Melbourne Move at a Glance
Visas are Your First Step
The most common options are the TSS (subclass 482) work visa and the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa — be sure to start your application early through Australia’s official Department of Home Affairs website.
Budget for a High Cost
It’s an expensive city (though slightly cheaper than Sydney). Rent and going out are the biggest costs. Have savings for your bond and first month.
North vs. South Suburbs
Your lifestyle is defined by your suburb. Choose North of the river (Fitzroy, Brunswick) for a creative vibe, or South (South Yarra, St Kilda) for boutiques and beaches.
First Week Admin
Get a ‘myki’ card for trams and trains, an Aussie SIM, open a bank account, and apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) immediately.
Finding Work in Melbourne
Melbourne is a powerhouse for Tech, Healthcare, Education, and the Creative Arts. The work culture is professional but slightly more relaxed than in Sydney.
The Cost of Living in Melbourne
Melbourne is recognized for its high quality of life, but this comes with significant living expenses.
From rising rental and property prices to everyday utility and grocery costs, living in Melbourne requires careful budgeting, especially in the inner suburbs. Accommodation is typically the single largest expense, and whether you’re renting a one-bedroom apartment near the CBD or a family home further out, it can easily consume 30–45% of your monthly income.
While certain day-to-day costs, such as public transport (via the Myki system) and some groceries, are often slightly more manageable than in Sydney, costs for dining out, healthcare, and entertainment remain substantial.
To help you plan better, here’s an estimated monthly budget breakdown in Australian Dollars (AUD) that reflects what new arrivals can expect when settling into Melbourne life.
This is a baseline. Doesn’t include dining out (a coffee is $5), $12 pints, or entertainment.
Rent (1-bed apt, inner suburb)
Rent is quoted weekly! A $500/week flat is ~$2167/month. Share housing ($250-$400/week for a room) is very common.
Phone & Internet
Mobile plans are competitive (Telstra, Optus, TPG). Home NBN internet often requires a contract. Estimated monthly cost around $80 - $120 per person.
Utilities (Gas, Energy, Water)
Bills are quarterly. Gas heating is common and can be expensive in winter. Don't forget the A/C bill in summer! Estimated monthly cost around $250 - $400 per person.
Transport (myki Pass)
A monthly myki Pass for Zone 1+2 is around $180. Trams are free in the central CBD grid, which is a great perk. Estimated monthly cost around $180 - $200 per person.
Groceries
Coles, Woolworths ('Woolies'), and Aldi are the main supermarkets. Queen Victoria Market is amazing for fresh produce. Estimated monthly cost around $500 - $700 per person.
Navigating the Melbourne Rental Market
The rental market is fast and competitive. You need to be organised, fast, and ready to apply on the spot.
The Process & Key Terms
Where to Look
The two main websites for finding rental properties (apartments and houses) are Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au. For searching specifically for share houses or a room in an existing rental, Flatmates.com.au is the essential platform.
Inspections
Brief public viewing; apply quickly afterwards. Be polite to the agent and have your application ready.
The Application & Bond
You’ll submit an application (often via apps like Snug). If approved, you’ll pay a bond (usually 4 weeks’ rent) and one month’s rent in advance to secure the place.
Expat Tip:
In Melbourne’s competitive rental market, it’s crucial to have all your supporting documents prepared before applying. These typically include a valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license), proof of visa or residency status, employment contract or recent payslips as proof of income, and rental history or references from previous landlords.
Where to Live: Best Melbourne Suburbs for Expats
The “North vs. South” divide is real. Where you live will shape your entire experience. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular areas.
| Neighbourhood | The Attractions |
|---|---|
| Fitzroy, Brunswick, Collingwood | The creative heart of Melbourne. Full of street art, live music venues, craft breweries, and amazing cafes. The vibe is alternative, young, and energetic. |
| South Yarra, Prahran, St Kilda | More polished and stylish. Chapel Street is famous for boutiques and bars. St Kilda offers a gritty beach lifestyle with great nightlife. Popular with European and UK expats. |
| Richmond, Southbank, East Melbourne | Live where the action is. Walk to the AFL ("the 'G'"), the Australian Open, or the CBD. Dominated by modern apartments and historic Victorian cottages. |
| Hawthorn, Camberwell, Malvern | These eastern suburbs are quieter, greener, and have larger homes with gardens. Known for excellent private schools and a strong, affluent family vibe. |
Life in Melbourne: Getting Around & Your First Week
Arriving in Melbourne signifies the beginning of arranging your essentials, familiarizing yourself with the local transport system, and smoothly settling into Victoria’s capital.
Here’s how to organize your essentials, navigate Melbourne’s unique lifestyle quirks, and start feeling truly at home in your new city.
Getting Around the City
Melbourne’s public transport network is extensive, connecting the city through trains, trams, and buses.
Trains: The backbone of Melbourne’s system, trains connect most suburbs to the city center. From December 2025, the new Metro Tunnel will open, adding five modern stations and boosting capacity across key lines like Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham.
Trams: Melbourne is famous for its trams, the largest urban tram network in the world. Trams run frequently in the inner city and suburbs, and a new fleet of modern trams is being introduced to improve comfort and accessibility.
Buses: Buses complement trains and trams by serving areas where rail doesn’t reach, including outer suburbs and some regional connections.
Myki Card: The Myki card is your ticket to all public transport in Melbourne. Tap on at the start of your journey and tap off at the end. You can use a physical Myki card or add it to your smartphone or smartwatch. Contactless payment options are gradually being integrated as well.
Your First Week Checklist
1. Get Connected: Transport & Phone
Buy a ‘myki’ card from any 7-Eleven or train station. Get an Aussie SIM card from Telstra, Optus, or TPG.
2. Open a Bank Account
You can often start setting up your bank account online before arrival. The “Big Four” banks in Australia are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. After arrival, visit a branch with your passport and visa to complete and activate your account.
3. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
A TFN is essential for employment and tax purposes, similar to a Social Security or National Insurance number in other countries. Apply for free on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to ensure you can legally work and file taxes.
4. Enrol in Medicare (if eligible)
Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, provides medical services and prescription subsidies. If you come from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement (such as the UK, New Zealand, or Sweden), you may qualify for coverage. Enrol as soon as possible to access healthcare benefits during your stay.
Expat Tip:
Download the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) app. It has real-time tram and train arrivals, which is essential for planning your journey.
Embracing Melbourne Culture
Melbourne’s vibe combines a relaxed, artsy spirit with a vibrant cosmopolitan flair. Locals appreciate outdoor cafes, street art, and weekend adventures along the coast or in the nearby hills and vineyards.
You’ll notice a friendly “no worries” attitude, a strong sense of community, and a genuine passion for work–life balance. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee at a laneway café, exploring hidden alleyways with eclectic shops, or taking a bike ride along the Yarra River, embracing Melbourne’s lifestyle is about curiosity, creativity, and making the most of every day.
The city’s laid-back yet innovative spirit means immersing yourself in its local customs, from ordering a “flat white” at your local café to engaging with the diverse, inclusive community that defines Melbourne’s unique character.
This is not a joke. Melbourne has arguably the best coffee in the world. Find a local cafe, order a “flat white” or a “magic,” and never, ever suggest Starbucks.
The city’s heart is not on its main streets, but in its hidden laneways and arcades, filled with world-class street art, hidden bars, and tiny cafes.
The weather is famously unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into a windy, rainy afternoon and back again. Always carry a jacket and/or umbrella.
Melburnians are known for their stylish, often all-black, wardrobes. It’s a fashionable city with a European feel (and a winter that demands layers).
AFL (Australian Rules Football) is ingrained in the city’s soul. The season dominates conversation from March to September. You almost *have* to pick a team.
The Yarra River splits the city’s personality. “Northsiders” are seen as creative hipsters, while “Southsiders” are seen as polished and preppy. It’s a friendly rivalry.
Making Your Move to Melbourne Simple
Relocating to Melbourne requires careful preparation related to visas, housing, finances, and integration into local life. However, the city offers a rewarding experience with world-class amenities, diverse communities, and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Crown Relocations can support your move with comprehensive relocation services, including property management, settling-in assistance, and personalized support to ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free. With Crown’s expert help, you can start your new chapter in Melbourne confidently and comfortably.
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