices range from AUD$80 – $250 per week depending on location and room type – there are also options available for short term stays if needed.

Serviced Hotels

Serviced hotels provide an ideal alternative for visitors who need short term accommodation – these usually consist of basic bedrooms with cooking facilities such as microwaves & fridges as well as shared amenities such as laundry & gym facilities (more info here.) Prices depend on location & length of stay but generally range from AUD$125 – $400 per night – bookings can be made directly with hotel websites or via online booking websites such as Booking or Expedia etc

Airbnbs

Airbnbs offer a cost effective option for visitors who require long term accommodation – these usually come with kitchen facilities meaning meals can be cooked at home & amenities like wifi & laundry facilities usually come included (more info here.) Prices range from AUD$50-$200 per night depending on room type & amenities – bookings can be made directly via Airbnb website or via other online booking websites such as Booking & Expedia etc

Conclusion

Living in Melbourne is an amazing experience not just because of the city’s natural beauty but its vast array of cultural attractions and amenities too! With its lively nightlife, countless entertainment venues and top-notch restaurants, it’s easy to see why this vibrant city is a popular destination amongst holiday makers and expats alike! Whilst there are some considerations such as accommodation costs when moving here, it’s still possible to find an affordable place with some research & dedication – there are plenty of resources available online if you want to find out more about living in this great city!