Best Places to Live in Melbourne as a Young Adult or Expat

Looking for the best places to live in Melbourne? Every Melbourne suburb has something different to offer, and it’s important you find a place that suits you. So, let’s get started!

Wondering where the best places to live in Melbourne are?

Before I moved to Australia in 2018, I had no idea where to start. I knew I wanted to find work, make friends, and live in a fun and lively area, but the truth was, I didn’t know much about the city.

After a quick browse on Google, I found one of the main backpacker hostels, took a punt and booked a few weeks there to start with. From there, I explored as many areas as possible and looked at the pros and cons of each suburb.

If you’re looking to move to Melbourne and don’t know the city very well, it can be overwhelming. You’ll more than likely have a lot of wants, needs, and priorities in the area you choose and getting it right is important!

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Best places to live in Melbourne: The Lowdown

If you search for the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne often comes out on top.

But why? What makes it so special to live in?

Is it the weather, people, atmosphere, food, coffee, art scene, nightlife, beaches, entertainment or shopping malls? If I think of all of the places I’ve lived in, Melbourne is pretty high up there. It really is a special place to live.

Melbourne is further south than popular cities like Brisbane and Sydney, and its weather is similar to the UK (sorry to break the bad news). Summers can be milder and you’ll still have to wrap up in your scarf and gloves during the winter months.

But you don’t move to Melbourne for the weather. You move to Melbourne for its unique and laid-back lifestyle. Oh, and it’s also way cheaper to rent in Melbourne than Sydney (and the wages in Australia are already higher than in England). 

So just where do you live when you’re first moving to Melbourne? How on earth are you meant to know the best places to live in Melbourne?! And how do you even find a place to live in Melbourne?! 

If you’re thinking about making the move to Melbourne (yay! Go you!) this post will guide you through the ins and outs of finding a suburb that will suit your personality perfectly.

Where to live in Melbourne if you’re an expat or young adult

If you are visiting Melbourne for the first time, I’d recommend booking a hostel for your first few weeks. This will give you the chance to get a feel for the different areas. It will also allow you to work out where you like the most!

If you rush into a decision and dive straight into the first place you find, you run the risk of being in a great apartment in an area that just doesn’t suit your personality.

And what’s the point in having fab accommodation if you’re stuck in a location you don’t even like?!

One small positive outcome from the pandemic means a lot of locals in Melbourne have moved out of the city. This has made it easier for backpackers to find accommodation than ever before.

Oh, and prices are much lower (yay!) and you’ll have more choice than usual!

When you’ve been living in Melbourne for a few weeks, start booking some viewings. Pick a few of your favourite areas, and reach out to some real estate agents.

Let them know what you’re looking for so you can be at the top of their list with new listings.

Is renting in Australia the same as the UK?

Renting a property in Melbourne is similar to the UK, but we found more listings had shorter lease terms and there were more rolling contracts.

Showings are often held as open houses, where up to 20-30 people can go and view the rental at the same time. It can get competitive!

We ended up finding our place on Facebook (sounds strange, I know) but it worked perfectly for us. We were travelling quite often whilst we lived in Melbourne, so we didn’t want to be tied down with any leases or agreements.

Our rent was cheap, and we were in a monthly rolling contract that we could leave at any time.

Check out the Fairy Floss Facebook group here if you’re looking to do the same!

Tips for moving to Melbourne

1. Pick somewhere on a well-connected tram line

Trams are the main form of transport in Melbourne. Buses and trains are available, but they’re often slower and less reliable.

Melbourne is known for its good public transport, but some trams have better routes and cover more areas than others.

I’ll delve a bit deeper into where has the best transport links later on, but it’s worth checking out your favourite area’s tram lines right at the beginning of your search.

2. Know your budget

Certain areas in Melbourne are more expensive than others.

Just like London, or any other major city in the UK, Melbourne has suburbs that drastically range in price. They also vary in personality, safety, transport links, lifestyle and amenities.

Know your budget before you start looking. It’s important to bear in mind that rent in Australia is calculated by week, rather than by the month.

The average weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit is $370 per week (2022, Selectra website) which works out to $1480 per month (way cheaper than London!)

Room shares are way cheaper, but if you’re not happy sharing a bathroom and kitchen with a group of other people, it’s not going to be for you. Decide on a budget and what type of accommodation you’re happy with.

3. Get a job before you start applying

It’s a lot easier to find a place to live in Melbourne if you have a job, even if you’re renting via a Facebook group. Having a job shows you have a guaranteed way of paying your rent, which most landlords will insist on.

If you’re really struggling to find a job but want to ren, it is possible. It just might just take a bit longer to find.

Showing enough money in your savings to cover at least six months of rent can help if you’re unemployed.

Or, references from previous employers can prove you’re trustworthy and persuade landlords to bend the rules a little. But finding this kind of landlord is rare, so I’d recommend heading down the job route if it’s possible!

4. Complete your 1Form as soon as possible

Moving into a rental in Australia can be competitive, especially with the open houses you’ll be attending! You’ll need to act fast and be ready to bid as soon as you’ve found the place you like.

A 1Form collects your personal information and discloses it in a safe and easy way to the relevant real estate agents or property managers. This means there’s no need to fill in repetitive forms for various people as we do here in the UK.

Spend some time filling in your 1Form before applying. This gets your identity confirmed and you’re all ready to go if you find somewhere you like!

5. Get to know different areas in Melbourne!

Before you move to a new city, you’ll be told about the ‘best’ areas and where you should live. Try not to let other people make up your mind for you. What you look for in a city may be different to what your friend looks for.

You won’t be able to tell the vibe of a place before you experience it for yourself.

Visit the area, go out for drinks, brunch and visit the cafes. Talk to the locals. Check out the public transport links. 

And most importantly, listen to your gut. Does the area feel right for you? Does it feel like somewhere you could live and be happy?

Take some time working out the best areas to live in Melbourne for YOU.

5 of the best areas to live in Melbourne as a young adult

There are so many amazing places to live in Melbourne, and these are just a few! The five places I have chosen to talk about are either locations I lived in, or where my close friends stayed for a prolonged period of time. I wouldn’t recommend anywhere I didn’t truly love!

✨ NOTE: Moving to Melbourne temporarily as a backpacker or young adult is different to moving to Melbourne with a family or above a certain age. This has all been taken into consideration in the following list. ✨

These areas in Melbourne are best for young adults who are looking for a fun and lively life in Melbourne. They are also areas where there’s a higher chance of meeting like-minded travellers and friends of a similar age. 

Still need to book your flights to Melbourne from the UK? I recommend this comparison site to find the best flight deals!

1. St Kilda

St Kilda is one of the best places to live in Melbourne as a British backpacker, and you won’t get very far without hearing that oh-so familiar accent.

(On that note, if you want to avoid other Brits, you might want to avoid St Kilda).

Located around 30 minutes via public transport from Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll find a trail of bars, pubs, restaurants, cake shops, and cafes.

St Kilda’s central hub is set along Acland Street, which is a five-minute walk from St Kilda beach. Full of fun, backpacker vibes, Acland is the perfect place to start your night out, pre-drink for the party or pick up some cans for a beach BBQ.

If you want a DJ and a dancefloor, hit up Lona, Jimmy O’Neills and Veludo’s for live music, boozy brunches and sticky dance floors. 

Base Backpackers is a 30-second walk from Acland Street, and is the perfect place to stay for the start of your trip in Melbourne. With backpacker events, bar crawls, boozy bingo and day trips, you can meet like-minded travellers and even find someone to rent long-term with.

St Kilda beach is the main attraction of the area, but just bare in mind you’ll be paying steeper prices for a beer along the coastline than five minutes down the road out of sight of the sea.

✨ INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss the penguins that head home at dusk every evening on the pier. Check out the time of sunset, take a warm (or cold) drink and enjoy this parade of friendly penguins docking the bay every night for bedtime. It’s truly something! ✨

🚌 St Kilda is great for transport links around the city, and the 96 or 16 tram will take you under 30 minutes to reach the CBD. 

Staying in St Kilda? I recommend this hostel for first-time backpackers and expats.

2. Chapel Street (Prahran, South Yarra, Richmond, Windsor)

Some of my fondest memories in Melbourne happened on Chapel Street.

Known as one of the best places to live as a backpacker or newbie to the city, Chapel Street is a bustling hub of bars, clubs, restaurants, brunch spots and high street stores.

The surrounding areas of Chapel Street (Prahran, South Yarra, Richmond and Windsor) are all popular areas to live in Melbourne. They’re especially good if you want to be close to the action (and host all of the pre-drinks).

Chapel Street is less than ten minutes by Uber from St Kilda, so it’s a popular place for Brits wanting a night out.

Some of the cities best Irish pubs and gay bars are on Chapel Street, and you’re guaranteed a crazy night if you’re in need of one.

Home to Melbourne’s 24-hour nightclub, Revolver, and some of the best hidden secret bars (you know the ones where you have to climb into a fridge to get a cocktail), as well as non-alcohol based activities like brunch, breakfast and coffee spots.

It’s also a great place to do all of your regular jobs (like grabbing something for dinner, getting your hair cut or having your nails done).

🚌 The 78/72 tram is a quick and easy way to Melbourne’s CBD via Chapel Street, and takes around 20 minutes. 

Staying on Chapel Street? I recommend this hostel for first-time backpackers and expats.

3. Brunswick

If you’re not bothered about being super close to the beaches in Melbourne, you can head north of the river to suburbs like Brunswick, Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Out of the three, Brunswick was my favourite, as it has a laid-back, hippy vibe, with artsy clothes markets and cute coffee spots.

Head to Brunswick for multicultural food, with influences from Greece, Italy and the Middle East. I’m not sure why, but the Lebanese food all over Australia was insanely good.

🚌 If you’re heading into the CBD from Brunswick, it’s a quick 15-minute journey.

Need accommodation in Brunswick? I recommend this hostel for first-time backpackers and expats.

4. The CBD/Southbank

The CBD (Central Business District) is the ‘beating heart’ of the city, and is well known for being one of the best places to live in Melbourne.

The CBD is what Aussie’s call the main/major part of a city (not just in Melbourne), and where you’ll find museums, theatres, offices, libraries, and other major buildings.

If you’re moving to Melbourne, it’s highly likely that you’ll visit the CBD. However, living in the CBD is an entirely different process.

Whilst not many backpackers can afford to live in the CBD, it is a great place to live if you can. You’ll be in the middle of all the action (quite literally), and have access to all of Melbourne’s suburbs from the hundreds of transport links at your doorstep.

You can walk outside your doorstep to find food from all over the world, with the smells of market stalls tempting you to try something new. Learn more about Australia’s history at the Shrine of Remembrance, or check out some of the best artwork in the country at the National Gallery of Victoria.

🚌 Living in Melbourne’s CBD may be pricy, but it’s convenient. With all major transport links crossing through here on a regular basis, you can catch trains, buses and trams to wherever you need to get to in a short amount of time.

Need accommodation in Melbourne CBD? I recommend this hostel for first-time backpackers and expats, or this hotel if you would prefer a private room.

5. Fitzroy

Fitzroy was one of my favourite places in Melbourne.

Often referred to as an eclectic suburb, Fitzroy has so much to offer young adults and expats. With oldie pubs and gay bars, narrow streets and terrace houses, Fitzory is a perfect mix of buzzing atmosphere and suburban life. 

Head to Gertrude Street for designer shops and independent retailers, with eccentric bars offering drag bingo and queer nights.

Naked for Satan serves up fancy cocktails from their rooftop terrace, with great views of the city. Evie’s Disco Diner will take you on a trip back to New York in the 80s. 

Fitzroy is the perfect place to live if you want the best of both worlds. Want a cosy coffee in a brunch spot during the day, but a few espresso martinis in the evening?

Or want to just take it easy and live your best suburban life, yet still be close to the CBD if you change your mind and need a dance?

Fitzroy’s your place.

🚌 Fitzroy is on the number 11 or 96 tram line and takes around 15 minutes to reach the CBD.

Need accommodation in Fitzroy? I recommend this hostel for first-time backpackers and expats.

Best Places to live in Melbourne: FAQs

Where is the safest place to live in Melbourne?

Melbourne is generally a safe city to live in. I could list the safest suburbs on the outskirts, but if you want to be in the centre of the city (which I’m sure you do as a young adult), there isn’t much of a difference between the areas.

I lived in Melbourne for a year, and there wasn’t a single time I felt unsafe. This includes any times I travelled as a solo female.

Yes, there are ‘kooky’ people around, and some you’ll want to avoid, but no more than in any other city.

What is the best area to live in Melbourne?

This is all down to personal taste. For beaches, anywhere from Brighton to St Kilda.

If you want city life, the CBD, South Yarra, Brunswick, South Melbourne or Port Melbourne might be for you.

Or for nightlife, I suggest anywhere around the Chapel Street area.

Research and visit each individual area before committing to moving to one.

Backpacking for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!

Best places to live in Melbourne: In a Nutshell

Ultimately, wherever you choose to live in Melbourne will be an experience, and the city is one of the best places to live in Australia for young adults.

Whether you’re looking to be close to the beach or would prefer to be nestled in the action of the CBD, take the time to get to know the city before you make any big decisions and find the best places in Melbourne to live.

Have a day out exploring the local areas. See where your gut feels right. Find out where excites you and makes you feel ‘at home’.

Not every place in Melbourne is for everyone, and it’s important you find the right place for YOU.

You’re the one who’s going to be living there after all! But hopefully this has helped you to realise some of the best places to live in Melbourne for young professionals, expats and backpackers.

Ooh, and don’t forget to check out my best things to do in Melbourne guide before you go!

As always, if you have a question about the best places to live in Melbourne, or just moving to Australia in general, contact me on Instagram or leave a comment below! I’d be happy to help!

But for now, happy travelling!

Jennie 🙂 x

Other Australia posts:

• Dingo’s Fraser Island Tour Review: Is It Worth It?
• 10 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne Solo (+ 20 Extras!)
• Travelling East Coast Australia: A Beginners Guide

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