I'm a first time poster here, and I'd really appreciate your input. I've been provided with a great opportunity to relocate to Australia for approx 2 years, and I'm trying to understand some of the pros / cons of living in Sydney vs. Melbourne.

I know about the climate differences, and of course the Sydney beaches, but I'm very interested to understand your thoughts on which city is better to live in. I really appreciate your help with this tough decision.

I recognize that everyone will have their own preferences and experiences - I'd be interested in hearing all of that.

Thanks very much.  

HI stefanb01,

First of all, welcome to the Board.

I’ve lived in Sydney and Perth, so I guess I can give you an idea on what it’s like living in Sydney.

In one word – Excellent.

In Australia you’re either a Sydney Person or a Melbourne Person, lol

Sydney is a huge modern City, it has everything to offer, it is not as expensive as people make it out to be, rent is not as bad as people make it out to be and wages are pretty good, that’s from my experience anyway. Sydney has an excellent transport system, Yes people complain that the trains are always late, but does it really matter considering there is a train every 5 minuets on most lines? And the trains in Sydney will get you anywhere in Sydney. The transport is a good price too.

Sydney is busy if you want it to be, or quiet if you want it to be, the thing is your not stuck with being busy or quiet, you can have it either way. The nightlife is excellent, nightclubs and pubs are all over the city, so the whole city centre does be buzzing at night, but if you prefer the quiet time the suburbs are peaceful.

Driving is good, the roads closer to the CBD are older style, so it’s not like a Grid like Melbourne is, but Traffic is not as bad as other places and they have Freeways getting you everywhere.

Sydney is very safe; I don’t care what anyone says. I have walked through the City Centre on my own at night, down main streets, through parks and even ally ways all on my own sometimes at 3 or 5am, I never once felt unsafe – where I am now (Dublin) I wouldn’t even consider going into the City at night.

People are very friendly and not rude, things like Clothes and food are very cheap, Rent is very good price for what you get. Our rent was $350 a week for a 2 Bedroom PENTHOUSE, minuets from the City Centre, had a Pool, Gym, Sauna, Spa and all that usually Sydney living stuff. Now you can get places A LOT cheaper, that was just my example.

Most places are open 7 days a week, with food stores (like Woolworth’s) open 24 hours or until Midnight at least.

But like every other City in the world Sydney has got it’s bad areas, so the Suburbs I would stay clear of – Redfern (only around the “block” area) & Bankstown Area.

The Western Suburbs are known as the “bad or gang area” but from experience I wouldn’t say they are bad areas to live in. The Sutherland Shire is known as a very nice, Anglo area, Eastern Suburbs is the “rich area” except Bondi – that’s just a Backpacker haven and a disgusting beach. The Northern Suburbs are a bit more expensive that south, but are really nice. The only problem is if you live on the Northern Beaches, there is no train line, only buses –but they have the Ferry from Manly, which is an excellent ride to work with amazing views.

In the 4 years I was living in Sydney, I never once got board, From Night Life, To Beaches, to the City, to the Shopping, to the Blue Mountains, It just never ends.

Oh and New Years – Just amazing.

It all depends what type of lifestyle your looking for, Busy or relaxed, Mountains or Beaches, Suburbs or City, Low cost of Living or Expensive Cost, but in my opinion Sydney offers it all.

If I had to move back home to Oz I would definitely pick Sydney

Don’t know what Melbourne is like – my idea of it has always been Grey, raining and Industrial looking – just a bigger Dublin, LOL but I could be wrong, and then again. I’m a Sydney Person.

Good Luck with your move and which ever city you decide

Micheál  

The climate really is a factor. Melbourne is renowned for its unpredictable weather and can be very cold even in summer. I would describe Melbourne as a more subdued city than Sydney. I have never lived there but visited many many times and never really understood the appeal. The people who love it always talk about great shopping, bars and dining. I'm sure all of these things are true but they are also fantastic in Sydney. Perhaps Melbourne is the kind of city you have to live in to really appreciate. Certainly my visits never left me wanting to make it my home.

In my opinion Sydney is dazzling, beautiful, dramatic and buzzing. Melbourne is calmer, quite stylish and the people and pace of life feels a bit gentler than Sydney.

Like all big cities Sydney certainly has its challenges but it is pretty fantastic. It's such a diverse city, it really does offer something for everyone its just a matter of finding the suburb thats right for you.

I guess its obvious but, I love Sydney! I lived there for 5 years and loved it. Its amazing and makes me proud to be Australian  

both cities are world class.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling around australia between terms I would suggest Sydney as it is more central and therefore your travelling would be done cheaply.

If you are concerned about social culture then Sydney tends to be a more lively city quite busy and engaging at a fast pace most of the time. It is quite spread out also with a lot of travel between suburbs.

Melbourne on the other hand is more sedate, the night life being more of a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of places to chill like little old pubs and jazz/blues venues etc, although it has its hot spots too. Melbourne is quite a nuclear city. The central business district is located in the dead centre and everything radiates from there. It can take some time to get to the outer suburbs however things are for the most part set out in a linear fashion.

I hope that helps give you something of a profile of both cities. I love them both personally for different reasons  

I lived in Brisbane prior to moving to Dubai, but had spent a number of years in Sydney . At the time, I had a choice of taking up a good job with a company in Sydney. I love this city, no - I absolutely adore it. Could write pages about it. In the end opted for Dubai as a temporary move to earn some good dosh, but without a doubt if I were to return to Aus (now or in the future), I'd go to Sydney.
CC  

Hi,
Now I am living in Brisbane.But I have spent a few years in Sydney,capital city of Australia.

In my opinion both cities are excellent.EspeciallyMelbourne is renowned for its arts and culture, restaurants and nightlife. Sydney is one of the most colourful, exciting and dynamic cities in the world, famous for its iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as well as its great natural beauty.

Australia’s two major cities are a must for international visitors.Moreover there are more places for tourists who are coming around the world.

I hope so I will go to Sydney soon...  

Sydney is not the Capital City of Australia!