The Best Places to Live in Melbourne
Friday August 30 2024
Welcome to Melbourne! If you’re diving into uni life here or working as a young person, you’re in for a treat. With a killer café scene, endless events, and plenty of green spaces, the suburb you choose can make all the difference between just getting by and truly thriving.
Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Students
We’ve rounded up the best student-friendly suburbs that keep you close to campus and surround you with fellow students who get the grind—and the need for a cheeky night out. These spots are perfect for balancing textbooks and social life, so get ready to discover your new favourite hangouts as we dive into Melbourne’s top student suburbs!
1. Carlton
Carlton is the beating heart of student life in Melbourne. Just a short stroll from the University of Melbourne, you’ll never stress about commutes. Plus, public transport is a breeze—perfect for zipping around the city.
Famous for Lygon Street, aka “Little Italy,” Carlton offers mouthwatering pasta and coffee to fuel those late-night study sessions. A room in a share house in Carlton goes for around $330 a week, but the lifestyle makes it worth every cent. If you want a vibrant, character-filled spot, Carlton’s your place.
2. Parkville
Parkville is Melbourne’s ultimate academic hub, home to the University of Melbourne. It’s where brains meet beauty, with Royal and Princes Parks offering the perfect escape when you need a break. Being so close to the uni is well worth the price of living in this area, with a room in a Parkville share house costing you around $300 a week, depending on what you’re looking for.
Studying’s important, but so is downtime. Head to Melbourne Zoo for a quirky day out or catch a game at the State Netball and Hockey Centre. And with top-notch public transport, the city’s excitement is never far away. Parkville is where education meets relaxation—what more could you want?
3. Clayton
Clayton is the hidden gem for students wanting affordable living close to Monash University. With its multicultural vibe, you can eat your way around the world without leaving the suburb. Everything you need is all located right around the university, and as a Clayton flatmate you’ll be able to find a room for around $272 per week!.
Transport? Sorted. Huntingdale train station makes it easy to hit the city for a night out or meet up with friends. If you’re after the ideal student lifestyle wrapped in suburban charm, Clayton is where it’s at.
4. Burwood
Burwood blends family-friendly vibes with student life in perfect harmony. Home to Deakin University, it’s the spot for those wanting budget-friendly living without missing out on the good stuff. You can expect to be paying an average of $260 for a room in a share flat in Burwood..
Getting around is a breeze with trams and buses connecting you to uni and the city’s nightlife. Plus, Burwood’s parks, cafes, and shops are ideal hangouts. If you want a chill place that ticks all the boxes, Burwood’s calling your name!
5. Caulfield
Caulfield is your go-to if you’re after a balance between city buzz and suburban calm. Nestled between Monash University’s Caulfield campus and the city, it’s perfect for students who want it all.
With green spaces for relaxation and nearby hotspots like Prahran and St Kilda offering vibrant cafes and nightlife, Caulfield gives you the best of both worlds. This suburb is not only a hot choice for students but is also popular for families and has a great community feel. You can find a room in a share house in Caufield for around $280 a week.. Grab your textbooks and settle into Caulfield’s chill vibe—you’ll love it here!
Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Young Professionals
We see you, young professionals. You’ve left those late-night study sessions behind and are now tackling the corporate world—or at least getting your caffeine fix at a trendy café before diving into Zoom meetings. It’s time to level up your living situation and ditch that one housemate who thinks sharing dishes is optional. These suburbs might hit your wallet a bit harder, but they come with perks that are totally worth it: quick commutes, vibrant social scenes, and Instagrammable cafés. Let’s dive into the best Melbourne suburbs for young professionals ready to embrace adulting while still having a blast.
1. Richmond
Richmond is the vibrant heart of Melbourne, a magnet for young professionals. Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, its top-notch transport links make commutes feel like a breeze. With a multicultural vibe, you can enjoy a world of flavours from trendy cafes to authentic eateries. And if you’re into live music, Richmond pulses with energy after sunset. Sure, the rent in Richmond might make your wallet sigh with a room in a share house going for around $330 a week, but the lifestyle here is worth it. For a perfect balance of work and play, Richmond is the place to be.
2. South Yarra
South Yarra is the stylish sibling of Melbourne’s suburbs, offering proximity to the action without the city’s hustle. Its vibrant shopping scene, from high-end boutiques on Chapel Street to quirky local stores, is a wardrobe (and Instagram) game-changer. With the South Yarra railway station and tram stops close by, getting around is a breeze. You’re minutes from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Prahran Market, making it ideal for work and play. With all these fabulous amenities nearby, it’s no wonder a room in South Yarra will set you back an average of $360 a week! If chic vibes and urban convenience are your thing, South Yarra is calling your name.
3. South Melbourne
South Melbourne nails the sweet spot between city convenience and local charm. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, it offers everything from farmers’ markets to trendy cafes that’ll keep you fuelled and caffeinated. This suburb isn’t just for students—it’s home to young professionals and families alike, all enjoying Melbourne culture. With cultural attractions, quirky boutiques, and delightful dining options, this suburb offers a prime lifestyle without the hefty price tag, with an average price of around $300 for a room in a South Melbourne share house. If you want access to the good stuff without breaking the bank, South Melbourne could be your next home.
4. North Melbourne
North Melbourne is the cool cousin of the city, with a cosmopolitan vibe and vibrant arts scene. It’s a hotspot for young and ambitious professionals who love soaking up culture, creativity, and caffeine. Art lovers will thrive here, with eclectic galleries and quirky boutiques just waiting to be explored. Located near the CBD with efficient public transport, commuting to work or uni is a breeze. Everything you need is in this lovely little pocket of a suburb, with a complementary price tag of $320 for a room in a North Melb share house. North Melbourne isn’t just a place to live—it’s where life happens.
5. Southbank
Southbank is Melbourne’s love letter to modern urban living. Nestled along the Yarra River, it invites you to stroll picturesque promenades, sip coffee by the water, and soak in the city’s buzz. High-rise buildings offer stunning views of the skyline, perfect for Instagram-worthy sunset shots.
Just a short walk or quick commute to the CBD, Southbank is ideal for young professionals who crave urban life with a touch of riverside relaxation. With a killer location and glamourous views, an average price tag of $380 a week for a room in South Bank is to be expected. Ready to make Southbank home? Your new adventure awaits!
Best Suburbs for Lifestyle
Ready to dive into a Melbourne lifestyle as exciting as your latest Netflix binge? If you’re a student or young professional craving a jam-packed life filled with buzzing nightlife, chic boutiques, and endless dining options, you’ve hit the jackpot. Melbourne’s got suburbs that cater to all your urban needs—whether you’re dancing the night away, sipping lattes in hip cafes, or shopping until your feet beg for mercy. Say goodbye to boring weekends and hello to a vibrant adventure. Let’s explore the gems that could become your new home sweet home!
1. Fitzroy
Fitzroy is Melbourne’s bohemian heartbeat—a playground for creatives, art lovers, and nightlife enthusiasts. Quirky street art, boutique galleries, and cool cafes set the scene for inspiration by day and grooves by night. Sure, living costs might be a bit higher with a room in a Fitzroy share house costing you around $340 a week, but with the local market’s fresh produce and eclectic eateries, it’s worth every cent. Plus, public transport whisks you to the city centre in no time. From vintage shopping to legendary pub culture, Fitzroy isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle.
2. St. Kilda
St. Kilda is the vibrant beachside gem just 6 km from Melbourne’s CBD. Sun, sand, and a lively nightlife scene make it the ultimate spot for students craving a beachside vibe with easy city access. Iconic attractions like Luna Park and St Kilda Beach, combined with bustling Acland and Fitzroy Streets, create a high-energy atmosphere perfect for balancing study and fun. With a variety of student accommodation options, St. Kilda offers the ultimate beach-meets-city lifestyle. You will be able to find a lovely room in a St Kilda share house for around $330 per week..
3. East Melbourne
East Melbourne is where urban living meets leafy tranquillity, just a stone’s throw from the CBD. A room in East Melbourne is currently going for an average of $330 rent per week. Chic apartments, charming terraces, and lush green spaces make it a serene retreat by night after a day of city buzz. Sport lovers will rejoice with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) nearby, perfect for weekend plans. Whether you’re lounging in Fitzroy Gardens or catching a game, East Melbourne is the ideal blend of lifestyle and sport.
4. Melbourne CBD
The Melbourne CBD is the city’s soul—a cultural hub with endless entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. From street art to live gigs, this central location has it all, with transport links that make exploring the region a breeze.
Yes, rent can be pricey, but the experiences, convenience, and vibrant energy are worth it. You would be paying around $380 for a week’s rent for a room in the CBD. Whether you’re a student or young professional, the CBD promises a lifestyle full of excitement and memories.
5. Windsor
Windsor is the millennial playground where young professionals and creatives thrive. Just steps from Chapel St, Windsor offers trendy cafes, boutique shops, and a nightlife scene that keeps FOMO at bay. Easy access to trains and trams makes commuting a breeze, while the suburb’s vibrant culture and community events ensure there’s always something happening. Windsor is your ticket to a lively life without breaking the bank. In the vibrant suburb of Windsor, you can expect to be paying rent of about $320 per week for a room in a share house.
Most Affordable Suburbs in Melbourne
So, you’re ready to dive into Melbourne living, but your wallet’s feeling a bit light? No worries! We totally get that being a student or young professional means you need to be savvy with your cash while still wanting a vibrant lifestyle. Luckily, Melbourne’s got your back with some affordable suburbs that won’t leave you broke. From trendy cafés to budget-friendly rent, these areas offer cool vibes and amenities without making your eyes water. If you don’t fancy our list but have an area in mind, use our Cheaper Suburb Finder to find somewhere more affordable close to your desired area. Grab your notepad—this is where your new adventure begins!
1. Brunswick
Welcome to Brunswick, the funky side of Melbourne perfect for young professionals and creatives on a budget. This suburb nails the blend of multicultural vibes and unpretentious charm, making it ideal for those who love a diverse community. Brunswick is alive with a vibrant lifestyle—think quirky shops, buzzing cafes, and a strong community spirit. With budget-friendly property costs, think a room in a share house for under $300, and excellent transport links to the city, Brunswick offers affordable living close to all the action.
2. Flemington
Flemington is Melbourne’s hidden gem, offering a multicultural community vibe without the city price tag. Just a quick hop from the city centre, Flemington boasts fantastic transport links, making it easy to dive into all Melbourne has to offer. With expansive parks, shopping precincts, and a lively calendar of local events, Flemington is perfect for those who want a vibrant yet affordable slice of Melbourne life. At the moment, a room in a Flemington share house will cost you an average of $311 per week.
3. Brunswick West
Brunswick West is the go-to for young creatives and professionals looking for an affordable, character-filled neighbourhood. This suburb offers an eclectic vibe with quirky shops, lively cafes, and top-notch transport links that make city commutes a breeze. Property prices are more wallet-friendly than inner-city hotspots. You can find a room in a Brunswick West share house for around $260 per week. Brunswick West is a smart choice for those wanting a vibrant community without breaking the bank.
4. Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill offers the perfect blend of chill vibes and urban convenience, making it a hot pick for students and young professionals. With both train and tram services at your doorstep, getting into the city or the hippest hangouts is a breeze. This suburb’s vibrant community, parks, and cafes make it more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle that balances convenience with a sense of belonging. The lovely suburb of Clifton Hill is filled with share house rooms going for around $315 per week for rent.
5. Fairfield
Fairfield is your go-to for a laid-back neighbourhood with a family-friendly vibe, yet close to the city. With excellent schools, parks, and a welcoming community, Fairfield has everything you need. The suburb offers a range of housing options, from cozy apartments to charming homes, all at reasonable prices. The average cost for a room in a share house in Fairfield is $260 per week. Plus, reliable transport links make exploring Melbourne a breeze.
