If your coming to Melbourne to stay for more then about six months then you can look at either renting your own place or moving into shared housing (also known as flatting in New Zealand or living with roommates in America). Rent can start as low as about $80 a week for a fairly nice room in a shared house not too far from the city, prices advertised for share housing usually don’t include power, phone or gas, this will be a separate cost that everyone pays when the bill arrives (usually every three months).

If you want to live by yourself or with a partner a one bedroom apartment can be found for as little as $150 a week, this usually includes a bedroom, living area/kitchen and en suite, again these prices don’t include power, phone or gas, only the cost of renting the place.

Finding the right suburb can be difficult as well if your not familiar with Melbourne. You should aim to find a place that is close to a train or bus line. Trams are generally quite slow as they make more stops then buses and are also subject to traffic/maintenance problems while trains, though sometimes delayed or canceled, are definitely the fastest method of transport for getting into the CBD.

North, south, east, west and central Melbourne suburbs all have different personalities.

Central Melbourne/CBD

Spanning about five kilometers from the CBD, it includes: Richmond, South Yarra, Toorak, St Kilda, Middle Park, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Carlton. The central Melbourne area contains mostly renovated homes and apartments (many converted from Warehouses). Parking is generally on the street although some apartment buildings feature underground car parks. Public transport is second to none and because of the location you get a great cosmopolitan lifestyle.

South/South East

Malvern, Armadale and Glen Iris feature in the South East area of Melbourne while in the south Elsternwick, Elwood, Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton and Beaumaris are all located close to Port Phillip Bay and the beaches. Tree lined streets are popular here while all types of older period-style homes, flats, modern apartments and townhouses can be found. Public transport is quite good in most areas.

East and the Outer East

This area includes Camberwell, Hawthorn, Kew, Doncaster, Balwyn and Templestowe and contains many modern and historical family homes. This area also features many tree lined streets. Houses are generally bigger here and often contain front and back yards. This area is not as well serviced by public transport however, you may need to travel to and from the train station by car or bicycle. Doncaster features a park and ride which allows you to take your car to the bus terminus and park there for free while you commute into the city.

West and North Western

Connected to the city with the Westgate Bridge, Williamstown in the west is a well known and popular suburb. Close to the Yarra river, Port Phillip bay and the city, it has a great atmosphere and community. It is a mixture of modern and Victorian style homes. Further to the north is Essendon and Moonee Ponds, these areas also contain beautiful tree lined streets and great public transport.

North and North Eastern

Ivanhoe, Eaglemont, Alphington and Heidelberg are located in the north east area of Melbourne. Close to the Yarra river again this area has great parkland’s and tree lined streets. Houses are older in style and are quite well established. To the north you have Northcote, Brunswick and Coburg. These areas are popular with migrants and first home buyers, great deals on rent can be found out here and the surround restaurants and cafes have great foreign food.