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

When considering a move from Melbourne to Bendigo, money and the cost of living are likely two of the key reasons for relocating to the regional city. At North Removals we are regional removalists experts and we have an extensive knowledge of Bendigo and its unique financial aspects.

Although both Melbourne and Bendigo offer diverse cultural and lifestyle opportunities, their living expenses differ significantly. We know how tempting it sounds to move just 150 km and cut your expenses in half, but today we’ll explore whether Bendigo is truly the right fit for you based on lifestyle, climate, and transportation. Let’s dive in!

Melbourne vs Bendigo: Overview

With current economic pressures, many people are considering more affordable housing and lifestyles in regional towns like Bendigo, where Victoria’s cost of living is significantly lower than in the capital. Bendigo provides families with a relaxed lifestyle along with decreased traffic congestion and strong community ties as it creates a safe haven for those who desire a community-based atmosphere. 

Although it is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the selection of shops and restaurants is a bit less extensive than in Melbourne. However, Bendigo boasts notable educational institutions like La Trobe University and Bendigo TAFE, making it attractive to students.

Top-Tier Education at a Fraction of the Cost

In the Melbourne area private school fees can be considerably high, unlike in regional areas such as Bendigo where more affordable educational options can be found, such as institutions like Bendigo TAFE which offer vocational and technical training programs at a significantly lower cost than many metropolitan schools. 

The option for those families who want private education but do not want to sacrifice their lifestyle, can opt for Bendigo which offers an excellent public education compared to the high costs associated with Melbourne’s private schools.

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 like Bendigo. 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 city of Bendigo, which is well connected to Melbourne, offers Melbourne commuters easy access to the office when necessary. This allows professionals to enjoy the benefits of regional life while maintaining their careers in the capital. For all of this we recommend you to have a look to some jobs in Bendigo where the payment is similar to Melbourne but with half of the expenses.

Melbourne vs Bendigo: Cost of Living

The two cities in Victorian Australia present different ways of living and residential experiences which draw differing groups of residents. The metropolitan life of Melbourne continues to attract residents with its diverse opportunities while Bendigo operates as a peaceful suburban centre. 

The following analysis focuses on multiple variables that diminish living expenses throughout Melbourne and Bendigo.

Housing/Apartments

The city of Bendigo provides lower-priced housing than metropolitan areas primarily in Victoria. The real estate costs in Bendigo stand considerably lower than prices found in Melbourne so the city attracts residents who want affordable housing.

Buy Apartment Price	Melbourne	Bendigo
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment in City Centre	$10,877.36 AUD	~$3,500 to $5,500 AUD
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	$8,365.88 AUD	~$2,500 to $3,500 AUD

Rents

The rental market behaviour in regional Victoria develops its own patterns because Melbourne operates under separate rental conditions distinct from Bendigo and other regional cities. The rental prices in Bendigo remain lower than residents find in Melbourne.

Rent Per Month	Melbourne	Bendigo
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	$2,395.79 AUD	$975.00 AUD
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	$1,847.33 AUD	$750.00 AUD
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	$4,347.85 AUD	$1,485.00 AUD

Sources: Domain & Realstate.com

Utilities

Household utilities including electricity, gas, water and internet require substantial city-dependent expenses because factors such as infrastructure quality and regulation influence prices. The utilities in Bendigo operate according to the following summary:

Utilities (Monthly)	Melbourne	Bendigo
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	AUD 226.08	AUD 157 – AUD 400
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	AUD 39.65	AUD 18 – AUD 65
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	AUD 78.70	AUD 65 – AUD 99

Childcare

The expenses of childcare services differ substantially between Melbourne and Bendigo as they depend on the kind of care and location together with government financial aid. The following table demonstrates childcare expenses that exist between Melbourne and Bendigo.

Childcare	Melbourne	Bendigo
Preschool (Full Day, Private)	AUD 2,819.33/month	Reduced fees with “Free Kinder” subsidy
Long Day Care	AUD 70 – AUD 200/day	AUD 70 – AUD 200/day
International Primary School	AUD 31,694.70/year	AUD 31,694.70/year

Transportation

Transportation expenses significantly impact daily expenses since these expenses differ between the cities of Melbourne and Bendigo. The following table reveals a comparison between transportation expenses across Melbourne and Bendigo:

Transportation	Melbourne	Bendigo
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	$5.3 AUD	Approximately $2.6 AUD
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	$180.0 AUD	Approximately $101.0 AUD
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	$5.5 AUD	Approximately $3.6 AUD
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	$3.0 AUD	Approximately $1.9 AUD
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	$40.56 AUD	Approximately $38.4 AUD
Gasoline (1 litre)	$1.92 AUD	Approximately $1.74 AUD
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	$44,423.0 AUD	Approximately $42,843.0 AUD
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	$34,982.94 AUD	Approximately $34,982.94 AUD

Markets

Every family requires basic household items which they need to purchase. The cost of food changes between cities due to market supply and demand together with governmental rules and geographical variations. The price comparison of basic goods between Melbourne and Bendigo will show us if the monthly budget changes.

Basic Goods	Melbourne	Bendigo
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	$2.18 AUD	$1.67 AUD
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	$3.87 AUD	$3.87 AUD
Rice (white), (1kg)	$3.56 AUD	$3.51 AUD
Eggs (regular) (12)	$7.09 AUD	$6.00 AUD
Local Cheese (1kg)	$13.55 AUD	$13.55 AUD
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	$13.82 AUD	$13.82 AUD
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	$21.41 AUD	$21.41 AUD
Apples (1kg)	$4.79 AUD	$4.79 AUD
Banana (1kg)	$4.21 AUD	$4.21 AUD
Oranges (1kg)	$4.19 AUD	$4.19 AUD
Tomato (1kg)	$5.61 AUD	$5.61 AUD
Potato (1kg)	$3.70 AUD	$3.00 AUD
Onion (1kg)	$3.31 AUD	$2.00 AUD
Lettuce (1 head)	$3.19 AUD	$3.19 AUD
Water (1.5 litre bottle)	$2.07 AUD	Approximately $1.57 AUD
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	$18.0 AUD	$18.0 AUD
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle)	$6.9 AUD	Approximately $3.15 AUD
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)	$7.85 AUD	Approximately $3.0 AUD
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	$45.0 AUD	$45.0 AUD

Source: Coles & Woolworths.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Bendigo

Bendigo showcases numerous attractions that include its historic heritage and its active cultural elements. Bendigo contains both positive and adverse characteristics similar to all other locations.

Pros for moving to Bendigo:

• Affordable Cost of Living: Bendigo provides residents with lower living expenses than Melbourne residents experience because of its reduced housing prices and reduced economic strain.
• City Meets Nature: Bendigo residents can take advantage of its beautiful natural landscapes which provide them urban access while allowing them outdoor adventures in parks and green spaces.
• Strong Community: The community atmosphere of the city helps newcomers feel more comfortable after moving to the area.

Cons for moving to Bendigo:

• Limited Job Opportunities: The economy of Bendigo features diversity but at the same time offers limited job opportunities compared to Melbourne’s expanded employment market.
• Limited Public Transport: Public transport options remain limited throughout Bendigo because the city lacks extensive public transportation networks that would necessitate vehicle ownership.

Top Bendigo Neighbourhoods

Bendigo has specific residential areas to suit all personal preferences.

• Kennington: The Kennington Reservoir surrounds this residential area with its enchanting walking paths while making all essential stores and hotels easily accessible.
• Bendigo CBD: This centre district presents a dynamic artistic and cultural atmosphere along with popular attractions such as Bendigo Art Gallery and Capitol Theatre.
• Golden Square: The suburb exists 2 kilometres west from Bendigo city’s central area while maintaining its deep connexion to the gold rush history. The suburb has sports facilities alongside educational institutions and provides an active community centre.

Climate of Bendigo

Bendigo experiences a moderately oceanic climate that features four well-defined seasons. During winter there are extremely low temperatures in Bendigo while the city experiences more sunny days than Melbourne.

• Summer: The nighttime temperatures in Bendigo fall within a comfortable range while the mean daily temperature stays at 25°C. Hot dry summer conditions prevail at this location during the year while temperatures frequently surpass 30°C during specific days.
• Autumn: Autumn in Bendigo has days with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 23°C.
• Winter: The winter in Bendigo has very low temperatures of 3°C to 11°C. Winters are cold and partly cloudy.
• Spring: Spring in Bendigo is normally mild weather, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C.

Bendigo Transportation Options

Bendigo is easy to navigate with its various transportation options.

• Buses: The city has a bus network covering Bendigo and its surroundings. V/Line ticket holders can enjoy free local bus travel on the same day.
• Trains: Travellers can utilise trains departing from Bendigo Station which provide connexions to Melbourne and additional surrounding cities.
• Taxis: The city is well served by taxi services, including 13CABS and Bendigo Taxis, plus Uber.
• Car Rentals: Travellers can use car rental services operated by Avis and Europcar as well as Hertz and Thrifty.

Melbourne-Bendigo Relocation Services: Your Only Solution

As you can see the cost of living in Bendigo proves more favourable than Melbourne because prices for renting apartments stand at 62% lower while dining in restaurants costs 10% less. At the same time the limited public transport services in Bendigo lead to reduced overall transportation expenses which amount to 10.7% lower than Melbourne’s rates.

If after all of this financial information you finally decide to move from Melbourne to Bendigo you have to know that we are the best rated removalist in Victoria! We offer a wide range of routes, including Melbourne to Geelong and Melbourne to Ballarat, with same-day removal services available.

Call us today and get your free estimation!