When you plan to move to Australia with your family, you’ll probably hear a lot about Sydney vs. Melbourne. We did too, before we came from China. We wondered: How does Melbourne really compare? What’s family life like here? After living here for a while, here’s what I’ve learned, and what our family honestly feels about it.
Melbourne vs. Sydney: What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with the big question: Melbourne or Sydney?
Sydney is Australia’s “glam city”: beaches, blue skies, the Opera House, and that fast-paced city energy. Melbourne, on the other hand, has a quieter charm. It’s creative, cultural, and full of little discoveries (coffee spots, laneways, markets, and art events that pop up every weekend).
Where Sydney offers a beach lifestyle, Melbourne is about lifestyle variety. You can go from a cozy café in Fitzroy to a jazz night in the city or a picnic by the Yarra (all in one weekend). If you love arts, food, and community vibes more than beaches, you’ll probably fall in love with this city too.
Weather: Four Seasons in One Day
The first thing that surprised me was the weather. Locals joke that you can experience four seasons in a single day, and it’s true. Mornings can be cold, afternoons sunny, and evenings windy again.
Summers can hit over 40°C, but mornings can still feel chilly. Winters are cold and damp, but rarely freezing. Compared to Sydney, Melbourne is cooler and less beachy, but I actually like the variety, you just need to master the art of layering.
Cost of Living: How Expensive Is It?
Melbourne isn’t cheap, but it’s still a bit more affordable than Sydney. Costs depend a lot on where you live.
If you’re in South Yarra, Carlton, or Richmond, rent and groceries will cost more. In Doncaster, Glen Waverley, or Point Cook, you can live more comfortably for less.
Groceries and public transport are similar to other big cities, but entertainment is where Melbourne wins — so many festivals, parks, and family activities are free or low-cost. On weekends, we often explore markets or just enjoy playgrounds and picnics.
Renting: Suburb Choice Really Matters
If you’re renting, expect big differences across suburbs. For a three-bedroom house, rent can range from $500 to $1,200 per week.
Inner suburbs like Toorak or Southbank are beautiful but expensive. Outer suburbs like Werribee or Craigieburn are far more affordable, and many are very family-friendly with parks and schools nearby.
In general, rents are lower than Sydney’s, which was one reason we chose Melbourne. We wanted space, safety, and community without paying city-center prices.
Buying a Home: Still Pricey, but Manageable
Buying a house here isn’t easy: the market is competitive. In inner Melbourne, a family home can easily reach $1 million or more.
But in outer areas, prices drop to around $600k–$800k, which is still high but much more manageable.
Sydney’s median house price is above $1.5 million, so comparatively, Melbourne feels more within reach for families like ours who want a yard or extra space.
Schools: Public, Private, and Everything In Between
One thing I really appreciate is the education quality. Melbourne has excellent public schools, especially in the east and Bayside areas.
Private school fees can range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the school. Public schools are usually free or low-cost, and many perform just as well.
Before renting, I recommend checking school zones: they really influence where families choose to live.
Culture & Community: Diverse and Welcoming
Melbourne is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. You’ll meet people from everywhere (Italy, Greece, India, China, Vietnam), and that shows up in the food, festivals, and neighborhoods.
As a family, we love this diversity. It makes daily life richer: from dumplings in Box Hill to Italian coffee in Carlton.
People here are friendly, polite, and community-oriented. Even as newcomers, we’ve always felt welcome.
Safety: How Safe Is Melbourne?
Overall, Melbourne is very safe, especially in family suburbs.
Like any big city, nightlife areas like St Kilda or CBD late at night can have petty crime, but serious incidents are rare.
Suburbs like Hawthorn, Brighton, and Camberwell are known for being peaceful and safe, perfect for raising kids.
Final Thoughts: Is Melbourne Right for Your Family?
For us, moving to Melbourne was worth it. It’s a city that balances energy and calm, full of culture, great food, and family-friendly spaces.
Yes, costs are high, but the lifestyle, schools, and community make it feel like home. If you’re thinking about moving to Australia with kids, I’d say Melbourne gives you the best of both worlds: city buzz when you want it, and quiet family life when you need it.
In short: we came here curious, and stayed because it felt right.
If you’re planning the same move, pack an umbrella, some warm layers, and an open heart, Melbourne will surprise you in the best way.