Melbourne, where the coffee is strong, the street art is everywhere, and the locals have more hipster vibes than a bearded barista. With its diverse neighbourhoods, eclectic fashion, and a non-stop calendar of festivals, Melbourne will keep you entertained all year round.
The Good
- 🎉 Decent nightlife
- 😋 Decent food options
- ☕ Coffee
- 👴 Strong ex-pat community
- 👮 Safe
- 📡 Strong wifi coverage
- 🚌 Good public transport
- 🤿 Scuba diving
The Bad
- 💰 Relatively expensive
- 🏨 High cost of accomodation
- 🚘 Traffic
- 🤼 Crowded
Living costs
- Melbourne is the 2nd cheapest place (out of 7) to live in Australia
- The average salary in Melbourne is
- It's about 26% cheaper to live in Melbourne than it is Liverpool
- You can expect to spend around $2,503.27 per month living here
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 4th Jun 2026
Safety
Generally safe with low crime rates; however, petty crime can occur in busy areas, so remain vigilant.
Where to stay
1. CBD (Central Business District)
Melbourne's CBD is a busy area that offers a great base for travellers. It's centrally located and provides easy access to major attractions, shopping precincts, and public transport. Backpackers can find cheap accommodation options in this area, while digital nomads can take advantage of coworking spaces and cafes for work. The CBD is also known for its laneways, street art, and cultural venues.
2. Fitzroy
Fitzroy is a cool and bohemian neighbourhood located just north of the CBD. It's known for its buzzing arts scene, eclectic shops, and hipster cafes. Fitzroy offers a blend of vintage stores, street art, and live music venues. Backpackers and travellers looking for a lively and alternative atmosphere will enjoy exploring the streets of Fitzroy.
3. St Kilda
Located by the beach, St Kilda is a popular destination for backpackers, digital nomads, and travellers seeking a vibrant coastal experience. It has a good atmosphere with its beachside promenade, cafes, and bars. St Kilda offers loads of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels. Visitors can also enjoy iconic attractions such as Luna Park and the St Kilda Pier.
4. Collingwood
Collingwood is an inner-city suburb known for its creative energy and booming arts scene. It's a mix of converted warehouses, art galleries, and speciality stores. Digital nomads will find a good few coworking spaces and cafes in Collingwood, making it a great neighbourhood for work and creativity. Additionally, Collingwood is known for its trendy bars, live music venues, and diverse food scene.
Transport
Train
Melbourne boasts an extensive train network operated by V/Line and Metro Trains. The city is connected through multiple lines that service various suburbs and regional areas, making it a convenient option for both locals and tourists.
The central hub for trains is Southern Cross Station, which links to other transport options like trams and buses.
Tram
The Melbourne tram network is one of the largest in the world and is a key part of the city's public transport system. Trams run frequently throughout the city, making stops at major attractions, shopping districts, and residential areas.
The Free Tram Zone in the city centre allows passengers to travel without a ticket, making it an excellent option for short trips.
Bus
Buses complement the city's public transport options, providing services to areas that might not be covered by trains or trams. Buses are frequent and can be caught at various stops throughout the city, including major transport hubs.
For an easy connection to regional areas, both metropolitan and regional buses also depart from Southern Cross Station.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available across Melbourne, with ranks located at key spots such as major train stations and popular tourist destinations. You can also call for a taxi through various local companies.
While taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service, they tend to be more expensive than public transport.
Ride-Hailing Services
Melbourne is serviced by Uber. The app provides a more affordable alternative to traditional taxis, especially during peak times.
Simply download the Uber apps, input your pickup and drop-off locations, and you're good to go!
Bicycle
For those who prefer a more active way of getting around, Melbourne offers a bike-sharing program known as Melbourne Bike Share. You can rent a bike from various docking stations located throughout the city for short journeys.
Additionally, Melbourne features dedicated bike lanes, making cycling a safe and enjoyable option for exploring the city.
Ride hailing apps
The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B
