We’ve done the hard work for you and compared the suburbs of each city so you can decide who the winner is.
The Sydney vs. Melbourne rivalry dates back to 1835 and there are still plenty of people who argue passionately that one city is better than the other. But what is the verdict when it comes to each city’s beachside suburbs? Is one really better than the other? We’ve done the hard work for you and compared the suburbs of each city so you can decide who the winner is.
Pricing
It is well known that Sydney’s housing prices are significantly higher than Melbourne’s. The median price for a house in one of Sydney’s beachside suburbs can range from $1.5 million to $2.7 million while the median price ranges from $930,000 to $2 million in Melbourne. When it comes to renting, prices in Melbourne are 29.84% lower than in Sydney. Just last year, a two- storey luxury penthouse was sold for $25 million in Bondi Beach. This took the crown for being both Australia’s most expensive apartment as well as the top residential Bondi sale. However it’s not just the cost of housing that’s different but also the cost of living. Overall, consumer prices are 7.07% lower in Melbourne than in Sydney and local purchasing power is 10.81% higher in Melbourne.
Climate
While Melbourne may win in the pricing department, Sydney definitely hits right back when it comes to weather. Sydney's climate is generally classed as “temperate” which means you can expect warm summers coupled with cool winters. This is a huge contrast to Melbourne’s variable and erratic weather. This unpredictable nature means you’ll never know what’s actually going to happen during the day which is inconvenient at best, and downright annoying at worst. Definitely not ideal for those who choose to live along the beach.
Culture
Depending on which particular beachside suburb you choose, the culture of each can vary. There are options for all in each city. In Melbourne’s Bayside, crisp and clean suburbs like Brighton are the favoured home to many Australian sporting celebrities and offer excellent private schools. Ideal for those seeking a chic and sophisticated beachside suburb with no surprises. However those looking for a more lively and down-to-earth area opt for a suburb like St Kilda where a more bohemian attitude has taken hold, attracting artists, poets and musicians to this quirky village by the bay. Melbourne’s Bayside appeals to most, as it is close to the city, close to the beach (of course), as well as a good mix of nightlife and the family-friendly fare at Saturday morning farmers markets. The Bayside remains a favourite for those long after they have left the nest of their parent’s roof.
Similar things can be found in Sydney. If an upper-class, blissful bay by the seaside is what you’re after then Bronte may be the place for you. Home to film stars, millionaires and even your average Joe, Bronte is the place where all the bold and the beautiful flock. Then there is Bondi, where all the locals are walking billboards for this beachside lifestyle. Wetsuits on weekends and corporate suits by day, Bondi locals sure know how to make the most of this paradise.
But whatever it is about a city that appeals to us, it’s ultimately subjective. It depends on a range of factors, like our tastes, interests, age, socio-economic status, and more. One city will suit one person better than another. That congruence might even change with each new stage of life. Melbourne’s beachside suburbs aren’t better than Sydney’s or vice versa, they’re just “different”.