Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺
#84
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Melbourne is the capital city of the state of Victoria and is known for its diverse culture, coffee scene, and vibrant arts. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | National average of 80 Mbps; many cafes and coworking spaces offer up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Australian Dollar (AUD); Approximately 1 AUD ≈ 0.65 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Melbourne's water supply is renowned for its quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac; international banking options include TransferWise and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Platforms like Airbnb, Stayz, and Homestay are popular for short-term rentals. Long-term rentals available on Domain and Realestate.com.au. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cash is rarely used; cards accepted widely on public transport and most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer ample short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Melbourne Central YHA and Space Hotel offer affordable rates starting at AUD 30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | CBD (Central Business District), Federation Square, and Southbank are popular areas for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Fitzroy, Collingwood, and South Yarra are recommended for their lively atmosphere and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Southbank and LaunchPad in the CBD are popular choices for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Code Black Coffee in Brunswick and Little Rogue Coffee in the CBD are well-known for their work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup and Eventbrite regularly feature networking events across various industries. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Melbourne Expats' host regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Ola are popular ride-sharing options in Melbourne. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Melbourne Bike Share and Lime scooters are widely available for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | St Kilda Beach is only 15 minutes away by public transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Virgin Australia and Qantas operate regional flights across Australia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qantas have strong international connections from Melbourne. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The CityLink and Western Ring Road provide key access points for major highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Southern Cross Station is the primary transport hub for trains and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Miki cards are available and can be used for trams, trains, and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | V/Line services connect Melbourne with regional Victorian towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of the top health facilities in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | NGY Yoga and One Hot Yoga offer various classes across the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and F45 Training have multiple locations throughout Melbourne. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like The Laundry Room provide cleaning services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo operate extensively in Melbourne. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Taste the iconic Melbourne coffee with a side of avocado toast for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants such as Smith & Daughters and Transformers serve delicious plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chokolè and Acland Street Cake Shop are famous for their decadent desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce and local specialities. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping available at Catch and Kogan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Coles Online and Woolworths offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Fitzroy and Collingwood are popular nightlife areas with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Consider visiting Hop Nation Brewery for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Atticus Finch and Bar Liberty are popular choices for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks and stalls can be found at markets like the Night Noodle Markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Explore cuisines from around the world in areas like Richmond (Vietnamese) and Lygon Street (Italian). |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Royal Botanic Gardens. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museum are must-visits for art lovers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Melbourne Gaol is an iconic historical site worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St Paul's Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance are prominent religious landmarks. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Australian Open Tennis are major events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Laneways and arcades in the CBD feature vibrant street art and boutiques. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Princess Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne host various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | South Melbourne Market and Abbotsford Convent Markets are great for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Corner Hotel and 170 Russell are popular live music venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Hosier Lane is famous for its vibrant street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join a class at Melbourne's renowned Queen Victoria Market. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | ACCA (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art) showcases dynamic exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal Exhibition Building is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Melbourne is known for its rich Indigenous heritage and diverse immigrant culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley offer beautiful hiking and wine-tasting options. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yarra National Park and Kinglake National Park are great for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Yarra River Trail provides scenic paths for cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at Albert Park and the Dandenongs are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Royal Park and the Albert Park wetlands are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated spots in the Yarra Ranges allow for bonfires in controlled conditions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Australia Post and CouriersPlease offer reliable shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | LocalFix and Techservice provide device and gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Melbourne hosts public sessions at various locations. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | RMIT University offers various language courses for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The State Library of Victoria is a quiet place ideal for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Melbourne Community Centre hosts various cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Chaos Galaxy in the CBD is a popular spot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Crown Casino is one of Australia's largest gaming and entertainment precincts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 7,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 280,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 220,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 390,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 288,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 5,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 464,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 336,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Australia has a progressive tax system with various brackets based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for individuals earning over AUD 180,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Australia has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No specific property tax but council rates vary by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty varies by state, typically around 5-6% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from tax deductions on business-related expenses. |