Melbourne and Sydney are the two most populous cities in Australia. Both sit on the coast, and both offer beautiful beaches. In addition, they both offer great opportunities for those looking to explore everything that Australia has to offer.

These two cities are about as different as they can be, though.

In this blog post, I talk about why Melbourne is better than Sydney. It will give you some ideas on how you can plan the perfect trip to the Victorian capital!

1. Most livable city award

Melbourne does offer the world’s most livable city title for years running.

The Victorian capital tops the list in the 2015-2017 rankings. Also, The Global Livability Index puts Melbourne in second place in the 2018 and 2019 rankings.

The ranking considers Melbourne’s low unemployment rate, low pollution, and high quality of life. Hence, it’s your number one choice if you want to live in a city that’s both safe and enjoyable.

2. More affordable living

For starters, Melbourne is cheaper to live in than in Sydney.

The cost of living in Melbourne is much lower than in Sydney. Hence, you can live a more comfortable lifestyle near the Victorian capital on less money.

Also, Melbourne offers some serious deals on real estate.

As per the June quarter of 2021, the average house price in Melbourne sits at $1,022,927. That’s about 37% lower than Sydney, which has a median house price of $1,410,133.

In addition to this, Melbourne has a more laid-back lifestyle. So, it’s much easier to find a job there than in Sydney.

According to the Australian Labor Market, Melbourne has an Unemployment rate of 5.6%. On the other hand, Sydney has a 6.6% unemployment rate.

3. Diverse culture

Melbourne offers more in terms of culture.

Melbourne is the cultural hub that caters to creatives and those who enjoy a more chilled-out lifestyle. The Victorian capital has people from across 140 nations living harmoniously together.

Whereas Sydney is all about business, Melbourne is all about community.

Study shows that the people of Melbourne are friendlier than those of Sydney. So now, you can walk around without feeling like a tourist.

The diverse culture in the city also leads to an eclectic lifestyle you can’t find in any other Australian city.

4. Thriving arts scene

Melbourne has a thriving art scene that includes everything from theater to music to visual art.

Not to mention, it has more museums and art galleries than Sydney. In Melbourne, you’ll get more than 100 galleries, ranging from artist-run spaces, commercial galleries to large public galleries.

Did you know that it’s also home to the Ian Potter Centre? Well, this is the world’s first major public gallery that’s dedicated to Australian art.

Also, Melbourne is home to the country’s most visited museum, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

5. Better schools

Melbourne also offers better schools for families who want to raise their children there.

Melbourne is home to many of the country’s top universities. In fact, it ranks only second to Tokyo in the 2021 Best student cities ranking.

So, if you live in Melbourne, you’ll have more opportunities for higher education when you go to college or university.

6. Diverse weather

The weather in Melbourne is also a bonus.

It’s known for being changeable from warm to cool, from dry to wet. In Melbourne, you’ll get to experience four seasons in one day!

Also, Melbourne has a milder summer temperature between 14-25.3°C. So now, you can enjoy your leisure time outside without having to worry about the heat or sunburns.

7. Extensive public transportation

With less traffic than Sydney, it’s easier to get around Melbourne

The trams, for one, are excellent. This is because Melbourne has the best tram system for getting around the city. Moreover, it’s also the world’s biggest.

The best part? Traveling on the city circle tram is also free

In addition, Melbourne has a renowned underground loop that links to 12 suburb rail lines. And lest I forget, the Victorian capital also has enough laneway to keep you occupied for days.

8. Incredible food scene

The food is incredible in Melbourne.

Foodies will love exploring Melbourne for its diverse culinary scene and restaurants. Here, you’ll get every cuisine imaginable from all over the world.

9. Vibrant nightlife

Melbourne has all nightlife essentials (nightclubs, jazz venues, live music) without lockouts.

Here, you can party all night! In fact, there’s nothing as a bad time to be in Melbourne. Even during winter months when other cities are slow, Melbourne still has plenty going on at its clubs and bars.

Conclusion

There are a ton of reasons why Melbourne is better than Sydney.

The Victorian capital has thriving arts and culture scene. Not to mention it has burgeoning food and wine culture.

In addition, it’s the best place to study and also boasts a lower cost of living. Let’s not forget it also has one of the best public transport systems .

So, if you want an easy life and a comfortable place to call home, Melbourne is your best option.