The Expat Relocation Guide to Melbourne

December 22, 2023

Home to one of Australia’s most vibrant and active arts scenes, a passionate sports culture, and an excellent quality of life, Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne, is one of the best places for expats to live Down Under.

The capital city of southeastern Australia’s state of Victoria, Melbourne is hailed as the cultural capital of Australia, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues offering access to a rich and diverse cultural experience. With a multicultural expat population—35.7% of locals hail from overseas—fueling a globetrotting culinary scene, the city has a plethora of international cuisines catering to diverse tastes.

Entertainment and things to do aside, Melbourne’s strong economy and job opportunities make it an ideal place for expats seeking employment abroad. The city has a robust job market across various industries, including technology, finance, health care, and education, making it relatively easier for expats to find suitable employment.

Moreover, Melbourne’s excellent public transportation system, health-care infrastructure, and quality education options, including world-class universities, further contribute to its appeal as a top destination for expatriates. Combined with its pleasant climate and natural beauty, Melbourne offers a high quality of life and a welcoming environment for expats looking to call it home.

Relocation can be a big deal, especially if you’re unprepared. This expat guide to Melbourne covers everything new or prospective residents need to know about getting settled in this exciting Australian city.

Melbourne fast facts 

• Population: 5.2 million 
• Currency: Australian dollar (AUD; $ or A$) 
• Time zone: GMT+10 (GMT+11 during spring/summer) 
• Climate: Temperate climate 
• Emergency number: 000

Australia work visas

If you’re planning on moving to Melbourne long term, you’ll need a valid visa that allows you to legally work and live. Australia offers a range of different visas to fit different immigration needs, from the short-term working holiday visa to work and business visas for skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Visas for studying and education are also available.

The exact visa you need depends on your situation, such as what type of work you’ll be doing in Melbourne and how long you plan to stay there. Some also require that you be sponsored by an Australian company or employer.

Newland Chase can help you figure out the type of visa you’ll need to relocate to Melbourne and navigate the application process. Contact us to learn more today.

The cost of living in Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s second-most expensive city, boasting a high cost of living. Housing prices are the main culprit, although they’re still much more affordable than in Sydney. Rental rates and housing costs are more expensive in the city center, with prices decreasing the more you head out into surrounding suburbs. In the city center, the average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is A$377, compared to A$320 outside the city center.

One important distinction for expats looking to rent in Melbourne is that rental rates are advertised by the week instead of the month.

While housing prices and the overall cost of living in Melbourne are high, expats should keep in mind that Australia’s high wages help defray those higher living costs. According to Forbes, the average annual income in Melbourne is A$75,000.

For a rough idea of what to expect, here’s a brief rundown of the average monthly costs for essentials in Melbourne.

• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: A$1,387
• Median home asking price: $1.02 million
• Cost of living for family of four: $6,854 (without rent)
• Cost of living for one person: $2,066 (without rent)
• Internet: $87 per month
• Utilities (gas, water, electric): $312
• Transit: $200 (monthly pass)
• Grocery bill: $430 (per person)

The best Melbourne neighborhoods for expats

Ranging from hip, trendy districts to laid-back suburbs with peaceful parks, this cosmopolitan city has hundreds of suburbs and neighborhoods to choose from. Here are some of the top areas favored by expats.

Best for young professionals

Whether you’re looking for the hottest rooftop bar or great cafés where you can eat foods from around the world:

South Yarra: This affluent and cosmopolitan suburb is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops along Chapel Street. It’s close to the Central Business District (CBD) and offers a vibrant nightlife. Expats often choose South Yarra for its accessibility, upscale housing options, and proximity to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Brunswick: Full of beer gardens, multicultural dining options, live music venues, and funky shops, the inner-city Brunswick area is sure to appeal to young couples and professionals seeking an alternative, counterculture lifestyle in the heart of the city.

St. Kilda: Located along the picturesque Port Phillip Bay, St. Kilda is a lively beachside suburb with a bohemian atmosphere. It’s popular among expats for its beachfront lifestyle, cultural events, and the famous Luna Park amusement park. St. Kilda’s diverse population and housing options make it an attractive choice.

Docklands: This waterfront precinct is situated just west of the CBD and offers modern apartment living with stunning views of the harbor. Known for its contemporary architecture, excellent dining options, and proximity to entertainment venues, like Marvel Stadium, it’s ideal for expats who prefer a modern urban lifestyle.

Richmond: Richmond is a vibrant inner-city suburb known for its eclectic mix of cultures, excellent dining, and sporting events, including matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It has a variety of housing options and a strong sense of community, making it a popular choice for expats seeking a dynamic urban experience.

Best for families

If you’re moving to Melbourne with young kids in tow, you’ll want a neighborhood with good schools, nice parks, and family-friendly activities.

Black Rock: Situated right on the beach, this family-friendly district is great for active families, thanks to its miles of beach, abundant parks, sports facilities, and walking and cycling trails.

Balwyn: Located in the eastern suburbs, Balwyn is renowned for its top-rated public and private schools, making it a great choice for families. It also offers numerous parks, including the expansive Beckett Park, and has a tranquil suburban feel while still being well-connected to the CBD.

Camberwell: Camberwell is another eastern suburb known for its excellent schools and family-oriented amenities. The Camberwell Junction area offers a bustling shopping and dining scene, and the suburb is dotted with parks and playgrounds, such as Fordham Gardens and Camberwell Sports Ground.

Brighton: Located by the bay, Brighton is an affluent suburb with a strong emphasis on family living. It features top-rated educational options, including Brighton Grammar School and Firbank Grammar School. The beachside lifestyle, beautiful green spaces, like Dendy Park, and a range of family-friendly activities make it highly desirable.

Malvern: Malvern, in Melbourne’s southeast, boasts a range of prestigious schools, such as Malvern Central School and Malvern Primary School. Families can enjoy Malvern’s leafy streets, Central Park, and easy access to shopping along Glenferrie Road.

Best for budgets

Cranbourne: Located in Melbourne’s southeast, Cranbourne is known for its affordable housing options and proximity to amenities including shopping centers and schools.

Werribee: In Melbourne’s western suburbs, Werribee attracts families and cost-conscious young professionals with its budget-friendly housing and a variety of schools. It’s also home to Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee Park, offering family-friendly recreational opportunities.

Footscray: The inner-west Footscray offers a wide range of multicultural dining experiences and is well-connected to the CBD for a public-transportation commute.

Education in Melbourne

Expat parents looking to get their kids set up in Melbourne’s school system will find a well-regarded range of options that includes private schools and government-funded public schools.

Starting in late January or early February and ending in mid-December, the Australian school year is divided into four terms, with summer vacation falling from December to January. Many schools, both public and private, also require students to wear uniforms.

This overview of Melbourne’s school system will help you learn more about the options available for you and your children.

Education system and types of schools

Melbourne has a mix of public and private primary and secondary schools, including government (public) schools, faith-based schools, and independent (private) schools. Most schools follow the Australian Curriculum, which covers subjects like English, mathematics, science, history, and geography, but some international schools use the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum instead.

As with public schools throughout Australia, Melbourne’s high-quality public schools are government-funded, meaning they’re free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. This includes most expats, but you may still need to pay some fees depending on your visa type. Those born overseas may also need to show a visa or proof of residency when enrolling your child in a public school to get access to a government-funded education.

Privately funded independent or faith-based schools have smaller class sizes, more specialized curriculums, and higher tuition.

Melbourne is also one of Australia’s top cities for higher education, home to renowned institutions, like the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The growing number of international students is another reason why Melbourne’s diverse multicultural population appeals to expats.

International schools

For parents who prefer to have their kids follow the IB curriculum or attend a school with a student body from around the world, Melbourne has several highly regarded international schools.

Founded in 1866, the Wesley School offers an IB curriculum education for primary through secondary students. Three different campuses around Melbourne make it easy to find a campus close to your suburb. Another reputable international option, Haileybury follows the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum with small class sizes for individualized attention.

How to build community in Melbourne

For expats who struggle with creating a new social circle when they move to a new place, Melbourne is an excellent option. It’s even been ranked the friendliest city in the world, so new expats should feel comfortable striking up conversations and getting to know your neighbors, colleagues, and communities.

Even though the outgoing and welcoming nature of Melbourne residents should help new arrivals feel at ease right off the bat, here are some other ways to take initiative and start making friends.

• Engage in sports culture: Love for sports, especially cricket, rugby, and Australian football, runs deep in Australian culture. So if you want to connect with your Aussie neighbors and make new friends, getting engaged in local sports is a great way to do so. Attend games for popular local teams, or, if there’s a sport you already play or want to play, use sites like Social Sport or the City of Melbourne’s Sports and Recreation page to find clubs and groups.
• Join online expat groups: Meet with other expats from your home country or around the world using online groups, like Melbourne Expats, Melbourne American Expats, and InterNations Melbourne to learn about events, introduce yourself to the local community, and ask questions as you adjust to Melbourne living.
• Join clubs and social groups: Along with the general expat groups, finding clubs or groups dedicated to specific hobbies or interests can help you connect with like-minded individuals. Luckily, Melbourne has tons of options for everything from walking clubs to music choirs, and this list of Melbourne expat clubs can help you start your search.

Navigating health care in Melbourne

Once you’re settled in Melbourne, acquiring access to health care should be top of your list.

Types of health care

Medicare: Australia has a universal health-care system called Medicare, which provides access to essential medical services and subsidizes the cost of medical treatment. Expats who are citizens or permanent residents are typically eligible for Medicare benefits, and temporary residents on certain visa types can also be eligible with limits. While the Australian health-care system is generally of high quality, there can be long waiting times for nonurgent procedures and specialist appointments in the public system.

To apply for Medicare, you usually need to visit a local Medicare office, provide proof of identity and visa status, and complete the necessary forms.

Private health insurance: While Medicare covers many medical expenses, expats may want to consider private health insurance for additional benefits, such as faster access to specialists and the ability to choose their doctor and hospital. Many expats also choose to supplement their Medicare coverage with private health insurance because dental and optical care is not generally covered by Medicare for adults.

Private health insurance covers services like hospital stays, surgeries, dental care, optical care, and some prescription medications. The cost of private health insurance varies widely depending on your age, health, and the type of coverage you choose.

Health-care providers

As it’s a major higher-education city, many of Melbourne’s top hospitals and medical facilities are teaching schools or tied to universities. A leading teaching hospital, the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) provides a wide range of specialized medical services and is renowned for its research and innovation in health care. For general and specialized pediatric care, the Royal Children’s Hospital is considered one of the best in the country. The Austin Hospital is another top-ranked teaching hospital.

Banking and money in Australia

As an expat, setting up a bank account upon your arrival in Melbourne is an important step in managing your finances and daily transactions while living in the country. Here’s how to go about it.

Types of banks

Melbourne has several major banks you can choose from, including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and National Australia Bank (NAB). You can also consider smaller banks and credit unions.

Eligibility

To open a bank account in Australia, you don’t need to be a permanent resident or citizen. Many banks offer accounts to temporary residents as well. However, the types of accounts available and the requirements may vary based on your residency status.

Documents and identification

When opening an account, you’ll typically need to provide identification documents. Commonly accepted documents include your passport, visa, and proof of address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement).

While not mandatory, having a Tax File Number (TFN) can be beneficial, as it allows you to earn interest on your savings without the highest withholding tax rate. You can apply for a TFN after arriving in Australia. A TFN is expected if you intend to work in Australia, otherwise you’ll pay a higher rate of tax from your salary.

Getting around in Melbourne

From trains to cars to bikes, freshly arrived expats have plenty of ways to navigate their new home. Along with driving or using Melbourne’s well-developed and extensive mass-transit system, this city is also extremely bike-friendly. Lots of roads have shared pathways or dedicated bike lanes. Just don’t forget your helmet—it’s mandatory here.

Driving in Melbourne

Expats with a valid overseas driver’s license can generally drive here for up to three months. After that, you’ll need to obtain an Australian driver’s license. Before getting behind the wheel with your overseas license, though, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road, such as driving on the left-hand side.

Mass transit

If you prefer to use mass transit, Melbourne has it covered from rails to roads. The far-reaching train network connects the city to the suburbs and is a popular commuting option. Trams are also a common sight, as Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world. Buses provide coverage to parts of the city not served by rail.

To use public transport, including trains, trams, and buses, you’ll need a Myki card. This reusable and rechargeable card can be topped up with funds at places like stations and convenience stores and provides an easy-touch payment system when boarding and disembarking.

Fare rates vary by zone, with a Free Tram Zone in the city center where you can ride the trams at no cost.

Things to know about living in Melbourne

While you may need time to adjust to housing, health care, banking, and other aspects of daily life, learning about the local customs and traditions of your new city can help you feel settled faster. Here are some starter tips and tricks for new Melbourne residents.

• Friendly locals: Melbourne is often listed as one of the safest cities in the world, and its residents have a reputation for friendliness and informality. It’s common to address people by their first names, even in professional settings, and engage in casual conversations with strangers.
• Punctuality: Australians can be a pretty laid-back group, but not when it comes to punctuality. Being on time is important in Australian culture, and arriving late for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings is considered impolite.
• Coffee culture: Melbourne is renowned for its thriving coffee culture. Expect to find an abundance of specialty coffee shops, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for specific instructions on how you like it.
• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Australia. It’s customary to leave a tip for good service in restaurants, cafes, and taxis, but the practice isn’t as prevalent as in some other countries.
• Eco-friendly: Australians are very environmentally conscious, and Melbourne in particular promotes sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Recycling, reducing waste, and using public transportation are highly encouraged and widely practiced here.
• Weather: With its temperate climate, Melbourne has warm summers and cooler winters, so you’ll need a wardrobe for all four seasons. Don’t forget layers for cold-weather days.

Preparing for expat life in Melbourne

Adjusting to a new life abroad can be thrilling but difficult. In addition to offering visa assistance, an experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the complexities of settling in and adjusting to expat life, making your move to Melbourne as seamless and easy as possible. Contact Newland Chase for a quote today.