Melbourne

Rental prices

A one-bedroom apartment in the CBD or inner suburbs typically costs A$550-A$700 per week, and A$420-A$500 further out. Three-bedroom houses in the middle suburbs rent for A$650-A$850 per week. Rents are generally 20% to 30% lower than in Sydney.

Finding a place

• Use realestate.com.au, Domain and Flatmates.com.au.
• The CBD has a large supply of apartments, including many aimed at students.
• Purpose-built student accommodation is available near the major universities.

Bond and rights

Bonds are lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), and Consumer Affairs Victoria enforces minimum standards for rentals, such as working heating and secure locks.

Tips

Older houses can be cold in winter, so ask about heating and insulation. Many inner north suburbs offer terrace houses with character but little insulation.

Monthly budget

A single person in a one-bedroom apartment in the inner suburbs usually spends A$4,200-A$5,200 per month. In a share house, A$2,700-A$3,300 is realistic. A family of four should budget around A$7,500-A$9,000.

Typical prices

• Groceries for one: A$550-A$650 per month
• Flat white: about A$5
• Pint of beer: A$10-A$13
• Casual meal: A$20-A$28
• Myki monthly equivalent: about A$190

Saving tips

• Shop at the Queen Victoria Market, Preston Market or Footscray Market for fresh produce.
• Use the Free Tram Zone in the CBD.
• Enjoy free festivals, galleries and parks.
• Compare energy plans using Victorian Energy Compare, as heating costs rise in winter.

Childcare typically costs A$130-A$180 per day before the Child Care Subsidy, and Victoria offers free kinder for 3 and 4 year olds.

Key industries

• Healthcare and medical research: major hospitals and the Parkville biomedical precinct
• Education: the University of Melbourne, Monash, RMIT and many colleges
• Finance and superannuation: NAB, ANZ and several large super funds are headquartered here
• Technology: a growing startup scene and major tech offices
• Construction and infrastructure: big rail and road projects
• Hospitality and events: plenty of casual work for students and working holiday makers

Salaries

Salaries are slightly lower than in Sydney, but lower rents often mean a similar or better quality of life.

Job hunting tips

• Seek and LinkedIn are the main platforms.
• Networking events and industry meetups are very active.
• Many graduate programs recruit international students with work rights.

Myki

Melbourne's public transport uses the Myki card, and you can also tap on with a smartphone Myki. The system covers:

• Trams: the largest urban tram network in the world
• Metro trains: connecting the suburbs to the CBD
• Buses: filling gaps in the outer suburbs
• V/Line: regional trains and coaches

Fares

There is a single fare zone for metro Melbourne with a daily cap. Regular commuters can buy a Myki Pass for 7 or 28 to 365 days to save money. The Free Tram Zone covers the CBD and Docklands.

Cycling

Melbourne is flat and has many bike lanes, especially in the inner north. Helmets are compulsory.

Driving

Drivers must learn the hook turn: at some CBD intersections you turn right from the left lane to keep tram tracks clear. Tolls apply on CityLink and EastLink.

Airport

The SkyBus runs between the airport and Southern Cross Station every 10 to 15 minutes.

Food and coffee

Melbourne takes coffee seriously, and its laneways are full of independent cafes. The food scene is shaped by Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese and Middle Eastern communities, and you will find great value in suburbs like Richmond, Footscray and Box Hill.

Sport

Sport is a way of life. The MCG hosts AFL games through winter, and the city hosts the Australian Open tennis, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup.

Arts and culture

• NGV and the Arts Centre
• A strong live music scene in Fitzroy, Collingwood and Brunswick
• The Melbourne International Comedy Festival and film festivals

Weekends away

• The Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles
• Wineries in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula
• Phillip Island's penguin parade
• Ski fields in winter, about 3 to 4 hours away