People tend to prefer Sydney and Melbourne. These cities have been around for quite some time, and as such, have established economies, robust job markets, and thriving populations.
As far back as anyone can remember, the question of "where to live and work — Sydney or Melbourne?" has been debated. Which one is preferable for starting a business, having a family, and advancing one's career?
The animosity between the two cities predates both. As the final decision comes down to individual preferences, you'll need to do some research to determine which option is best for you.
FAQs About Sydney And Melbourne
Melbourne is slower paced in comparison to Sydney, there are jobs in both cities, and it depends on your industry, qualifications, skills, experience and profession. Try doing your research to see what suits you first, and then go in for the jugular of working out the job situation.
Sydney and Melbourne offer the highest job opportunities in Australia; Canberra is a Government and university town with few businesses; Brisbane has jobs but not as many as Sydney and Melbourne.
Sydney wins. Sydney is the most spectacular city in Australia with amazing harbour views, better weather and picturesque beaches. However, Melbourne has many of the hippest and coolest suburbs in Oz, and on average most people live in suburbs of a better standard than Sydney.
Melbourne has a well-developed job market, making it easier to find a workplace, even unskilled workers. While not cheap, the average house in Melbourne is around A$100,000 less than in Sydney. Accommodations are the biggest expense in Melbourne.
It's not easy. Unless you are well connected in your field, more than likely, you won't get a job offer easily. Our job market runs on connections and internal references. Although, if you keep going at it for a couple of years, eventually you will land a good and secure job, the hardest part is the first couple of years.
How to Choose Between Sydney and Melbourne for Your Next Job
Problematically, despite slight variances in their individual point totals, both of these cities are noteworthy in their own right and would be equally fearsome if included in a pack of Top Trump cards. On the other hand, this could be the quickest and easiest approach to evaluate both possibilities and select the one that best meets your requirements.
Melbourne and Sydney provide different career opportunities. While both Melbourne and Sydney are vital to Australia's economy, each has seen success in specialised fields.
New South Wales' state treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, claims that the state created approximately 180,000 new jobs in 2015. An increase of about 5 percent can be seen here.
Opportunities for growth and investment in the home care business are particularly promising in the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
Sydney and Melbourne's robust housing markets have resulted in a surge in demand for related services like as gardening, cleaning, and handyman jobs.
In the previous few years, home services have skyrocketed along with the rest of the service sector. Starting a landscaping or maid service in two locations is a smart move. This could be a great chance for immigrants to Australia because it does not require any prior work experience or credentials specific to Australia, pays well, and offers room for advancement if successful.
What You Need To Know About Securing Employment in Melbourne
In Melbourne, finding a job might be difficult. For many foreign students, getting their first job is the most challenging part of their transition to life in the United States.
In today's competitive employment market, having local experience and references can give you an edge. Things will start looking up from there on out.
It is recommended that those moving to Victoria (VIC) get in touch with local businesses in preparation. Search for their contact information online and reach out to them. You can accelerate your job search by joining one of these groups.
The presence of Ford, Holden, and Toyota factories in or near Melbourne makes the city a desirable workplace for people in the automotive industry.
People who work in banks are also quite fortunate (but even more in Sydney). Two of Australia's four largest banks are located in Melbourne.
The city not only houses the BHP Billiton headquarters, Australia's largest company, but also has a robust biotech industry. Melbourne is also home to Australia's largest port.
In Search Of Employment In Sydney
Sydney is the finest city for business professionals to find work. Furthermore, as the financial centre of Australia, Sydney contributes 25% to the country's GDP.
Banking is Sydney's largest industry, and it pays well to be a part of it. The headquarters of the world's twenty largest banks are all located in Sydney.
Retail is the greatest employment by far, while the manufacturing industry is ranked second, behind the banking sector. This variety of individuals and industries gives the city a competitive edge in attracting residents.
The city of Sydney is a fantastic spot to start a pest control business because some insects and rodents like metropolitan environments and the city only handles public places.
Pay Scale Average
Since the cost of living is high in both locations, financial considerations play a significant role. Expenses are inevitable, and the cost of living varies greatly between the two locations.
In both metropolises, the richest 20% of households are responsible for 61% of all household wealth.
Melbourne's Typical Salary
Salary levels in Victoria average roughly $75,000 a year.
Melbourne may have lower wages (by 5- 10%) than Sydney, but housing costs (by 30%) are far more reasonable in Melbourne. This, however, is mostly conditional on the particular suburb in question.
Salary Typical Of Sydney
Sydney is a prosperous city with an average annual salary of over A$80,000.
Of course, you may easily earn more than the median pay because the sectors are mature and the occupations are more professionally demanding.
The Time It Takes To Get To Work
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of people who consider their commute to be a second job (it turns out it can even be bad for you). People in both cities have to commute for long periods of time to get to work, but in Melbourne, the advantage goes to commuters.
Travel Time to Work in Melbourne, on Average
The tram network serves much of the city, so it shouldn't be a problem (comfortable and the best in Australia).
Taking public transportation makes the commute to and from work quick and painless.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Work On Average In Sydney?
The traffic in Sydney is infamous. This time, the travel is about 15 kilometres, however it takes significantly longer than in Melbourne. If you're taking the car, of course. Due to the narrowness of the streets, traffic jams are more common.
To get to the heart of everything, though, the daily ferry is a great option. The morning hours are often best spent doing this.
Budgeting Your Life: A Look at Other Countries' Living Costs
There are advantages and disadvantages to living in either city. Which city is best depends on the specific person and their requirements. For instance, Sydney may offer more opportunities for professional development, but Melbourne may have more affordable housing possibilities.
Average Monthly Expenditures in Melbourne
Because of Melbourne's robust economy, job seekers of all educational and professional backgrounds should have little trouble securing suitable employment. It's no tiny difference, but the average Melbourne home costs around A$100,000 less than the average Sydney property.
Melbourne has expensive lodgings. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne will cost you roughly A$2,500 per month. Rental costs vary depending on location. Costs of going out to dinner for two average A$30, with entertainment adding another A$17. The nightly rate for two persons is between A$120 and A$150.
Sydney's Expensive Cost of Living
Most of a family's monthly budget goes towards rent or a mortgage payment and other housing expenses. You may expect to pay roughly A$3,800 per month for a modestly sized flat of 85 square feet. Typically, the purchase price of a home is around $500,000, making it one of the most expensive major purchases most people will ever make.
Two people may expect to spend about A$100 on an evening out, including supper, a concert, and drinks. Think about the monthly A$300 that can be spent on utilities, depending on your usage.
To Choose Between Iconic Value Of Working In Sydney Or Melbourne
In response to a question about well-known Australian sites, Sydney, New South Wales's Royal Opera House and Harbour Bridge are always mentioned first. Furthermore, Sydney is the more well-known city in the globe, earning it a 9 out of 10 in this category. To get as close as you can in Melbourne to seeing images you've seen your whole life, visit Ramsey Street, which is always a thrill for visitors. Melbourne only earns 6/10 because to its lack of must-see landmarks, but fans of the TV show Neighbours will adore the fact that you can organise a tour of the set.
Let's imagine you're planning to spend some time in Australia on a work and travel visa, but that securing a steady income is your major concern. You may be tempted to uproot your life and move to Sydney, but you should be aware of the city's prohibitive living costs before you make the move. Generally speaking, salaries in Sydney are ten percent more than in Melbourne. It all depends on the specifics of the job you land. Those interested in working in the hospitality industry can find many opportunities.
Beaches
Visitors to Melbourne won't have to go very far to access the renowned Great Ocean Road. A memorial drive spanning 243 kilometres, it honours the sacrifices made by Americans during World War One. It's in close proximity to all the exciting things to do and see. We recommend seeing Bells Beach, the (less than) Twelve Apostles, and The Bay of Islands. You can either go on a hike in the rain forest or take a helicopter ride over it.
This is hardly surprising given that Sydney is home to Bondi Beach, one of the most well-known beaches in the world. The waves in this area of Australia are some of the best for surfing, and the crystal clear water makes it a great place to surf or people-watch. Bondi is only one of many beautiful beaches in Sydney; if you don't want to spend all your time there, consider taking the ferry to nearby Manly. Melbourne's beaches are a close second, with a score of 7 out of 10.
St. Kilda is easily accessible by tram and is constantly bustling with sightseers. One of the biggest reasons Melbourne's beaches have a bad reputation is possibly the trash that litters them. Not that there is nothing worthwhile; take a trip down the coast in search of a jackpot and you'll see what I mean. Half Moon Bay is worth a visit if you're in the region, but if you don't have a car, you can still have a good time by catching the train to Brighton Beach.
Cultural Expressions
While Sydney naturally attracts a wide variety of celebrities due to its location, Australia's cultural centre and arts scene can be found in Melbourne.
Any night of the week, you can see a show in Melbourne because every major international musician touring Australia will stop there. Melbourne's strong cultural identity is reflected in the city's residents' devotion to live music venues. Melbourne is home to many museums, galleries, and theatres in addition to its spectacular street art. If you're more on the unusual side, you might find a better fit in Melbourne than in Sydney.
The city is perpetually covered in vintage-style posters that announce upcoming events in excruciating detail. Melbourne caters to a wide range of interests, from the mainstream to the extremes of the music, fashion, theatre, dance, art, and even more niche genres. There's a good reason why hundreds of hipsters are always congregating there; if you find that kind of thing annoying, you might want to consider Sydney instead. Despite its increased popularity, I still rate it an 8 out of 10 for its contribution to the creative community.
Landscape Design and Building Construction
Sydney has the more recognisable landmarks, yet both cities have their advantages and disadvantages. The historic architecture of Melbourne includes the stately Public Library on Swanston Street, the ornate Flinders Street Station, and the ornate Royal Arcade on Bourke Street. To the contrary, the sharp corners of Federation Square and any structure dubbed The Snot will be offensive to the sight while examining the modern.
Many Melburnians feel that Sydney's sterile, corporate atmosphere is at odds with the city's otherwise diverse and exciting architectural scene. However, there are many museums dedicated to history spread across the city. Also, there's the singing area and the bridge. The Blue Mountains to the north of Sydney are a must-see for tourists since they are unlike any other mountain range in the globe, while the Great Ocean Road to the west of Melbourne offers a unique experience. You may look forwards to seeing some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia.
Stick around Sydney instead than Melbourne if you want to maintain your tourist status. The nightlife in Sydney is also much more vibrant. Explore Darling Harbour, Port Jackson Bay, and Circular Quay in addition to the world-famous Sydney Opera House. If you're looking for peace and quiet, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a great place to visit, as is the Powerhouse Museum and a boat trip of the bay.
Diversity of Cultures
Sydney receives a large influx of visitors and international immigrants each year. There is a higher percentage of non-Australian born people in Sydney than there is in Melbourne, so you could feel more at home there. The United Kingdom, China, India, and New Zealand are popular departure points for citizens seeking a new life elsewhere. Don't stress too much about meeting people. There's no need to feel lonely; Australians are known for their friendliness and openness.
Recreational Activities, including Dining and Drinking
Dressing to impress is a must if you plan on spending the evening in any central business district (CBD), as are your dancing shoes. Conversely, Sydney may be the place for you with its larger clubs and metropolitan bars and eateries, especially if you are easily pleased and a fan of mainstream settings. You may relax, take in beautiful scenery, and eat some delicious food at one of the many harborside restaurants. To have fun without breaking the bank while on a traveler's budget, simply make your way to Kings Cross, which is home to numerous bars and clubs.
The dining scene offers a wide range of options. Italian, Greek, Lebanese, and most notably, Asian food of every variety. Numerous top-notch restaurants provide reasonably priced daily menus. You surely won't be hungry if you settle in Melbourne.
As a result of everything, I rate it an 8 out of 10, which is behind Melbourne's 9 out of 10. There are eateries in every nook and cranny, which will please any foodie who visits. More than you could ever hope to try, not to mention the secret bars that will become obvious over time. Even while there aren't as many nightlife options in central Melbourne as there are in Sydney, neighbourhoods like Brunswick, Fitzroy, and Prahan are never short of fun things to do on the weekend.
Weather
So, let's talk about the weather. In comparison to Melbourne's 185 bright days, Sydney's average annual total is around 230. The coldest month in both locations is July, when average highs are about 8 degrees Celsius, while the warmest month is January, when average highs are around 19 degrees Celsius (the hottest month). Sydney experiences more rain, but also more sunshine. Although the decision ultimately rests on each individual, Sydney's climate makes it the clear winner.
Don't assume that since you're in Australia that the weather will always be perfect. All four seasons can be experienced in a single day in Melbourne, which is located in the south. The summer months are lovely despite the sometimes unbearable heat (40 degrees and up) that can occur. Sydney is still hot, and it rains more than is ideal, but it gets an 8 out of 10 for its few 20-degree winter days, while Melbourne only gets a 7 out of 10 because of its occasional cold nights (it got down to -2 degrees F on one this year).
Nightlife
It's cheaper than Sydney and boasts a wider variety of nightlife options, from chic clubs to dives. Melbourne is the place to be if you want to see incredible sporting events, as it is also the football capital of the country.
Backpacker Culture
Right now, the most important aspect is a tie (9/10). Gains in wealth can be attained with little effort if you live in a major city because of the abundance of available jobs there. These are not the most expensive places to live in Australia, despite their status as large cities. South Eastern states are likely to have more affordable prices than Western Australia's major cities such as Perth and Darwin, as well as the rest of the country. Backpackers from all over the world congregate in the Kings Cross area of Sydney. If Sydney had a beach, it would look like St. Kilda. Cities are full of other travellers like yourself, so finding a pleasant hotel or room in someone's house shouldn't be difficult.
You should give careful consideration to your monthly rent budget when looking for a new place to live. Moving from Sydney, where the typical apartment is roughly 30% more expensive, to Melbourne can save you a large amount of money each month just on rent. A one-bedroom apartment in a prime location will set you back around $1,800 in Melbourne and $2,600 in Sydney every month.
Furthermore, Sydney is a better alternative than Melbourne if you value activities such as walking, running, and swimming. Even if Melbourne's weather is more reliably pleasant, Sydney's excellent public transit infrastructure makes it the better choice in wetter conditions. That's probably why it's more popular in Sydney than in Melbourne. One of Melbourne's main flaws is, without a question, its subpar public transit system.
The best coffee in Australia, though you may find excellent coffee elsewhere, is in Melbourne. Different cafes have their own distinct vibe and ambience, in contrast to the impersonal vibe of chain coffeehouses. If you're a coffee novice, it's best to first pick a café with an environment that appeals to you before settling on a specific coffee. If you're looking to expand your horizons in the realm of hot beverages, Melbourne is the place to go.
Sydney is a fantastic city for nature lovers. It's gorgeous, sunny, and there's a wonderful beach. Usually, we think of the world as being divided into two categories—urban and natural—and that these categories are incompatible. Residents of this area value physical activity and nutritious diets highly. You should visit Sydney if you're the sunbathing type.
If You Want to Work in Australia, What Kind of Visa Do You Need?
Those in need of gainful job may find it challenging to do so in either city right now. Of course, your prospects will vary based on your skills and the field in which you're hoping to find work.
There are three types of visas that will allow you to lawfully work in NSW. Subclass 128 Visa for Business Talent, Subclass 188/888 Visa for Business Investment or Significant Investor Visa (you can also read our in-depth post about the Significant Investor Visa).
Employers in Victoria may sponsor highly skilled workers for work visas if they believe they will benefit the company. Both the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa are available (subclass 489). All the professional and student visa requirements are listed here.
Conclusion
Both cities have established economies, robust job markets, and thriving populations. Which is best for starting a business, having a family, or advancing your career? The presence of Ford, Holden, and Toyota factories in or near Melbourne makes the city a desirable workplace for people in the automotive industry. Two of Australia's four largest banks are located in Melbourne. The city of Sydney is a fantastic spot to start a pest control business because some insects and rodents like metropolitan environments.
Melbourne and Sydney are two of the most expensive cities in Australia. There are advantages and disadvantages to living in either city. Which city is best depends on the specific person and their requirements, and how much disposable income they are willing to put aside for living expenses. Melbourne earns a 6/10 because of its lack of must-see landmarks, but fans of Neighbours will adore the fact that you can organise a tour of the set. Sydney earns a score of 7 out of 10 for beaches, and Bondi Beach is one of the most famous in the world.
Melbourne caters to a wide range of interests, from the mainstream to the extremes of the music, fashion, theatre, dance, art, and niche genres. Many Melburnians feel that Sydney's sterile, corporate atmosphere is at odds with the city's diverse and exciting architectural scene. If you're looking for peace and quiet, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a great place to visit. Make your way to Kings Cross, which is home to numerous bars and clubs. There are eateries in every nook and cranny, which will please any foodie who visits.
Melbourne and Sydney are two of the best places to live in Australia. Move from Sydney to Melbourne can save you a large amount of money each month just on rent. Backpackers congregate in the Kings Cross area of Sydney. If you're looking for a good coffee in Australia, Melbourne is the place to go. Different cafes have their own distinct vibe and ambience, in contrast to the impersonal vibe of chain coffeehouses. There are three types of visas that will allow you to lawfully work in NSW.
Content Summary
- People tend to prefer Sydney and Melbourne.
- As far back as anyone can remember, the question of "where to live and work — Sydney or Melbourne?"
- Which one is preferable for starting a business, having a family, and advancing one's career?
- The animosity between the two cities predates both.
- As the final decision comes down to individual preferences, you'll need to do some research to determine which option is best for you.
- Melbourne and Sydney provide different career opportunities.
- Opportunities for growth and investment in the home care business are particularly promising in the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
- What You Need To Know About Securing Employment in Melbourne In Melbourne, finding a job might be difficult.
- Search for their contact information online and reach out to them.
- The presence of Ford, Holden, and Toyota factories in or near Melbourne makes the city a desirable workplace for people in the automotive industry.
- In Search Of Employment In Sydney Sydney is the finest city for business professionals to find work.
- Retail is the greatest employment by far, while the manufacturing industry is ranked second, behind the banking sector.
- Expenses are inevitable, and the cost of living varies greatly between the two locations.
- Travel Time to Work in Melbourne, on Average The tram network serves much of the city, so it shouldn't be a problem (comfortable and the best in Australia).
- Taking public transportation makes the commute to and from work quick and painless.
- The traffic in Sydney is infamous.
- It's no tiny difference, but the average Melbourne home costs around A$100,000 less than the average Sydney property.
- Sydney's Expensive Cost of Living Most of a family's monthly budget goes towards rent or a mortgage payment and other housing expenses.
- Let's imagine you're planning to spend some time in Australia on a work and travel visa, but that securing a steady income is your major concern.
- You may be tempted to uproot your life and move to Sydney, but you should be aware of the city's prohibitive living costs before you make the move.
- Beaches Visitors to Melbourne won't have to go very far to access the renowned Great Ocean Road.
- It's in close proximity to all the exciting things to do and see.
- This is hardly surprising given that Sydney is home to Bondi Beach, one of the most well-known beaches in the world.
- Bondi is only one of many beautiful beaches in Sydney; if you don't want to spend all your time there, consider taking the ferry to nearby Manly.
- Melbourne's beaches are a close second, with a score of 7 out of 10.
- One of the biggest reasons Melbourne's beaches have a bad reputation is possibly the trash that litters them.
- While Sydney naturally attracts a wide variety of celebrities due to its location, Australia's cultural centre and arts scene can be found in Melbourne.
- Melbourne's strong cultural identity is reflected in the city's residents' devotion to live music venues.
- Melbourne is home to many museums, galleries, and theatres in addition to its spectacular street art.
- If you're more on the unusual side, you might find a better fit in Melbourne than in Sydney.
- The historic architecture of Melbourne includes the stately Public Library on Swanston Street, the ornate Flinders Street Station, and the ornate Royal Arcade on Bourke Street.
- However, there are many museums dedicated to history spread across the city.
- You may look forwards to seeing some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia.
- Stick around Sydney instead than Melbourne if you want to maintain your tourist status.
- The nightlife in Sydney is also much more vibrant.
- If you're looking for peace and quiet, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a great place to visit, as is the Powerhouse Museum and a boat trip of the bay.
- Diversity of Cultures Sydney receives a large influx of visitors and international immigrants each year.
- Conversely, Sydney may be the place for you with its larger clubs and metropolitan bars and eateries, especially if you are easily pleased and a fan of mainstream settings.
- You surely won't be hungry if you settle in Melbourne.
- Even while there aren't as many nightlife options in central Melbourne as there are in Sydney, neighbourhoods like Brunswick, Fitzroy, and Prahan are never short of fun things to do on the weekend.
- Weather So, let's talk about the weather.
- In comparison to Melbourne's 185 bright days, Sydney's average annual total is around 230.
- Don't assume that since you're in Australia that the weather will always be perfect.
- All four seasons can be experienced in a single day in Melbourne, which is located in the south.
- Melbourne is the place to be if you want to see incredible sporting events, as it is also the football capital of the country.
- Gains in wealth can be attained with little effort if you live in a major city because of the abundance of available jobs there.
- These are not the most expensive places to live in Australia, despite their status as large cities.
- You should give careful consideration to your monthly rent budget when looking for a new place to live.
- Moving from Sydney, where the typical apartment is roughly 30% more expensive, to Melbourne can save you a large amount of money each month just on rent.
- The best coffee in Australia, though you may find excellent coffee elsewhere, is in Melbourne.
- Sydney is a fantastic city for nature lovers.
- You should visit Sydney if you're the sunbathing type.
- If You Want to Work in Australia, What Kind of Visa Do You Need?
