Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Melbourne's property market is included in our pack
Everything you need to know before moving to Melbourne is covered in this guide, from salaries and housing costs to visas and neighborhood recommendations.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and trends, so you always have access to current information about expat life in Melbourne in 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Melbourne.
Is Melbourne a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, Melbourne's quality of life trajectory is mixed, with strong cultural amenities and dining scenes remaining excellent while housing affordability and healthcare access create ongoing pressure for newcomers.
The most notable improvement in Melbourne over the past two to three years has been the recovery of its famous events calendar and hospitality scene, with venues, restaurants, and cultural institutions now operating at full capacity after pandemic disruptions.
However, the persistent challenge that continues to affect Melbourne residents is rental competition, where applicants often face multiple inspections and need to provide extensive documentation just to secure a lease in popular inner suburbs.
Are hospitals good in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, Melbourne hospitals are considered among the best in Australia and compare favorably to Western European and North American standards, with several world-class tertiary facilities and strong private options available throughout the city.
Expats in Melbourne commonly recommend The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Alfred, and Epworth Hospital (private) for their quality of care and English-speaking staff familiar with international patients.
A standard GP consultation in Melbourne in 2026 typically costs around AUD 80 to 95 (approximately USD 50 to 60 or EUR 47 to 56), with an out-of-pocket gap of AUD 30 to 50 after any Medicare rebate if you are eligible.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Melbourne, and it is actually required for many visa categories; if you are not eligible for Medicare through citizenship, permanent residency, or a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, you should assume private cover is essential.
Are there any good international schools in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, Melbourne has a solid selection of international schools offering IB, British, and other global curricula, with approximately 20 to 30 schools providing internationally recognized programs across the metropolitan area.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Melbourne include Wesley College (offering the full IB continuum across three campuses), Haileybury (with IB and VCE options), and Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) for girls seeking the IB Diploma.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Melbourne in 2026 typically range from AUD 25,000 to 55,000 (approximately USD 16,000 to 35,000 or EUR 15,000 to 33,000), with additional costs for uniforms, devices, excursions, and levies.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Melbourne can be long, especially for entry years like Prep (Foundation), Year 7, and Year 11, so families are advised to apply 6 to 18 months ahead; public schools are a viable alternative and many are excellent, but admission depends on your residential catchment zone.
Is Melbourne a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Melbourne is generally considered a safe city by international standards, with a safety index comparable to other major Australian cities and significantly lower violent crime rates than most large North American cities.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Melbourne involve opportunistic theft (such as pickpocketing in crowded areas and car break-ins), alcohol-related incidents near nightlife precincts late at night, and occasional scams targeting newcomers unfamiliar with local norms.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Melbourne include Balwyn, Camberwell, Kew, Glen Waverley, and South Melbourne, which all have low crime rates, good street lighting, active community presence, and easy access to public transport.
Women can generally live alone safely in Melbourne, with many doing so in well-lit, pedestrian-friendly inner suburbs; common precautions include avoiding poorly lit laneways late at night, staying aware in nightlife areas, and using well-traveled public transport routes.
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How much does everyday life cost in Melbourne in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs approximately AUD 4,800 to 6,800 per month (around USD 3,000 to 4,300 or EUR 2,800 to 4,000) to live comfortably in Melbourne while renting a one-bedroom apartment in an inner or middle suburb.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Melbourne, including a shared apartment, basic groceries, public transport, and limited dining out, a single person can manage on around AUD 3,500 to 4,500 per month (approximately USD 2,200 to 2,800 or EUR 2,100 to 2,700).
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Melbourne, with a quality one-bedroom apartment in a trendy suburb, regular dining out, entertainment, and travel, requires approximately AUD 6,500 to 8,500 per month (around USD 4,100 to 5,400 or EUR 3,800 to 5,000).
Housing consistently takes up the largest share of a monthly budget in Melbourne in 2026, with rent typically consuming 35% to 45% of take-home pay for inner-city dwellers; this is notably higher than in many other Australian cities and is the main cost driver that surprises newcomers.
What is the average income tax rate in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Melbourne earning around AUD 90,000 to 120,000 per year pays an effective (average) income tax rate of approximately 25% to 32%, including the Medicare levy of 2%.
Australia uses progressive tax brackets, with marginal rates starting at 0% for income up to AUD 18,200, rising through 16%, 30%, 37%, and reaching 45% for income above AUD 190,000; most Melbourne expats earning professional salaries fall into the 30% to 37% marginal bracket.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Melbourne in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats and overseas-born residents in Melbourne include India, China, England, New Zealand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, reflecting both historic migration patterns and recent skilled visa inflows.
Melbourne has one of the highest proportions of overseas-born residents of any major city globally, with approximately 35% to 40% of Greater Melbourne's population born outside Australia according to Census data.
Expats from India and China are drawn to Melbourne primarily for education and skilled employment opportunities, while those from the UK and New Zealand often cite lifestyle, family connections, and easier visa pathways as key motivations.
The expat population in Melbourne is predominantly a mix of working professionals and international students, with a smaller but growing segment of retirees and digital nomads attracted by the city's livability and cultural diversity.
Where do most expats live in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods where expats concentrate in Melbourne include Southbank, Docklands, Carlton, South Yarra, Richmond, St Kilda, and the CBD for inner-city living, plus Box Hill, Glen Waverley, and Clayton for those seeking established Asian community networks.
These Melbourne neighborhoods attract expats because they offer a combination of excellent public transport connections, walkable access to amenities, high-density rental stock that accepts shorter lease terms, and established international food and service options.
Emerging neighborhoods in Melbourne that are starting to attract more expats include Footscray (for its affordability and food scene), Brunswick East, Northcote, and Preston, where rental prices are lower but public transport links and cafe culture are improving rapidly.
Are expats moving in or leaving Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, Melbourne is experiencing a net inflow of expats, driven largely by Australia's skilled migration program, international student recovery, and the city's reputation as one of the world's most livable destinations.
The main factor driving expats to move to Melbourne right now is the combination of strong job opportunities in healthcare, technology, education, and professional services, alongside a high quality of life and multicultural environment.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Melbourne recently is the high cost of housing, particularly rental prices in desirable inner suburbs, which can make the city feel unaffordable compared to other Australian cities or home countries.
Compared to other Australian destinations like Brisbane and Perth, Melbourne continues to attract a larger absolute number of expats due to its size and diversity, though Brisbane is growing faster in percentage terms as some migrants seek more affordable alternatives.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Melbourne in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Melbourne are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), and the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) for employer-sponsored workers.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) requires applicants to be under 45 years old, have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, pass an English language test, obtain a positive skills assessment, and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect before receiving an invitation to apply.
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, though some expats use Working Holiday visas (subclass 417 or 462, age and nationality dependent) or short-term visitor visas while working remotely for overseas employers, which exists in a legal gray area.
The most popular skilled visas in Melbourne typically grant permanent residency (for subclass 189 and 186) or temporary stays of 2 to 4 years (for subclass 482), with renewal or pathway options depending on employer sponsorship and occupation demand.
How long does it take to get residency in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain permanent residency in Melbourne through skilled visas ranges from 6 to 18 months after receiving an invitation, though the pre-invitation EOI wait can add several months or even years depending on occupation and points score.
Common factors that can delay residency applications in Melbourne include incomplete documentation, delays in skills assessments, health check processing times, character clearances from multiple countries, and high application volumes in popular occupation categories.
To become eligible for Australian citizenship after obtaining permanent residency, an expat must live in Australia for at least 4 years (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident), meet character and residency requirements, and pass a citizenship test.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Melbourne in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Melbourne are healthcare and social assistance (including aged care and nursing), professional services (including IT, cybersecurity, finance, and consulting), and construction and infrastructure driven by major government projects.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Melbourne without speaking languages other than English, since English is the working language across all professional sectors; the real barriers are more often visa work rights, local credentials recognition for regulated professions (like healthcare and engineering), and the preference some employers have for candidates with Australian experience.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Melbourne include software development and IT specialist positions, nursing and allied health roles (after credentials assessment), accounting and finance positions, teaching (especially STEM and special education), and hospitality management for those with relevant experience.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in professional roles in Melbourne is AUD 80,000 to 150,000 per year (approximately USD 50,000 to 95,000 or EUR 47,000 to 88,000), depending heavily on industry, experience level, and specialist skills.
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Melbourne typically pay AUD 70,000 to 110,000 per year (around USD 44,000 to 70,000 or EUR 41,000 to 65,000), with roles in administration, junior IT, early-career finance, and hospitality management falling in this range.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Melbourne, such as senior software engineers, healthcare specialists, finance managers, and engineering leads, typically command AUD 140,000 to 220,000 or more per year (approximately USD 88,000 to 140,000 or EUR 82,000 to 130,000).
Employers in Melbourne do commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires, particularly in sectors with documented skill shortages like healthcare, IT, engineering, and certain trades, though sponsorship is less common for generalist roles where local candidates are readily available.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Melbourne right now?
What do expats love most about living in Melbourne right now?
Expats consistently cite Melbourne's world-class food and coffee culture, the distinct personality of each neighborhood, and the city's packed calendar of arts, sports, and cultural events as the top things they love about living here.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Melbourne is the work-life balance, with many professionals appreciating that Australians genuinely value time off, outdoor activities, and socializing after work.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Melbourne is the excellent public transport network (trams, trains, and buses) combined with the walkability of inner suburbs, which means many residents can live car-free without sacrificing convenience.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Melbourne particularly enjoyable for expats is the city's genuine multiculturalism, where diverse cuisines, languages, and cultural festivals are part of everyday life rather than novelty attractions.
What do expats dislike most about life in Melbourne right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Melbourne include the competitive and stressful rental application process, the unpredictable weather (locals joke about four seasons in one day), and the unexpectedly high cost of dining out and entertainment compared to expectations.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Melbourne is the rental application process, which feels more like applying for a job than signing a lease, requiring extensive documentation, references, rental history, and often competing against dozens of other applicants at open inspections.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Melbourne is the recognition of overseas qualifications, particularly for healthcare professionals, engineers, and teachers, where skills assessments can take months and may require additional bridging courses.
These common frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats in Melbourne, as the quality of life, job opportunities, and lifestyle benefits typically outweigh the initial adjustment challenges once settled.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Melbourne right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Melbourne include the intensity of the rental market (where you essentially "interview" for an apartment), the genuine importance Australians place on weekends and holidays, and how quickly social life becomes centered on your local neighborhood.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Melbourne is the egalitarian directness, where hierarchies are flatter than in many countries, first names are used universally, and people speak frankly regardless of seniority or status.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Melbourne is the timing of everything: shops and services often close earlier than expected (especially on Sundays), dinner is eaten earlier than in Southern Europe or Latin America, and the CBD can feel quiet after office hours compared to cities like London or New York.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Melbourne in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Melbourne is restricted rather than prohibited, with foreigners generally allowed to purchase new dwellings and vacant land (subject to FIRB approval) but banned from buying established (existing) dwellings under rules effective from April 2025 to March 2027.
The specific restrictions for foreigners buying property in Melbourne include the requirement to obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchase, payment of application fees, and the current ban on established dwellings which means you can only buy off-the-plan apartments, new builds, or vacant land for development.
Foreigners in Melbourne can typically purchase new apartments, house-and-land packages, and vacant residential land intended for development; they cannot purchase established houses or apartments that have been previously occupied, with limited exceptions for temporary residents buying a home to live in (which must be sold upon departure).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Melbourne.
What is the average price per m² in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average price per square meter for residential property in Melbourne is approximately AUD 9,500 to 12,500 per m² for apartments (around USD 6,000 to 7,900 or EUR 5,600 to 7,400) and AUD 6,000 to 9,000 per m² for houses based on internal floor area, though land value dominates house prices.
Property prices in Melbourne have been relatively stable over the past two to three years after strong growth earlier in the decade, with the median dwelling value around AUD 820,000 to 850,000 and modest quarterly fluctuations reflecting interest rate changes and population growth pressures.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Melbourne here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Melbourne in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Melbourne are available but limited, with fewer lenders willing to offer financing to non-residents and stricter conditions compared to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Banks in Melbourne known to offer mortgages to foreigners include NAB, Commonwealth Bank, and some smaller lenders and non-bank financiers, though policies change frequently and broker assistance is often helpful.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Melbourne include higher deposit requirements (often 30% to 40% of the property value versus 20% for residents), interest rates that may be slightly higher than standard rates, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 30 years.
Documents foreigners typically need to qualify for a mortgage in Melbourne include proof of foreign income (often requiring translation and currency conversion), passport and visa documentation, evidence of deposit funds, a credit check from the home country, and FIRB approval for the property purchase.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Melbourne, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force | Australia's official statistics agency for employment data. | We used it to ground Melbourne's job market discussion in current national labour conditions. We also used it to avoid guesswork about hiring trends in 2026. |
| Victorian Government Rental Report (DFFH) | Official Victorian Government rental market data based on bond lodgements. | We used it as the primary anchor for median weekly rent in Melbourne. We built our monthly budget estimates around these official figures. |
| ABS Census QuickStats | The most complete official snapshot of who lives where in Australia. | We used it to identify expat-dense neighborhoods with real data. We also used it to support our suburb recommendations with actual Census figures. |
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Foreign Investment Guide | Official authority for foreign property purchase rules in Australia. | We used it to explain what foreigners can legally buy in Melbourne in 2026. We relied on it to avoid outdated or incorrect property advice. |
| Department of Home Affairs Visa Processing Times | Official and regularly updated visa processing reference. | We used it to give realistic timeframes for residency applications. We recommended it as the source of truth for anyone planning their move. |
| Medical Costs Finder (Australian Government) | Official tool designed to increase transparency on medical fees. | We used it to estimate GP appointment costs accurately. We paired it with Medicare information to explain out-of-pocket expenses. |
| Crime Statistics Agency Victoria | Independent agency publishing all Victorian crime statistics. | We used it as the baseline for safety assessments in Melbourne. We referenced it to identify safer suburbs for expat recommendations. |
| NAB Melbourne Property Market Insights | Major bank research sourced from established housing datasets. | We used it for a concrete median dwelling value benchmark in early 2026. We calculated price-per-m² estimates using this data. |
| REIV Residential Rentals Data | Main industry body in Victoria publishing regular market snapshots. | We used it to cross-check rent levels against government data. We referenced late-2025 figures to reflect current market conditions. |
| Hays Recruitment Jobs Report | Major recruitment firm with detailed industry hiring data. | We used it to identify in-demand occupations in Melbourne. We referenced salary benchmarks to validate our income estimates. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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