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23 Best Reasons to Be Living in Melbourne in 2024
Wondering what it’s like living in Melbourne?
This vibrant Australian city is an expat favorite for being one of the world’s most liveable cities. Melbourne wins top marks for its safety, healthcare, and even the friendliness of its people.
There’s always something happening in this cultural hotspot. You can expect your weekends to be filled with art, music, and dance (fueled by Melbourne’s stellar coffee!).
If you’re already going, “I want to live in Melbourne!” I hear you.
I’ve lived in more than 20 cities in the past 10 years and am passionate about empowering women to explore a new life abroad.
I’ll walk you through the best things you need to know about Melbourne. Plus, we’ll discuss some important things to consider before moving here.
Read on to see if Melbourne life is for you!
1. One of the World’s Most Liveable Cities
Is Melbourne a good place to live in? It’s the most liveable city in Australia and is #10 in the world, so that should give you some idea of what Melbourne living is like.
Previously, the city held on to its World’s Most Liveable City title for 7 years in a row, being the first city to achieve such a feat.
Melbourne consistently wins top marks for its safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and quality of life.
2. Unique Cosmopolitan Vibe
It’s no surprise that Melbourne ranks high for expat life. The cosmopolitan city has a distinctive worldly character, which can be attributed to its multicultural community.
Interestingly, only 34% of Melbourne’s population was born in Australia. The rest of its society is made up of diverse cultures from over 50 countries, including China, Malaysia, India, England, Vietnam, the Philippines, Italy, Greece, and South Africa.
3. Australia’s Hub For All Things Cultural
Being Australia’s cultural center, Metropolitan Melbourne has one of the highest densities of commercial art galleries in the world. The National Gallery of Victoria and The Ian Potter Museum of Art are both must-visits.
Film, food, fashion, and music are a big part of Melbourne’s identity, reflected through the city’s colorful list of year-long festivals.
This strong appreciation for the arts sets the tone for the rich and cultured lifestyle you can expect in Melbourne.
4. High Standard of Living
Melburnians enjoy a high quality of life. A large part of this is due to the statewide 30-year infrastructure strategy that affords the people of Melbourne good access to jobs, services, and public transport.
The standard of living is further enhanced by the influence of the city’s diverse culture.
5. One of the Safest Cities in the World
Melbourne is one of the top 10 safest cities in the world. Globally, it’s ranked #4 for health security and #8 for digital security. The city also takes one of the top spots for personal security and environmental security.
Living in Melbourne, Australia is considered safe due to a stable government, low incidences of crime, and efficient law enforcement bodies.
6. One of the Best Healthcare in the World
Australia’s healthcare system is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best. The healthcare system is awarded top points for accessibility and favorable healthcare outcomes.
Healthcare in Melbourne follows the same hybrid public-private setup as the national healthcare system.
Public health services under the Medicare scheme are available for citizens and permanent visa holders. Expats are advised to take up a comprehensive insurance plan for private healthcare.
⛑️ Moving to a new city can be scary. Maintain your peace of mind while enjoying Melbourne with the right insurance company!
7. Home To World-Class Universities
With Victoria being the Education State, Melbourne is a natural choice for academics. It’s home to the world’s top-ranking universities, including The University of Melbourne and Monash University.
Melbourne also benefits from the highly-regarded Australian education system, which is applauded for its extensive and diverse curriculum and teaching strategies that encourage creative thinking.
8. Free Tram Rides in the CBD Area
Public transport in Melbourne has its issues, but the Free Tram Zone is a real saving grace! Traveling on the tram is free in Melbourne’s Central Business District and Docklands.
Melbourne is a highly walkable city, making getting around easy and convenient.
9. Incredible Coffee
The coffee scene is consistently mentioned when discussing the pros and cons of living in Melbourne. Take your first sip of flat white in this coffee capital, and you’ll understand why.
Melbourne is home to award-winning baristas, earning its reputation for serving Australia’s best coffee.
The love and support for local joints run deep here, so don’t suggest a meetup at Starbucks unless you want to deeply offend a Melburnian.
10. Imaginative Local Dining Scene
Good food is a big part of Melbourne’s living. Not only is it a Mecca of award-winning fine restaurants, and is known for diverse and imaginative food options, from farm-to-table eateries to authentic street food joints.
🍽️ Get a taste of Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene yourself with this bestselling food tour.
11. Extensive Dietary Options Available
It’s easy to find diverse dietary options in Melbourne.
There’s a profound appreciation for plant-based food here, making vegan and vegetarian foods highly accessible.
There are also plenty of halal and kosher restaurants in the city, so it would be a great place to live if you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
12. Excellent Work-Life Balance
Melbourne has a generally positive working culture, with a real focus on work-life balance. It’s normal to see workers leave for home right on time at 5 pm!
Victoria has one of the states with the most public holidays in the world, with 13 annual holidays.
Clear boundaries between work and personal time make life at Melbourne especially great for families.
13. Strong Support for Entrepreneurs
The city has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a great place to run your own business! The government supports small businesses with its various grants and learning programs.
Melburnians are an incredibly supportive bunch and have a genuine love for homegrown businesses.
14. There’s ALWAYS Something Fun To Do
Melbourne’s events calendar is jam-packed with film festivals, food fiestas, fashion shows, sporting events, concerts, literary gatherings, and diverse festive celebrations.
Enjoying Melbourne life consists of a progressive dinner at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival one weekend and laughing your butt off at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival the following weekend.
15. Breathtaking Natural Attractions
The bustling city has stunning gardens and parks like the Royal Botanics Garden and Fitzroy Gardens.
Feel like heading to the beach? Seaside suburb St Kilda is the spot to be.
There are also plenty of adventures in nature to be had in and around Melbourne. These are the top-rated activities I recommend:
16. Unique Laneway Culture
Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world where you would actually want to explore hidden streets and back alleys.
The vibrant laneway culture turns random alleyways into hipster hotspots with the best bars, boutiques, and cafes. Street art is a big part of the laneways here.
Not sure where to start? This street art tour lets you explore local-approved secret lanes to find the best murals, street food, and bars.
🎨One thing I absolutely love about Melbourne is its Unique Laneway Culture. To book an unforgettable tour to witness the city’s creative soul, click here!
17. Heaven for Sports Fans
When you have public holidays designated for the Australian Football League (AFL), you know sports is serious business here in Melbourne.
To be accepted as a true Melburnian, the first order upon settling in the city is to pledge allegiance to an AFL team of your choice (I’m only half kidding).
And then there’s cricket, widely celebrated as the city’s official summer sport.
Tennis and Formula 1 have strong fan bases in Melbourne as well.
⚽ If you’re a sports enthusiast, Melbourne is for you! Their Ultimate Sports Lover tour gives you a chance to see the venues of Australia’s favorite sporting events!
18. Home To Award-Winning Wineries
There are more than 800 wineries in Victoria. Wine lovers in Melbourne tend to gravitate to the famed Yarra Valley, home to top wineries offering award-winning pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and shiraz. Tasting your way through Melbourne’s wineries is best done with an expert local.
19. Warm & Sunny Christmas Weather
Melbourne’s temperamental weather is a running joke, sure. But it’s also where celebrating Christmas in shorts and flip-flops is normal, thanks to its summer season starting in December.
I’d say that giving up hot cocoas for balmy 30°C (86°F) weather is a fair trade.
20. Melburnians Are Happy People
Melbourne is the world’s happiest city, highly attributed to the city’s affordability, dense culture, and strong community.
89% of Melburnians responded positively when asked, “How is Melbourne to live in?” Being one of the world’s most liveable cities certainly has much to do with it!
21. Diverse & Distinctive Neighborhoods
Melbourne’s culturally-diverse community is reflected in its distinctive neighborhoods. Expats often share that the city’s multicultural presence is a soothing cure for homesickness.
Here are some of the more popular neighborhoods in Melbourne:
- Prahran: A charming mix of indie and fancy, home to a vibrant food scene and high-street fashion.
- Fitzroy: The entertainment and dining hotspot with local boutiques, live music, and elevated eats.
- St Kilda: Gives off laid-back beachside vibes with beach bars, coffee shops, and an amusement park for some old-fashioned fun.
- Carlton: Home of Italian culture in Melbourne, with the best cannoli, pizza, and tiramisu outside Italy.
- Footscray: A little global food heaven, home to the best Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and North African restaurants.
- Richmond: Sporty district, perfect for footy fans and the best pub grubs.
22. English Is The Main Language
Although Australia does not have an official language, English is the most widely used. 72% of the population speak English at home.
Other widely spoken languages include Mandarin, Arabic, and Vietnamese.
23. Perfect Jumping-Off Point To Travel Around Asia
Living in Melbourne, Australia, provides the perfect opportunity to explore exciting Asian destinations close to the Australasia region.
Given its proximity to Southeast Asia and East Asia, Melbourne is within a 10-hour flight range to travel hotspots like Singapore, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Things To Consider About Living In Melbourne
Along with the long list of positives, here are some disadvantages of living in Melbourne to consider:
- High cost of living. Melbourne is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The living in Melbourne cost is in the same range as in Sydney and Auckland.
- Erratic weather. Experiencing four seasons in a day is a common occurrence when you live in Melbourne.
- Remote location. Making trips to and from the US is incredibly lengthy and expensive.
✈️ My #1 choice for finding the best flights, hotels, and car rentals in Melbourne is this website so I can make the most out of my travels!
Living in Melbourne Tips
- Getting in: The Working Holiday Visa is a great option for young adults from participating countries to stay in the country for up to a year, with possible extensions.
- Finding accommodation: Facebook groups like Fairy Floss Real Estate are a surprisingly popular way to find a place to stay. Secure a job beforehand, as landlords will want a guarantee for rental payments.
- Getting around: Stay in a tram-accessible area. Buses and trains are available but are less reliable.
FAQs About Melbourn Living
Is It Worth Living in Melbourne?
Melbourne is worth living in because it has all you need: low crime rates, excellent healthcare and education, good infrastructure, and a vibrant cosmopolitan culture.
It’s no surprise that Melbourne consistently rates as the most liveable city in the world.
Which is Better: Sydney or Melbourne?
Generally, Sydney is better if you’re a nature lover, and Melbourne is better if you love culture.
Melbourne is considered the country’s cultural capital, while Sydney’s undeniable landscapes, weather, and nature always remain an allure to travelers.
The cost of living in Melbourne vs. Sydney is in the same range.
Are People in Melbourne Friendly?
People in Melbourne are very friendly! UK insurance company William Russell even ranked Melbourne the world’s friendliest city.
The survey results are based on an analysis of resident happiness, safety, and LGBTQI inclusivity.
What are Some Problems in Melbourne?
Some problems in Melbourne are the dreary weather, the high cost of living, and its remote location. On the flip side, the cost of living directly corresponds to the high quality of life, and its location in the Australasia region means it’s close to top Asian travel destinations.
Is Melbourne Overpopulated?
Melbourne is the most densely populated place in Australia. The Melbourne CBD area is the most densely populated area, with 31,100 people per sq km. As with similarly dense cities, traffic congestion is an ongoing issue.
Wrap Up: Living in Melbourne
If you are considering living in Melbourne and wondering, “How is life in Melbourne, Australia,” hopefully, this list has convinced you to give it a chance!
Melbourne consistently ranks high for liveability, giving expats a compelling reason to call this cosmopolitan city home.
A great work-life balance is a part of life here, made more exciting with the cultural capital’s full annual calendar of festivals, art exhibitions, and live shows!
You can expect excellent healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and accessible public transport (free tram rides in the CBD!). The city also ranks high for safety, making it popular with solo female travelers.
Start planning your move to Melbourne with my ultimate moving abroad checklist!
More About Living in Australia:
Read More About Living Abroad:
- How Living Abroad Changes You: 15 Ways You’ll Grow
- Inspirational Living Abroad Quotes for Expats [Best Moving Abroad Quotes]
- Moving and Living Abroad Guide
- Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country
- Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad
- Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome
- I Regret Moving to Another Country for Love
- Quiz: What Country Should I Move To?
- Best Laptops for Digital Nomads Remote Work
- 50+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
- 40+ Countries with Working Holiday Visas
Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
