Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, is a top destination for travellers worldwide, including international students. Whether you’re here for leisure, business or study, finding the right accommodation is key to a comfy stay. From luxury student flats to cheap student accommodation and private rentals, Melbourne has options to suit every traveller.
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1. Set Your Budget
Your budget is the first factor that will affect your accommodation choice. Melbourne has options for all budgets:
- Luxury ($200+) – Live the high life with world-class services.
- Mid-range ($100-$200) – Comfortable and well-equipped.
- Budget & Hostels ($20-$100) – Great for backpackers and budget travellers.
- Short-term Rentals & Airbnb ($50-$250) – Perfect for long stays and home-like comfort.
- Cheap student apartments – Affordable options for students near top universities.
- Residential Colleges – Structured student living with communal spaces and study areas.
- International House – Popular among international students for cultural diversity and learning environment.
2. Choose Your Location
Melbourne is a big city with many suburbs. The right location depends on your itinerary and lifestyle:
- CBD (Central Business District) – Perfect for first-timers, close to main attractions and public transport. Many Melbourne tours start from here so it’s convenient for travellers.
- Southbank & Docklands – Great for luxury stays, dining and river views.
- Carlton & Fitzroy – Culture, cafes and nightlife, home to famous colleges.
- St Kilda – For beach lovers and chill vibes.
- Richmond & South Yarra – For shopping and local experiences.
- Northern suburbs – Affordable rentals and cheap student housing near universities, with transport options for easy commuting.
- Expensive suburbs – Toorak and Brighton are areas to consider for high-end living with great locations and premium amenities.
- Dangerous suburbs – Research and avoid areas with high crime rates, so you can stay safe when choosing your rental property.
3. Use Reliable Booking Platforms
To get the best price use these booking platforms:
- Booking.com – Multiple property types with user reviews.
- Airbnb – Private space and unique properties.
- Expedia – Bundled travel packages.
- Hotels.com – Frequent travellers who want reward points.
- Hostelworld – Budget travellers looking for cheap student apartments.
- Booking student house platforms – Residences for students.
4. Consider Alternative Accommodation Options
Apart from hotels and rentals you can also look into:
- Serviced Apartments – Perfect for longer stays with aircon and laundry facilities.
- Student Accommodation – If you’re a student look into residential colleges, International House or student single options.
- Co-Living Spaces – Digital nomads and remote workers looking for communal spaces.
- Property for Rent – Long-term stays.
- Cheap student housing – Students looking for cheap student accommodation near universities.
- Modern student accommodation – Premium amenities like gym, study space and social events.
5. Read Reviews and Ratings
Before booking read user reviews on Google, TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Look for cleanliness, personal space, service quality and location convenience. Many travellers also recommend joining Melbourne tours to get a feel for different suburbs before booking long-term accommodation.
6. Seasonal Prices
Melbourne has peak tourist seasons that affect rental prices:
- Peak Season (Dec-Feb) – Higher prices due to summer and holiday season.
- Shoulder Season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) – Moderate prices with good weather.
- Low Season (Jun-Aug) – Cheaper prices due to winter.
- Annual cost – Calculate your monthly cost based on seasonal price fluctuations.
7. Public Transport Access
Make sure your accommodation is within walking distance to public transport modes like trams, buses or trains. The Myki card allows you to travel seamlessly across Melbourne’s public transport network. Consider travel costs and daily commute when choosing your stay. Many Melbourne tours are picked up from major transport hubs, so you can access them from various accommodations.
Driver licence – If you plan to rent a car, make sure you have a valid driver licence for Australia.
8. Book Early
Accommodation in Melbourne books up fast, especially during big events like the Australian Open, Melbourne Cup and Grand Prix. Booking early will get you better rates and prime locations.
By following these tips you’ll be able to find the perfect range of accommodation that suits your needs when staying in Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for luxury student living, modern apartments or cheap student apartments, Melbourne has something for everyone. Enjoy!
FAQ
Where is the best area to stay in Melbourne for first timers?
CBD (Central Business District) is the best as it’s central to attractions, restaurants and public transport. It’s also the starting point for many Melbourne tours.
How much is accommodation in Melbourne?
Prices vary:
- Budget: $20-$100 per night
- Mid-range: $100-$200 per night
- Luxury: $200+
- Cheap student housing: Lower-priced shared accommodation.
When should I book accommodation in Melbourne?
Book 2-3 months in advance especially during peak season (December-February) and big events.
Are there budget options in Melbourne?
Yes, options like cheap student apartments, popular student accommodation, cheap student housing and co-living spaces.
How do I get around Melbourne from my accommodation?
Melbourne has a great public transport system. Use trams (Free Tram Zone in CBD), buses and trains with a Myki card (intelligent transport card) for easy travel. If you’re exploring different parts of the city, join one of the many Melbourne tours that provide guided experiences with transport included.
