Melbourne vs. Ballarat: Cost of Living, Jobs, and Lifestyle Comparison

If you’re thinking of relocating to one of these lively Victorian cities, our knowledge about the cost of living will be a big help.
Melbourne and Ballarat are rich in history, culture and lifestyle and the cost of living in each city can be very different.
Healthcare, education, public transport and cultural experience are great in both cities but before you book your flight, you have to think about how much it costs to live in Melbourne vs Ballarat.
➜ You might be interested in our guide on Cost of Living: Melbourne vs Geelong
Melbourne vs Ballarat: Overview
Whit the current economic pressures many people are looking at more affordable housing and lifestyle in regional towns like Ballarat, where Victoria’s rising cost of living is suppose to be lower than the capital.
Therefore, Ballarat may be a more appealing proposition than Melbourne. What Ballarat offers is a slower pace of life, less traffic, a greater sense of community, a more natural environment and increased safety.
As transportation gets better and better, people from Ballarat are commuting to Melbourne for work. This has made Ballarat more urban, bringing a growing cafe culture and other local businesses, even fish and chip shops.
Although slightly cooler than Melbourne and possessing most of a major city’s amenities, the selection of shops and restaurants is a little less extensive. If you enjoy nightlife or music then Melbourne is a better option. Ballarat is more rural with less parking problems.
Usually families prefer Ballarat, younger people, Melbourne.
Melbourne vs Ballarat: Which is Cheaper?
The difference in prices between Ballarat vs Melbourne, particularly rental prices, is significant enough to give big money savings to those that choose to move out to regional areas.
The difference between the median dwelling prices of Ballarat vs Melbourne is big, meaning substantial savings on mortgage payments or rental costs. In addition, housing is even more affordable in regional areas further away from Melbourne.
Top-Tier Education at a Fraction of the Cost
One crucial thing to consider with affordability is the cost of education. In metropolitan Melbourne, school fees in private schools can be quite hefty. But regional places are cheaper.
To give you an example, renowned schools such as Ballarat Clarendon College in Ballarat, which has high VCE results, have fees much lower than many metropolitan schools. For families who want private education but are willing to give up a more expensive lifestyle, this huge difference in cost can be the make or break factor.
Remote Work and Job Market is Expanding
Our old work patterns have changed and technological advancements are bringing new ways for people to work, in regional areas such as Ballarat.
Now that remote and hybrid work models have risen in prominence, regional living has become a realistic option for many more professionals. The flexibility has been a great advantage to those who wish to move to regional areas without abandoning their careers.
The regional cities of Ballarat and Bendigo, and Geelong, which are all well connected to Melbourne, offer Melbourne commuters easy access to the office when necessary.
Melbourne vs Ballarat: Cost of Living
Two of Victoria’s most exciting cities, Melbourne and Ballarat, provide very different lifestyles and living experiences. On the one hand, Melbourne, the swarming capital, has all the metropolitan buzz and no end of chances, but on the flip side, Ballarat, a regional city, is a more laid back place to live.
Here in this Melbourne vs Ballarat comparison we will be looking at a few factors which bring down the cost of living in these cities.

Housing/Apartments
Greater Ballarat generally has more affordable housing than in metropolitan areas. This is especially true in Victoria, where median dwelling prices in the major regional cities of Ballarat are well below Melbourne.
Buy Apartment Price | Melbourne | Ballarat |
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $10,877.36 AUD | ~$3,000 to $5,000 AUD |
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $8,365.88 AUD | ~$2,500 to $3,500 AUD |

Rents
Trends in regional Victoria’s rental market are also unique. In Melbourne, weekly rental prices are generally lower than in regional centres such as Ballarat.
Rent Per Month | Melbourne | Ballarat |
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,240.7 AUD | $1,365.0 AUD |
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $1,885.75 AUD | $950.0 AUD |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $4,231.72 AUD | ~ $1,600-$2,200 AUD |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $2,749.03 AUD | ~ $1,400 – $1,800 AUD |

Utilities
Electricity, gas, water and internet are utilities that any household can not afford to do without. The cost of these services will differ greatly depending on the city because of infrastructure, demand, and government regulation.
Utilities (Monthly) | Melbourne | Ballarat |
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 226.08 A$ | 226.08 A$ |
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 39.65 A$ | 39.65 A$ |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 78.7 A$ | 78.7 A$ |

Childcare
Childcare for young children is a major expense for families and the price tag can range dramatically city by city and situation by situation. In this section we will see how the costs of childcare in Melbourne vs Ballarat compare, which factors determine the pricing and what are the ways to save.
Childcare | Melbourne | Ballarat |
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | 2,819.33 A$ | 500.0 A$ |
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | 31,694.7 A$ | 31,694.7 A$ |

Transportation
Commute costs are a big chunk of your day to day expenses and transportation is a big part of our daily lives. In this section we will then compare the transportation costs of Melbourne vs Ballarat using public transportation, private vehicles and ride sharing services.
Transportation | Melbourne | Ballarat |
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 5.3 A$ | 2.6 A$ |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 180.0 A$ | 101.0 A$ |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.5 A$ | 3.6 A$ |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.0 A$ | 1.9 A$ |
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 40.56 A$ | 38.4 A$ |
Gasoline (1 litre) | 1.92 A$ | 1.74 A$ |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | 44,423.0 A$ | 42,843.0 A$ |
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | 34,982.94 A$ | 34,982.94 A$ |

Markets
Any household needs to spend on basic goods. Foods costs are variable from city to city depending on the supply, demand, regional differences and government policies. In this part we will compare the price of basic goods in Melbourne vs Ballarat to see if there’s a difference in your budget each month.
Basic Goods | Melbourne | Ballarat |
Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 2.16 A$ | 2.16 A$ |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.95 A$ | 3.92 A$ |
Rice (white), (1kg) | 3.36 A$ | 2.4 A$ |
Eggs (regular) (12) | 6.2 A$ | 5.3 A$ |
Local Cheese (1kg) | 13.93 A$ | 13.93 A$ |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 13.33 A$ | 13.33 A$ |
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 21.08 A$ | 21.08 A$ |
Apples (1kg) | 4.71 A$ | 4.47 A$ |
Banana (1kg) | 3.99 A$ | 3.42 A$ |
Oranges (1kg) | 3.88 A$ | 3.88 A$ |
Tomato (1kg) | 5.46 A$ | 5.46 A$ |
Potato (1kg) | 3.33 A$ | 3.33 A$ |
Onion (1kg) | 3.16 A$ | 3.16 A$ |
Lettuce (1 head) | 3.19 A$ | 3.19 A$ |
Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 2.07 A$ | 1.57 A$ |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 18.0 A$ | 18.0 A$ |
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | 6.9 A$ | 3.15 A$ |
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 7.85 A$ | 3.0 A$ |
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 45.0 A$ | 45.0 A$ |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Ballarat
There are lots of great things about Ballarat, from craft beer to historic buildings to other things. But like any place, there are a few downsides of living there.
Pros for moving to Ballarat:
- One-Stop Shop: All the amenities of a big city: shops and restaurants, parks and schools, even cinema. It will have all you need, and for what it doesn’t, Melbourne is a short trip away.
- Budget-Friendly: Home buying is much cheaper in Ballarat compared to Melbourne’s expensive housing market.
- City Meets Nature: While being an urban suburb, Ballarat is accessible to natural beauty. When you want to live in the city you can enjoy the city life and when you want to escape you can go to parks like Lake Wendouree or scenic hikes at Trentham Falls.
Cons for moving to Ballarat:
- Limited Job Opportunities: Ballarat doesn’t have as many career options as larger cities do so before moving there, it’s recommended that you obtain a job.
- Cold Weather: Melbourne doesn’t get as cold as Ballarat can. If you don’t like cold weather, Townsville or Darwin could be better options.
Top Ballarat Neighbourhoods
There are neighbourhoods in Ballarat for every taste.
- Soldiers Hill: Soldiers Hill is a great family choice, located near the city centre. It has cafes, parks, old houses and is within easy reach to schools and public transport.
- Ballarat East: There are historic homes, public transportation, cafes, schools and recreational areas in this charming suburb. Perfect for families, or anyone who loves outdoor activities.
- Buninyong: Buninyong is a small town, a short drive from Ballarat, but has all the amenities you’d expect. It has a great community as well as a variety of housing choices.
Climate of Ballarat
The climate of the city is moderately oceanic which has four distinct seasons. In winter it can be very cold but it also has more sunny days than Melbourne.
- Summer: Nights can be cool but the average temperature runs around 25°C.
- Autumn: Nice days with beautiful fall colours. Temperatures are between 7°C and 23°C.
- Winter: The temperature is very low, from 3°C to 11°C.
- Spring: It’s a mild climate, ranging from 5°C to 20°C.
Ballarat Transportation Options
Ballarat is easy to navigate. Bus, train, taxi or bike can get you around.
- Buses: There is a good bus network which covers Ballarat and surrounds. There is also a tourist shuttle bus.
- Trains: You can take the train to Melbourne or other close cities.
- Taxis: The city is well served by taxis.
- Biking: Ballarat is a bike friendly city, easy to cycle around.
Everything You Need to Know about Living in Melbourne: Pros and Cons
Melbourne is probably the city with more culture of Australia. Fashion and street art, live music… there’s always something new. However, like any major city Melbourne has its drawbacks.
Pros for moving to Melbourne:
- A Sports Lover’s Paradise: As the world’s sporting capital, Melbourne has a lot of sporting events for its enthusiasts like the Australian Open or de F1 races.
- Endless Entertainment: Whatever is your interest – nature, culture or shopping – Melbourne has it all. With vibrant nightlife and beautiful parks, shopping districts and museums, there’s always something to do.
- Weekend Adventures: The surrounding region can be easily explored from Melbourne. It’s easy to take day trips to wine regions like the Yarra Valley, beachy spots like Great Ocean Road, or wildlife reserves like Phillip Island.
Cons for moving to Melbourne:
- Melbourne’s Unpredictable Weather: Melbourne’s weather is famously changeable, with four seasons in one single day. Cities like the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast are better options if you prefer constant sunny weather. Melbourne is a good choice if you want to escape hot summers.
- High Cost of Living: Australia’s second most expensive city is Melbourne so expect to pay more for housing, food and other expenses than in other major cities in the country.
Top Melbourne Neighbourhoods
There are many different neighbourhoods in Melbourne, to suit different lifestyles.
- Richmond: It has great shopping centers, dining restaurants and schools. It’s well connected by public transportation too.
- Southbank: Southbank is situated close to the CBD and the Yarra river. Also with dining, shopping and cultural attractions.
- Northcote: Families will enjoy this suburb with schools, public transportation, shopping and restaurants.
- Bentleigh: This family friendly suburb is close to the beach with schools, parks, shopping and fancy dinning restaurants.
- Mount Waverley: This suburb is conveniently located near schools, shops and restaurants. A bit further from the city than the others.
- Kensington: It has schools, shopping, restaurants and a good community.
Climate of Melbourne
Australia is known for its sunny weather but Melbourne’s climate can be a little unpredictable. Wear layers and bring an umbrella because you can have 4 different seasons in one day.
- Summer: Melbourne’s summers are colder than the rest of Australia with average temperatures of 14°C-25°C. But there are also some heat waves.
- Autumn: In autumn the weather is cooling down and the average temperatures are between 11°C and 20°C.
- Winter: Melbourne has cold, cloudy winters, with temperatures between 6.5°C and 14°C.
- Spring: Spring weather temperature averages between 9.5°C and 19.5°C. The wettest month of the year is October.
Transportation Options in Melbourne
Melbourne has a very developed public transport system with trams, buses and trains. All these modes of transportation accept payment with a Myki card.
- Trams: Free travel is permitted within the city centre via the Free Tram Zone. Other trams are Myki card only.
- Buses: The city and suburbs of Melbourne are served by a large bus network. Night buses run on weekends too.
- Trains: Over 200 stations and running from early morning to late evening.
- Taxis: There are taxis all over the city and you can order them online or on the phone.
Melbourne-Ballarat Relocation Services: Your Only Solution
We hope that after reading this guide our readers can understand a bit better the pros and cons of each city.
If you finally decide to move, our Melbourne-Ballarat relocation services are the only key for a successful move. We also provide office removals, regional moving and interstate relocations. Get a free quote by contacting us now.
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