Get tips, join events & make friends in Melbourne
Are you a Brit living in Melbourne or planning to move here? Life abroad is a great opportunity to explore and experience new cultures, but there are bound to be moments when you miss your home country and want to connect with fellow Brits.
Having a network of Brits is more useful than you might expect. Want to know where the best international school is? Or would you like a few buddies to watch the FA Cup with? Our community has you covered. Learn about what other British expats think about the ups and downs of life in Melbourne, and find out how and where to meet them.
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Alain Nguyen
It was easier getting to know other expatriates in Melbourne with this platform and to share our previous experiences in Australia.
Samantha Greene
I love the idea of going out with other expats here in Melbourne and exploring the nightlife this city has to offer.
Why you'll love InterNations in Melbourne
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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The pros & cons of living in Melbourne
No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad and the ugly—read about what our British members love about Melbourne as well as the challenges they face.
Pros of living in Melbourne
Work–life balance: Brits love that they can balance their work and personal life in Melbourne. They can spend time with their family or engage in recreational activities while working full-time.
Safety: Melbourne ranked among the 10 safest cities in the world, according to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2021. So walking around on your own, even at night, should be no issue.
Great healthcare and education: No one would doubt Melbourne when it comes to quality of life. Scoring perfectly on both healthcare and education based on The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) assessment, healthcare in Melbourne is affordable and accessible. The education system is top-notch with many great international schools ranging from preschool to universities.
Diverse cuisine: British classics like fish and chips are easy to find here. You can also find a variety of cuisine, like Asian and Middle Eastern. From 5-star restaurants to casual street food, you’ll never run out of options.
Cons of living in Melbourne
High living costs: While most expats find the job compensation fair, many still find the cost of living in Melbourne relatively high. According to data on Numbeo, the average living cost in 2026 for a single person is approximately 3,500–4,500 AUD (~1,850–2,400 GBP), including rent, which will be your biggest cost factor.
Accommodation challenges: Housing problems are common struggles for expats in many cities, including Melbourne. It can be difficult to find an affordable, let alone suitable, place to live.
Unpredictable weather: The city is influenced by both Arctic currents and dry desert winds, which often lead to sudden climate changes or temperature drops. In summer, it’s hot and dry, but within a few days, the temperature can go down drastically. And it’s often windy and rainy.
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Meet Brits at our weekly Melbourne events
Making friends in a new city may not come easy, but it will be less challenging if you’re going to the right places. InterNations events are designed for expats, providing a place where you can meet other Brits or expats in general.
Our Newcomers’ Events are geared towards people new to the city or new members. Ambassadors will warmly welcome you and introduce you to fellow expats. Check out our upcoming events so you don’t miss the opportunity to build networks and make Melbourne feel like home!
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Frequent questions by Brits interested in Melbourne
There are several pubs, bars, and restaurants that Brits visit when they want to have a drink in pubs similar to those back home. Some of the best ones in the Central Business District (CBD) include Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens. If you’re willing to go farther outside the CBD, The Last Jar by the Queen Vic Market is also a great option.
You may bump into other Brits at these locations, but that requires luck. To make new friends the easy way, consider attending specific events for expats in Melbourne.
Our InterNations events are a great opportunity for you to meet other Brits and expats in general. We also have Newcomers’ Events for people new to the community. Making friends doesn’t have to be hard!
Most Brits live in the central and southern suburbs of Melbourne, which are the most international parts of town. International companies and opportunities for international socializing tend to be near the center.
Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods for expats in Melbourne:
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Melbourne City Business District (CBD): The city center, where most international offices are located and many entertainment options. It’s also the most expensive neighborhood.
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South Yarra: A cosmopolitan suburb that’s only 4 km from the center; great for young professionals looking for job opportunities.
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Doncaster East: A family-friendly suburb with many great schools, lots of green spaces, parks, and playgrounds. It’s very safe.
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Footscray: Best on a budget. Housing prices are relatively affordable, and there are good schools and surrounding facilities, with lots of multicultural dining options.
Your income should match the living costs here, which can vary depending on your situation, status, lifestyle, and the area you live in. Being a single individual and having a family to provide for leads to different costs of living; the same goes for living in the central area versus the suburbs.
Here’s an overview of the monthly cost of living in Melbourne:
| AUD | GBP (approx.) | |
Studio apartment | 1,800–2,400 | 960–1,250 |
Small family home | 2,700–4,400 | 1,400–2,300 |
Utilities | 240 | 125 |
Mobile phone & internet | 110 | 60 |
Health insurance | 85–270 | 45–140 |
Public transport | 180 | 96 |
Groceries | 120–450 | 65–240 |
Meal at a restaurant | 25 | 13 |
According to ERI’s Global Salary Calculator, the average salary in Melbourne is 7,400 AUD (~3,935 GBP) per month (88,800 AUD or 47,200 GBP per year).
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Find friends to pursue your hobbies & passions with
Sharing in your hobbies with new people in a new city is an experience you should try! There are a variety of InterNations Groups for you to join based on your interests, from music to sports.
These groups are led by dedicated Consuls who organize at least one activity each month. From sightseeing at the National Gallery of Victoria — Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum — to tasting high-quality produce and shopping at the Queen Victoria Market, enjoy events with fellow global minds.
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Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just active in Melbourne — InterNations offers lively communities in most of Australia’s major cities. If you’re travelling or moving to another city in Australia, check out our British communities in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle.
But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while travelling further abroad, we have communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all InterNations Communities.
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British expats in Australia
Other Nationalities in Melbourne
Australia Guide Topics
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