10 Best Places To Live in Melbourne For Lifestyle & Comfort (2026)

Are you considering Melbourne this semester? Well, you ought to be. The city of Melbourne is becoming the next hotspot for international students in Australia. It is located around coastal land and is the capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria, offering the best living experience for newbie students. Welcoming culture, lively food and sports events, and a great environment allow you to explore various career opportunities. But with this massive city, how does a fresher narrow down the best places to live in Melbourne? Leave it up to us! We've curated a list to help you find the best area in Melbourne to live! Let's start by knowing more about Melbourne before we dive into the cool places to stay in Melbourne!

About Melbourne

If you are planning on studying inAustralia, you will want to check out the country's best student city, which is Melbourne. Along with that, you must also want to know about the best areas in Melbourne suitable for students, including some of the most affordable suburbs. Home to over 180,000 international students from over 120 different nationalities, Melbourne is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after study destinations, making it hard to find student accommodation here, especially as the median house price continues to rise. However, these best places to live in Melbourne, Australia, and come with student accommodation in Melbourne that are surely unmissable!

Living in a good suburb in Melbourne Australia can be quite a pleasant experience for students, with reasonable living costs, a well-connected transport system, green spaces, and several opportunities to discover the vibrant community and the city's culture; make sure to check these 20 best things to do in Melbourne! If you are looking to make some extra money, Melbourne also has quite a few part-time jobs that you can take up. So, let's take a look at some of the best places to live in Melbourne!

Note: As of January 1, 2026, public transport is completely free for anyone under 18 in Victoria by using the new "Youth myki".

10 Best Places To Live In Melbourne

With the city quickly becoming Australia's next big destination for international students, where to live in Melbourne is the first question that will strike your mind. Well, we've eased the process for you with a list of the best places to live in Melbourne Australia, and a guide to help you find the perfect student housing, including family-friendly options. To make your decision easier, we have also mentioned the average cost of living, tourist attractions, and transport options available in these best places to live in Melbourne! We also have a Melbourne student housing guide, which can help you settle in better.

‍1. Carlton

Average Rent: A$650- A$700 /week (High demand near USyd/RMIT)
Population: 20,000
Safety Index: 85
Best For: Students, arts & culture lovers
Walkability Score: 96/100

Carlton is one of the most lively and best suburbs to live in Melbourne, near the University of Melbourne, well-known for the Italian cafes and restaurants of Lygon Street Italian. Daily and nightly security patrols, CCTV surveillance in student housing, and 24-hour building security make it one of the safe suburbs in Melbourne. Carlton is one of the ten best places to live in Melbourne, as it is also known for its beautiful Victorian buildings, leafy parks, and quiet gardens. It has a population of around 20,000 people. Students living in Carlton would be a great option, as this area is in a prime location that is only a few minutes away from universities such as RMIT or the University of Melbourne. This is one of the nicest areas in Melbourne and is well-connected to public transportation at all times.‍ 

2. St. Kilda

Average Rent: A$580- A$ 610 per week
Population: 20,000
Safety Index: 65
Best For: Partygoers, beach lovers
Walkability Score: 93/100

Undoubtedly a popular destination for students wishing to live in Melbourne, St. Kilda is one of the best places to live in Melbourne, known for its abundance of cafes, live music, and cinema, as well as several festivals being held here. Students of Charles Sturt University will be glad to learn that this is one of the good areas to live in Melbourne and is just a few minutes away from their university. The safety measures taken by this area are the improved street lighting, revitalisation security programs, and increased police presence in nightlife areas

3. Richmond

Average Rent: A$640 - A$680 per week
Population: 28,000
Safety Index: 75
Best For: Nightlife, foodies, sports fans
Walkability Score: 90/100

Just a short hop away from Melbourne CBD, Richmond is one of the best locations to stay in Melbourne, which has pretty much everything a student could wish for - food, shopping, sporting events, and even access to the city. Close to the bayside Yarra River as well as St Kilda's beaches, Richmond offers students living here the best of both worlds. It is one of Melbourne's best places to live due to its more established transport system. It is known for its celebrations, community events, and even food diversity. The top 3 measures taken for safety by Richmond are community monitoring groups, tram route patrols, and local Facebook safety networks.

4. Hawthorn

Average Rent: A$ 550 - A$ 590 per week
Population: 14,000
Safety Index: 88
Best For: Students, families, professionals
Walkability Score: 85/100

If you've got a green thumb, you're bound to fall in love with Hawthorn. This is certainly one of the best places to live in Melbourne, recognised for its flora, public transportation connectivity, and proximity to Melbourne CBD. Prestigious school safety programs, vibrant community watches, and proximity-based CBD security make it one of the best areas in Melbourne for students. Swinburne University of Technology's campus in the area is quite close to this place, making it the best place to live in Melbourne Australia. 

5. South Yarra

Average Rent: A$600 per week (units)
Population: 19,000
Safety Index: 82
Best For: Shoppers, luxury lifestyle seekers
Walkability Score: 92/100

A Victorian suburban village called South Yarra is located just 4 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. It creates the perfect student environment, making it one of the best places to live in Melbourne. Safety measures such as the vigilant community patrols, well-lit urban paths, and strong transport hub security are a few reasons South Yarra is among the best areas to live in Melbourne. It is close to several major universities, such as Monash University's Caulfield campus and RMIT University, and the suburb is rich in cultural and recreational opportunities. 

6. Caulfield

Average Rent: A$ 550 per week
Population: 5,500
Safety Index: 85
Best For: Families, Monash students
Walkability Score: 75/100

Counted among the best places to stay in Melbourne, Caulfield has a quiet, intrinsic area with a relaxing atmosphere. You won't feel like living in the middle of nowhere because it isn't too quiet or isolated from Melbourne's civilisation. University-adjacent CCTV networks, family neighbourhood watches, and enhanced station lighting are some safety measures followed in Caulfield. It is a posh area in Melbourne that attracts working professionals and families. Caulfield is a convenient location for students of Monash University (Caulfield campus), making it one of the most preferred places in Melbourne to live. 

7. Brunswick

Average Rent: A$ 580 per week
Population: 24,000
Safety Index: 78
Best For: Young professionals, multicultural vibe
Walkability Score: 88/100

Beautiful nature is rarely far from your doorstep when living in Melbourne, and if you are living in  Brunswick, you would be right on the Merri Creek Trail. Cultural precinct policing, community safety apps, and revitalised street lighting are top safety measures taken to maintain safety. It is a free-spirited locality full of impressive art, activism, beautiful vintage shops, and delicious food, so living in Brunswick as a student, you will never have a dull moment, as it is full of things to do in Melbourne for free, including a thriving arts scene.

8. Fitzroy

Average Rent: A$620 per week
Population: 10,500
Safety Index: 80
Best For: Hipsters, artists, food scene lovers
Walkability Score: 96/100

Adding to the list of the best places to live in Melbourne, Fitzroy is a rapidly growing area known for its cafe culture and bohemian vibe. It maintains a low crime rate with measures such as Hipster district patrols, graffiti reduction teams, and 24/7 cafe zone monitoring. Considering it is among the best places in Melbourne to live, Fitzroy has a lot of personality and charm and hosts the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Easily accessible by public transport, it's a booming suburb with many possibilities, so living here as a student would come with the utmost comfort. 

9. Coburg North

Average Rent: A$ 550 per week
Population: 5,000
Safety Index: 88
Best For: Families, budget-conscious buyers
Walkability Score: 70/100

Compared to the other best places to live in Melbourne, Coburg North has a lower average rent cost, which is perfect for students looking for a coastal lifestyle. Coburg is home to multicultural communities, so you will always have easy access to affordable but world-class food, which is why it is among the best places to live in Melbourne as a student, particularly for those in inner-city suburbs. Some safety measures include housing development security, local volunteer watches, and park ranger programs to keep crime under control. Also, a variety of local supermarkets where you can find products and ingredients you may not see at a typical Australian grocery store would be within your reach, which is another reason why this place is one of the best places in Melbourne to live!

10. Seaholme

Average Rent: A$ 520 per week
Population: 1,800
Safety Index: 90
Best For: Beach relaxation, outdoor adventurers
Walkability Score: 65/100

Located only 13 kilometres from the CBD, Seaholme offers students peace and abundance. Reputable colleges and universities, such as Victoria University and Greenwich English College, are also nearby; hence, living in Seaholme won't be a hassle and falls under the list of the best places to stay in Melbourne Australia. Bayside waterfront patrols, quiet residential CCTV, and community emergency responses are some of the measures that contribute to the excellent safety index of Seaholme. Known for its scenic trails, calm beaches, and easy train access, it’s one of the most relaxing places to live in Melbourne for students and families alike.

Cost of Living In The Best Places To Live In Melbourne

The cost of living in the best places to live in Melbourne varies by each suburb, with inner-city areas being pricier and outer suburbs offering better value. Students can expect reasonable expenses like from AUD 2,200 to 2,800 per month on rent, food, and transport while enjoying Melbourne’s high quality of life and convenience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Places to Live in Melbourne

Melbourne is widely regarded as one of the best cities to live in, offering a unique blend of opportunities, comfort, and a high quality of life. The following factors make Melbourne an ideal choice for anyone considering a move to any of the best places to live in Melbourne. 

1. Weather: Many people are drawn to Melbourne's mild climate, which offers a range of experiences throughout the year thanks to its various seasons. Melbourne has a diverse range of weather. It offers bright summers for outdoor activities and warm winters for exploring indoor attractions and sipping hot chocolate in some of the top residential areas in Melbourne. 

2. Public Transportation: Melbourne has a well-developed system of buses, trains, and trams that make it simple to travel around the city. The well-connected transportation infrastructure provides more convenient and sustainable urban living, improves accessibility, and reduces the dependency on private vehicles, as there are a lot of places to visit in Melbourne.

3. Jobs: Melbourne is the second-biggest city in Australia. It offers several part-time job opportunities available in various fields, including finance, technology, and healthcare. Melbourne's booming job market offers plenty of opportunities for career advancement and growth, no matter what your level of experience is.  

4. Safety and Security: Melbourne's low crime rate and reputation for safety provide people with a strong sense of security and peace of mind, making it one of the most liveable cities. Residents are free to explore and enjoy the city without worrying about their safety because of the city's effective law enforcement agencies and well-maintained public areas. These contribute to a safe atmosphere suitable for both daytime activities and nocturnal excursions.

5. Nature and Outdoor Spaces: Melbourne provides its citizens with an abundance of green spaces and natural attractions, even though it is a busy metropolis. Melbourne city offers possibilities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, as one of the best things to do in Melbourne, enabling residents to escape the city and reconnect with nature. 

Seamless Booking With Amber In Melbourne Suburbs!

The best neighbourhoods in Melbourne for students also offer several options for affordable and cheap Melbourne student accommodation. However, if you book at the last minute, it isn't easy to get the ones you like at extremely affordable prices. This makes it very necessary to book your Melbourne student accommodation in the nicest areas in Melbourne early, as you can choose from a wide range of options!

Amber will help you throughout the booking process! You can choose from an exclusive range of comfortable and chic options for student housing in Melbourne, in some of the best areas, at pocket-friendly prices! With the added advantage of early booking, you not only ensure a seamless transition but also unlock exclusive benefits such as discounted rates and preferred choices. Here are some of the top options:

1. Student Village The University of Melbourne Campus from AU$429 per week
2. Carric House from AU$260 per week
3. Scape Melbourne Central from AU$339 per week
4. Scape Berkeley 1 from AU$349 per week
5. Scape Franklin from AU$449 per week

Due to its large size, Melbourne has a very diverse population and multicultural communities across the city, so you will fit right in as an international student. Living in Melbourne as a student is accessible and comfortable regardless of where you base yourself, ensuring you'll never be far from the bustle. Make a move and explore the fun and vivacity Melbourne has to offer. Known for its vibrant nightlife, make sure to have a look at the best clubs in Melbourne so that you don't miss out on any new experiences.

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