Cha-ching! These are the ten most expensive suburbs in Melbourne (2024)

Cha-ching! These are the ten most expensive suburbs in Melbourne (1)

Unless you have a cool couple million in the bank, it's pretty unlikely you'll score a home in these spenny 'burbs

Cha-ching! These are the ten most expensive suburbs in Melbourne (2)

Written by

Adena Maier

So we've told you which suburbs are the most affordable, but what about the ones that are a bit exxy (unless you're onReal Housewives of Melbourne)? Whether you're hoping to one day be in the tax bracket where these homesarewithin reach, or you just enjoy doing a bit of real estate sticky-beaking, this list will give you some insight into how Melbourne's one per cent live.

According to data compiled by Metropole Property Strategists, these are the ten most expensive suburbs to buy a home in Melbourne. And if you want to pretend to be rich after reading this list, peruse our guide to the best oyster happy hours in Melbourne and how to make the most of $50 in a day in Melbourne.

1. Toorak

Big surprise, right? Toorak has long been one of Melbourne's most affluent suburbs, with wealthy entrepreneurs and athletes calling it home. According to Real Estate, some of its residents include the co-owner of Chadstone – the Fashion Capitaland former Essendon Football Club chairman (and owner of Port Phillip Ferries) Paul Little. Oh, and if you're a RHOM fan, Janet Roach and her partner (Chemist Warehouse boss Sam Grace) purchased a $40-million-dollar home here, too. So, how much does a house in Toorak go for these days? The median price is a cool $5.19 million.

2. East Melbourne

Next up, we've got this 'burb that's just two kilometres from the CBD. Compared to Toorak, which is chock-full of modern luxury mansions, East Melbourne is known for its historical apartments and terraces. It's also home to several of Melbourne's famous landmarks, including Parliament House, the old Treasury Building and the MCG.Compared to Toorak,it's a bargain: houses clock in at a median price of $3.65 million.

3. Brighton

Home to the famous Brighton Beach bathing boxes, this upmarket suburb is bursting with cafés, bakeries and green spaces. It's a popular tourist destination, but those who want to call it home will have to fork up around $3.24 million for a house. Eric Bana (Troy,Chopper), Chris Lilley (Summer Heights High)and the late Shane Warne all called this beautiful seaside suburb home at some stage.

4. Kooyong

Located around seven kilometres southeast of Melbourne, this suburb sits within the City of Stonnington. It's pretty tiny, with a population of just 842 recorded in the 2021 census. If you want to make that number 843, you'll need to have around $3.2 million sitting in the bank, so start saving your pennies.

5. Canterbury

This eastern suburb sits between Balwyn and Camberwell, and its median house price is $3.19 million. What makes it so special? Well, it's home to a number of historic residences and some of Melbourne's oldest schools, and it's also in close proximity to hotspots like Box Hill, Chadstone and Doncaster.

6. Balwyn

Not far from Canterbury, Balwyn is a suburb just ten kilometres east of the CBD. Its name is derived from the Gaelic word 'bal' and the Saxon word 'wyn' that, when put together, mean 'the home of the vine'. It's a fitting name for this lush, leafy and desirable suburb with homes coming in at around $2.89 million.

7. Malvern

This quiet eastern suburb is popular with families thanks to its plethora of cafés, green spaces and reputable schools. Homes here are often quite stately, including the eye-catching Gascoigne Estate and the Stonington Mansion, which sold for a hefty $52.5-million-dollar price tag. But that's the exception, as houses here fetch an average of just $2.85 million – a much more realistic figure, right?

8. Kew

If you're in the market for a Victorian or Edwardian home, Kew has a whole slew of them. And if you're not, don't fret: it's also recently seen an uptick in modern estates, too. It's just a 20-minute drive from the CBD and past notable residents include former prime minister Gough Whitlam, David Syme (the owner ofThe Age) and Gustav Nossal, a scientist and former winner of the Australian of the Year award for his work in immunology. Houses here hover around an average of $2.8 million.

9. Middle Park

This bayside suburb is just three kilometres south of the CBD and neighboursAlbert Park, St Kilda and Prahran. House prices have been driven up due to development restrictions, so the median value of a home here is $2.8 million. It's known for having some of the best-preserved examples of Victorian architecture and terrace houses, with many of them enjoying strict heritage protections.

10. Camberwell

Last but certainly not least as far as pricing goes, Camberwell's median house price is $2.65 million. The Minogue sisters grew up nearby, and comedian Barry Humphries (best known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage) lived along the Golf Links Estate. It may be tenth on this list, but it has definitely garnered a reputation as one of Melbourne's most prestigious and desirable suburbs.

Now, on the flip side: these are the ten cheapest suburbs in Melbourne to buy a house.

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    Cha-ching! These are the ten most expensive suburbs in Melbourne (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the most expensive neighborhood in Melbourne? ›

    Toorak has long been king of the hill, home to Melbourne's priciest, exclusive properties - and this is still true today. Why is Toorak so expensive? The inner city suburb has a combination of luxury lifestyle properties that are within a 6km radius of the CBD.

    Where do most millionaires live in Melbourne? ›

    3142 (Hawksburn, Toorak)

    Victoria's 3142 postcode, which comprises Toorak and Hawksburn and sits just five kilometres southeast of Melbourne's CBD, is home to more of Australia's richest millionaires and billionaires than any other suburb in the country.

    What is the most expensive suburb us? ›

    The most expensive neighborhood in New York, for example, is Southhampton Village on Long Island. The average price of the most expensive neighborhoods in every U.S. state is $5,249,542, but America's most expensive neighborhood—Manalapan, Fla.,—far surpasses that at a whopping average house price of $39,761,000.

    What is the most expensive property in Melbourne? ›

    Melbourne's most expensive house in 2021

    47 Lansell Rd. Image – realestate.com.au. Located in the exclusive eastern suburb of Toorak, this house on Lansell Road sold for $43.1 million in 2021 having been owned by British businessman Mark Healey and his wife Kelly.

    What's the most expensive suburb? ›

    The top 10 most expensive suburbs in the country by average selling price:
    • Clifton – R23 million.
    • Llandudno – R17 million.
    • Bantry Bay – R16. 9 million.
    • Sandhurst – R16. 5 million.
    • Camps Bay – R16. 2 million.
    • Fresnaye – R16 million.
    • Waterfront – R16 million.
    • Higgovale – R16 million.

    What is the richest street in Melbourne? ›

    A large part of the most expensive Melbourne streets can be found in Toorak. Luxury sales in Brighton and Southbank are also pushing up the prices. The most expensive home ever sold in Melbourne was for over $80 million in 2022.

    What is the most popular suburb in Melbourne? ›

    In summary, Brunswick, Northcote, Collingwood, Brighton, Abbotsford, and Albert Park are the most popular suburbs for houses and Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, Toorak and St Kilda are the most popular areas for apartments all year long.

    Why is Melbourne so expensive? ›

    These are the reasons why it seems expensive

    Melbourne provides quite large area zones of living. This spreads nearly 10,000 km2 (3,800 sq miles), which comprises the broader metropolitan areas. The outer suburbs are often managed with poor and/or limited infrastructure.

    Where do the super rich live in Australia? ›

    No suburb in the country features a greater concentration of members of The List – Australia's Richest 250 than Toorak, where Melbourne's wealthiest families have gathered for decades. Think historic looking mansions guarded by large hedges set back from the street to ensure privacy.

    Why was Melbourne the richest city in the world? ›

    The 1880s saw extraordinary growth: consumer confidence, easy access to credit, and steep increases in land prices led to an enormous amount of construction. During this "land boom", Melbourne reputedly became the richest city in the world, and the second-largest (after London) in the British Empire.

    What is the safest suburb in the US? ›

    The 10 safest suburbs, according to SmartAsset's analysis, are:
    • Bethesda, Maryland.
    • Fishers, Indiana.
    • Noblesville, Indiana.
    • Lehi, Utah.
    • Fort Bliss, Texas.
    • Frisco, Texas.
    • Dacula, Georgia.
    • Castle Rock, Colorado.
    16 hours ago

    What is the #1 most expensive city in the US? ›

    1. Manhattan, New York
    Cost of living:127.7% above U.S. average
    Borough population:1,576,876
    Median household income:$84,435
    Median home value:$940,900
    Unemployment rate:4.8%
    Apr 15, 2023

    Where is the most expensive property in USA? ›

    The One, Beverly Hills, California—$126 Million

    The One, yes that one—the colossal, incomplete, 105,000-square-foot Bel Air mansion commissioned in 2012 by controversial developer Nile Niami that went into receivership in 2021 due to over $165 million in unpaid debt—was sold to the highest bidder this year.

    Who owns most expensive house in Melbourne? ›

    Beyond, lies a derelict mansion which set Melbourne's residential record when it sold to Casino crypto “kid” Ed Craven for $80 million in August last year. It wasn't the 27-year-old Stake.com co-founder's first Toorak mansion, having picked up a $38.5 million mansion on Orrong Road five months earlier.

    What is the most expensive apartment in Melbourne? ›

    The penthouse at the Fender Katsalidis and Cox Architecture-designed Sapphire by the Gardens has sold for a record breaking $39 million, shattering the sale price record for an apartment in the city.

    Who bought the most expensive house in Melbourne? ›

    The Block star bidder Adrian Portelli has shattered Melbourne's apartment record with his deal to buy a $39 million penthouse. The Block's star buyer Adrian Portelli has made waves in real estate again, smashing a Melbourne price record as the new owner a $39 million penthouse.

    What are the top 10 most expensive places to live? ›

    Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2023-2024
    • San Diego, CA.
    • Los Angeles, CA.
    • Honolulu, HI.
    • Miami, FL.
    • Santa Barbara, CA.
    • San Francisco, CA.
    • Salinas, CA.

    What town has the highest cost of living? ›

    1. Manhattan, New York
    • Overall cost of living: 127.7% above U.S. average.
    • Median household income: $70,663.
    • Average home price: $2,434,977.
    • Average monthly rent: $4,569.
    • Unemployment rate: 4.3%
    • Poverty rate: 17%
    • Cost of a half-gallon of milk: $3.04.
    Feb 3, 2023

    Which city was named the most expensive to live in? ›

    New York City, along with Singapore, is the most expensive city to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Singapore has once again been ranked as the most expensive city to live in, sharing the top spot with New York City this year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

    Which street is famous in Melbourne city? ›

    Centre Place. Despite being Melbourne's quintessential laneway, Centre Place still surprises and delights with its wild street art, boutiques and buzzing cafes.

    What is the most famous street in Melbourne? ›

    Among the streets in Melbourne, La Trobe Street is the primary street and thoroughfare in the heart of Melbourne.

    When was Melbourne the richest city? ›

    The discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851 led to the Victorian gold rush, and the city grew rapidly. By 1865, it had overtaken Sydney as Australia's most populous city. This economic boom peaked during the 1880s and Melbourne had become the richest city in the world.

    Which part of Melbourne is best to live? ›

    Which are the best areas to live in Melbourne? Carlton, Brunswick, and Fitzroy are some of the best places to live in Melbourne. Seaholme is also the best area to live in Melbourne.

    What is the safest suburb in Melbourne? ›

    One of the safest suburbs in Melbourne, Glen Waverley is a haven of family-friendly houses, great Melbourne schools, and plentiful shopping and recreation options. With a median house price of $1.6 million, Glen Waverley is pricier than Melbourne's median of $998,356.

    What is the best suburb to raise a family in Melbourne? ›

    20 Best & Most Liveable Suburbs in Melbourne for Families
    • Bentleigh.
    • Reservoir.
    • Point Cook.
    • Roxburgh Park.
    • Coburg.
    • Heatherton.
    • Ascot Vale.
    • Glen Waverley.
    Oct 6, 2022

    What is the coolest city in Melbourne? ›

    Fitzroy has long held a reputation as the cool neighborhood of Melbourne, and I agree — if I lived here, this is probably where I would spend the most of my time. The streets here are filled with interesting cafes, boutiques, and shops.

    What are the healthiest suburbs in Melbourne? ›

    Fitzroy, Carlton, and St Kilda are some of the healthiest places in Melbourne to live in terms of walkability and the principle of the 20-minute neighbourhood.

    Which American city is Melbourne most like? ›

    Melbourne has been likened to having the land area of Los Angeles but the population of San Francisco. In reality greater melbourne is about three quarters the size of greater L.A. and about half the population of greater San Francisco.

    How much is rent per month in Melbourne? ›

    Median unit rents in December 2022 (Source: PropTrack)
    CityMedian unit rentAnnual change
    Sydney$550+10.0%
    Melbourne$450+12.8%
    Brisbane$465+10.7%
    Adelaide$400+11.1%
    5 more rows
    May 15, 2023

    How much money do you need to live comfortably in Melbourne? ›

    The average cost of living in Melbourne, Australia per month is around $2,500 for a single person. This includes expenses for housing, food, rent, transportation, entertainment, and other amenities.

    What is Melbourne famous for? ›

    What is Melbourne Most Famous For?
    • National Gallery of Victoria.
    • State Library Victoria.
    • Melbourne laneways and arcades.
    • Federation Square.
    • Melbourne Skydeck.
    • Melbourne Zoo.
    • Royal Botanic Gardens.
    • Melbourne's markets.

    Where do old money families live in Australia? ›

    Canterbury: Melbourne's epicentre of old money.

    Where do celebrities live in Australia? ›

    Hollywood stars hunker down in Australia's Byron Bay, where COVID-19 spurs film boom. Australia's coastal town of Byron Bay has been a draw for Chris Hemsworth (who lives there), Melissa McCarthy, Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman.

    Why are billionaires moving to Australia? ›

    Removed far away from the religious strife and refugee problems, Australia is considered safer than Europe and the U.S. Health care is better in Australia than in many other first-world countries. And so is school education. Millionaires find it a better place to live and raise children than the U.S. and Europe.

    What was Melbourne originally called? ›

    Melbourne had many unofficial names in its first years, including Batmania, Barebrass, Bearport, Dutergalla, Bareheep and most popularly "the Settlement".

    Does Melbourne get snow? ›

    Snow in Melbourne is extremely rare. To experience the snow, head to the Victorian High Country, which receive good snowfall throughout winter. Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes at Hotham, Mount Buller and Falls Creek. How should I dress for Melbourne's weather?

    Why is Melbourne so livable? ›

    We are cosmopolitan and multicultural

    Melbourne is one of the most cosmopolitan and multi-cultural cities in the world. We have outstanding arts, food and wine, Australia's best shopping, and diverse sporting and leisure opportunities.

    What is the safest small town to live in the USA? ›

    15 Safest Small Cities and Towns in America
    CityCrime Cost per Capita
    1.Yorktown Town, NY$43
    2.Mason, OH$47
    3.Andover, MA$51
    4.Southlake, TX$64
    11 more rows
    May 25, 2023

    What is the nicest neighborhood in the United States? ›

    Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, is the No. 1 best place to live in America for the fourth year in a row. The Philadelphia suburb is known for its high-ranking education system.

    What are the top 10 safest cities to live in America? ›

    Safest Cities In America
    • Glens Falls, New York. The Glens Falls MSA includes Warren and Washington counties. ...
    • Midland, Michigan. ...
    • State College, Pennsylvania. ...
    • The Villages, Florida. ...
    • 5. Logan, Utah. ...
    • Wausau, Wisconsin. ...
    • Cambridge, Massachusetts. ...
    • Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
    May 1, 2023

    Which U.S city has the lowest cost of living? ›

    In its report, Niche also ranked the cheapest places to live in the U.S. At the top of the list this year is Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville has been steadily rising in Niche's Lowest Cost of Living ranking over the past few years, placing number six in 2021, number three in 2022 and finally, number one in 2023.

    Is NYC the most expensive city in the world? ›

    New York overtakes Hong Kong as the most expensive city in the world for expats, new survey shows. Hong Kong has ended its four-year reign as the most expensive city globally for expatriates, according to a survey — as New York surpasses it to first place.

    Is New York more expensive than California? ›

    Which City Is More Affordable: Los Angeles or New York City? Both NYC and LA are among the most expensive cities in both the U.S. and the world. However, the average cost of living in LA is also 24-27% lower than that of NYC.

    Who owns the largest home in America? ›

    Experience America's Largest Home®, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basem*nt of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt.

    What is the most luxurious house in the US? ›

    1. The One, Los Angeles, California | Most Expensive Houses. The One, which took eight years to create, has surpassed all other pricey mansions in the US to claim the top rank. Nile Niami's modern masterpiece, this private mansion is situated on a five-acre site in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California.

    Where is the most expensive apartment in the US? ›

    The penthouse nestled atop Central Park Tower is not only the highest in New York City but also the most expensive, with an asking price of $250 million.

    What is the nicest suburb in Melbourne? ›

    South Yarra

    South Yarra is among the most liveable suburbs in Melbourne. Located 4km south-east of the CBD, it has a population of over 25,000 and boasts a thriving shopping, café and nightlife culture.

    What is the most expensive suburb in Melbourne per sqm? ›

    In Melbourne, the most expensive suburb was Albert Park, with a median block size of 153sqm priced at $13,915/sqm.

    What Australian suburbs are most expensive? ›

    Top 10 most expensive suburbs in Sydney 2022
    • Darling Point — $10,350,000. ...
    • Bellevue Hill — $8,750,000. ...
    • Vaucluse — $9,000,000. ...
    • Tamarama — $9,200,000. ...
    • Double Bay — $6,375,000. ...
    • Cremorne Point — $5,648,500. ...
    • Centennial Park — $5,010,000. ...
    • Dover Heights — $6,500,000.
    May 29, 2023

    Which side of Melbourne is better to live? ›

    When looking for the best areas to live in Melbourne, consider the southern suburbs that are close to exquisite beaches and direct access to the stunning Mornington Peninsula. The bayside suburb of Elwood is characterised by its peaceful, tree-lined streets and village feel.

    What is the safest suburb to live in Melbourne? ›

    One of the safest suburbs in Melbourne, Glen Waverley is a haven of family-friendly houses, great Melbourne schools, and plentiful shopping and recreation options. With a median house price of $1.6 million, Glen Waverley is pricier than Melbourne's median of $998,356.

    What is Melbourne's most expensive apartment? ›

    The penthouse at the Fender Katsalidis and Cox Architecture-designed Sapphire by the Gardens has sold for a record breaking $39 million, shattering the sale price record for an apartment in the city.

    Where do most Australian millionaires live? ›

    No suburb in the country features a greater concentration of members of The List – Australia's Richest 250 than Toorak, where Melbourne's wealthiest families have gathered for decades. Think historic looking mansions guarded by large hedges set back from the street to ensure privacy.

    Where do the rich stay in Australia? ›

    Of the top 10 richest postcodes, 1 is located in Western Australia, 1 is located in Victoria and the remaining 8 are all located in some of the most exclusive spots across Sydney. At the top of the list is Western Australia's 6011 postcode, which comprises Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove.

    What is the most expensive suburb real estate Australia? ›

    Vaucluse, New South Wales was the most expensive capital city housing suburb in Australia in 2022, with a median property value of over 7.9 billion Australian dollars. In comparison, the median property value of a house in the capital city suburb Toorak, Victoria came to around 4.96 billion Australian dollars.

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