Global Livability Ranking is an annual assessment published by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which ranks 172 global cities according to their quality of urban life based on economic stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, was ranked by the EIU as the World's Most Liveable City for seven consecutive years, from 2011 to 2017.
¿Why is Melbourne one of the best cities to live in?
Listed within the Top 10 Best Cities in the World, in Melbourne you will find a multicultural city, high salaries and endless tourist experiences.
Today, in 2022, it remains in the Top 10, only surpassed by capitals such as Vienna, Copenhagen and Zurich, among others. However, ¿what is it that makes Melbourne one of the best cities in the world?
Brief history of Melbourne
It is the capital of the state of Victoria and is the second most populous city in Australia with 5 million inhabitants, after Sydney.
It was discovered by John Batman and founded by him in 1835. Given the “gold rush” in the 1850s, it became the most valued city in Australia. In fact, it was the political capital of the country between 1901 and 1927, when it moved to Canberra.
Qatar 2022: days and times of the matches in Australia
Requirements and recommendations for temporary living in Melbourne
- Student Visa: with this document you will have the opportunity to live in Melbourne between 3 months and 5 years. In addition, you can work legally for 40 hours a week while you do your studies.
- Working Holiday Visa: this permit authorizes you to live for at least one year, a time that can be extended up to 3 as long as you meet a series of requirements. With this visa you will be able to work full time legally.
- Having travel insurance: the Australian authorities do not allow entry into their country if the person does not have travel insurance for a year and covering at least US$ 30.000.
Melbourne: salaries vs. quality of life
If we consider the basic services of accommodation, food and transportation, these three factors will occupy only 30% of your monthly salary.
Most jobs in Australia pay a certain amount of money per hour and a weekly salary. The range of money per hour worked is a minimum of AUD 22 and a maximum of AUD 30. Assuming you have the lowest salary and work 8 hours from Monday to Friday, at the end of the month your salary will be AUD$ 3.500.
Regarding accommodation, a hostel will be your best option as soon as you arrive in Australia. Once the apartment or house is obtained, all areas of the city charge a maximum of AUD$ 300 per week for rent, depending on the amenities of the building, proximity to shops and bills included or not.
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For food, there are three supermarkets ideal for finding daily deals: Aldi, Woolworths and Coles. Each one has all the basics, such as meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, desserts, frozen products, drinks and much more. There you will find various 2 for 1 in own products, weekly discounts and even discounts for meals that expire in the next few days.
If you want to eat a variety and have products for several days in your fridge or pantry, such as rice, noodles, vegetables, fruits and some cuts of meat or chicken, you will spend approximately AUD$ 80 per week.
Besides, it is one of the best-connected cities in Australia. There are buses and trains, but Melbourne is known for its extensive tram network. Whether you opt for a tram, bus or train (all priced at the same AUD 4.60 per trip), you can get almost anywhere without a car. All you need is the Myki card.
In summary, even if your monthly salary is the lowest, you will easily have a margin of between AUD 1.500 and 2.000 for personal expenses, going out with friends and enjoying everything Melbourne has to offer.
The best suburbs to find housing
- Center: it is one of the most expensive areas in all of Melbourne, mainly due to the number of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. Here are neighborhoods like Fitzroy, Southbank and St. Kilda, whose rents are typically in excess of AUD$ 250 per week.
- North: the suburbs in this zone are considered residential, so you will have more economic options to move and enjoy the tranquility of the city. Among the most common neighborhoods are Coburg, Preston or Reservoir, with rents between AUD$ 100 and 260 a week.
- West: this is the residential area par excellence and outside the center, so prices are usually cheaper. These values start from AUD$ 90 to 230 per week. The best-known suburbs are Maidstone, Yarraville or Moonee, among others.
- East: similar to its counterpart, here you will find low houses and family trade businesses. Neighborhoods to choose from include options like Hawthorn, Camberwell and Kew, where rents range from AUD$ 110 to $ 300 per week.
10 free sightseeing tours in Melbourne
- Shrine of Remembrance.
- Royal Botanic Garden and Fitzroy Gardens.
- National Art Gallery of Victoria.
- St. Kilda Beach.
- Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
- ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image).
- Queen Victoria Market.
- Hosier Lane y Degraves Street.
- Chinatown.
- Visit the wild kangaroos in Yellow Gum Park.
