What Are the Key Things to Know Before Moving to Melbourne?

Moving to Melbourne, Australia, can be exciting, whether you're relocating for work, studying at university, or starting a new chapter with your family. The city is known for its coffee culture, diverse neighbourhoods, public transport, sporting events, and vibrant arts scene.

Before you move, it's worth understanding the cost of living, rental market, transport system, weather, job opportunities, and visa requirements. Planning these essentials in advance can help you settle in more comfortably.

1. Understand the Cost of Living

Melbourne offers a range of lifestyles, but housing and everyday expenses can take up a large part of your budget. Costs depend on whether you live alone, share a house, or move with family.

Common expenses include:

• Rent: Usually your biggest regular expense.

• Groceries: Supermarkets, local markets, and discount stores offer different price options.

• Transport: Budget for public transport or car-related costs.

• Utilities: Electricity, gas, internet, and sometimes water charges.

• Healthcare: Costs depend on your eligibility for Medicare, private insurance, and your visa arrangements.

• Entertainment: Dining out, events, fitness, and weekend activities.

Money-saving tip: Consider a shared rental initially, prepare meals at home, and compare neighbourhoods before signing a lease. Keep extra money aside for your rental bond, moving costs, and unexpected expenses.

2. Choose the Right Suburb to Live In

Your suburb can make a big difference to your daily routine and budget. Before choosing a rental, consider your workplace or university, access to public transport, nearby supermarkets, and the atmosphere of the neighbourhood.

Here are a few areas to explore:

• Melbourne CBD: Convenient for offices, universities, shops, and public transport, but apartments may be smaller.

• Carlton: Popular with students and people who want to live near universities, cafés, and the city.

• Footscray: A diverse neighbourhood with markets, restaurants, and transport connections.

• Brunswick: Known for its music, cafés, independent shops, and lively community atmosphere.

• Box Hill: A major suburban centre with shopping, restaurants, and transport links.

• Sunshine: Worth considering if you want to compare housing options in Melbourne's west.

Visit potential neighbourhoods at different times of day before signing a lease. Check commute times during peak hours rather than relying only on map distances.

3. Learn How Renting Works in Victoria

Finding a rental property is one of the most important steps when moving to Melbourne. You may need identification, proof of income or employment, rental history, and references when applying.

Before moving in:

• Read the rental agreement carefully.

• Budget for the bond and initial rent payments.

• Inspect the property and document existing damage with photos.

• Complete the condition report and return it within the required timeframe.

• Confirm that the bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).

In most standard residential tenancies, the bond is capped at one month's rent, subject to exceptions. The bond is separate from rent and is generally held by the RTBA.

Use the official Consumer Affairs Victoria renting guide to understand your rights and responsibilities.

4. Understand Public Transport

Melbourne has an extensive public transport network of trains, trams, and buses. You may not need a car if you choose accommodation close to a useful train station or tram route.

Things to know:

• Trains: Useful for travelling from suburban areas to the city and across Melbourne.

• Trams: Convenient for getting around the CBD and inner suburbs.

• Buses: Connect residential areas that are farther from train and tram routes.

• myki: A reusable travel card used on many public transport services.

• Contactless payment: Eligible full-fare passengers can tap a Visa or Mastercard, or a compatible phone or smartwatch, on trains, trams, and buses. Concession passengers should continue using myki.

If you're planning to drive, remember that Australians drive on the left. Check the rules for using an overseas licence and converting it to a Victorian licence if required.

Official information: Transport Victoria.

5. Prepare for Melbourne's Changeable Weather

Melbourne is known for weather that can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn cool, windy, or rainy later in the day. The region has four seasons, with cooler winters and warm to hot summers.

• Summer (December–February): Pack light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• Autumn (March–May): Expect cooler mornings and evenings.

• Winter (June–August): Bring a warm coat, layers, and rain protection.

• Spring (September–November): Be prepared for changeable temperatures and occasional showers.

Practical tip: Keep a light waterproof jacket and an extra layer handy, even if the morning forecast looks pleasant.

6. Find Work Before You Move, If Possible

Melbourne has employment opportunities across industries such as healthcare, education, hospitality, construction, professional services, technology, and logistics. However, finding work depends on your experience, qualifications, industry, and work rights.

To prepare:

• Update your resume to suit Australian job applications.

• Use platforms such as SEEK and LinkedIn Jobs.

• Research salary expectations and typical hiring requirements for your occupation.

• Check whether your qualifications require Australian recognition or registration.

• Confirm your visa's work conditions before accepting a job.

Australian visa conditions can restrict the type of work you do or the hours you can work. Check your status through the Department of Home Affairs' Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). A visitor visa does not permit employment.

7. Understand Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare arrangements depend on your citizenship, visa, and eligibility for Medicare. Do not assume that every person moving to Australia automatically receives Medicare coverage.

Before moving, check:

• Whether you are eligible for Medicare.

• Whether your visa requires overseas visitor or student health insurance.

• How prescription medicines and regular medical appointments will be covered.

• Where your nearest GP, pharmacy, and emergency department are located.

Start with the official Services Australia Medicare eligibility information.

8. Set Up Your Bank Account, Phone, and Utilities

Getting your essential services organised early can make your first few weeks much easier.

• Banking: Compare Australian bank accounts, fees, and identity-verification requirements.

• Mobile phone: Compare prepaid and monthly plans based on coverage, data, and international calling.

• Internet: Check which providers service your address before choosing a plan.

• Electricity and gas: Confirm whether utilities are included in your rent or need to be arranged separately.

• Identification: Keep your passport, visa details, rental documents, and employment paperwork organised.

If you're renting, confirm who is responsible for arranging each utility before you move in.

9. Get Familiar with Everyday Life in Melbourne

Melbourne has a strong café culture, diverse food options, local markets, parks, sporting events, and arts venues. Exploring your neighbourhood is one of the easiest ways to settle in and build a social routine.

A few things worth doing during your first month:

• Visit a local supermarket and farmers' market to compare grocery prices.

• Explore nearby parks, libraries, and community centres.

• Find cafés, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.

• Look for local sports clubs, hobby groups, and community events.

• Learn the locations of your nearest train station, pharmacy, and medical clinic.

You don't have to experience everything immediately. Start with your local area, then explore other suburbs when you have time.

10. Create a Moving Budget

Before booking your move, estimate your initial expenses as well as your regular monthly costs.

Your initial setup costs may be considerably higher than your normal monthly spending. Try to have enough savings to cover essential expenses while you settle in.

Moving to Melbourne checklist

Your relocation checklist

0 of 10

Confirm your visa and work or study conditions

Set a realistic moving and living budget

Research suburbs and commuting options

Arrange temporary accommodation or secure a rental

Prepare identification and rental application documents

Check healthcare and insurance eligibility

Plan transport from the airport

Arrange a local SIM, banking, and utilities

Pack clothing for changeable weather

Keep an emergency fund available