Moving to Victoria

What to Expect When Moving to Victoria

Moving to Victoria means stepping into one of Australia’s most culturally rich and liveable states. Known globally for sport, food, arts and education, Victoria offers a lifestyle that balances big-city energy with easy access to coastlines, wine regions, mountains and historic towns.

Home to Melbourne — regularly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities — Victoria attracts families, professionals, students and retirees alike. Whether you’re relocating from overseas, interstate or regionally, you’ll find Victoria offers diversity not just in culture, but in how and where people live.

Despite being Australia’s smallest mainland state, Victoria packs in more variety than almost anywhere else in the country — from alpine villages to surf beaches, gold-rush towns and creative inner-city suburbs.

Climate in Victoria

One of Victoria’s defining traits is its climate variety.

The northern parts of the state experience warmer, semi-arid conditions, while the Victorian Alps and high country can see snow in winter — making Victoria home to Australia’s best skiing destinations.

Melbourne, the state capital, is famous for its changeable weather. Locals often joke about experiencing “four seasons in one day,” and it’s not far from the truth. A cool morning can turn into a warm afternoon, followed by rain and sunshine later the same day.

• Summer average: 14–25°C, with occasional days over 30°C

• Winter average: 6–14°C

• Rainfall: Lower than many expect — around half of Sydney or Brisbane

This variability is part of Victoria’s charm and supports everything from cool-climate wine production to alpine tourism and year-round outdoor activities.

Cost of Living When Moving to Victoria?

Although Victoria is generally considered Australia’s second most expensive state after New South Wales, overall living costs can vary widely depending on where you choose to live. Housing remains the largest expense, particularly in Melbourne, where demand for rental and owner-occupied homes continues to be high.

That said, everyday living expenses in Victoria are relatively competitive compared to other major Australian cities. Groceries, coffee and dining out can often be cheaper than in Sydney or Brisbane, especially outside premium inner-city locations. Melbourne also has one of the most comprehensive public transport networks in the country, including trams, trains and buses. Notably, trams and buses within Melbourne’s central business district are free, helping reduce commuting costs for city workers and visitors.

For those looking to reduce housing costs, moving to regional Victoria can offer significantly better value. Towns and regional centres provide more affordable rental and purchase options while still benefiting from strong transport links and access to freight and supply routes, helping keep everyday goods sensibly priced.

To give a realistic idea of day-to-day costs in 2025–2026:

• A pint of beer at a pub in Melbourne typically costs around $12–15, depending on the venue.

• A standard café coffee (such as a flat white or cappuccino) usually ranges from $5–6.

• Dining, entertainment and lifestyle costs increase in inner-city and waterfront areas, while suburban and regional locations are generally more affordable.

Overall, while living in Victoria does come with higher housing costs, good infrastructure, strong employment opportunities and competitive everyday pricing continue to make it an attractive place to live.

Working in Victoria

Victoria is currently experiencing the highest growth rate of all of Australia’s states and has been responsible for a large number of new jobs created in the country. If you are moving to Victoria for work, now is a great time to take advantage of this with its large and varied job market.

Industries within Victoria experiencing the most growth include; health, finance, science, technology, education and training, construction and retail meaning those who move to Victoria have a large base to choose from. World-class infrastructure and supportive government make moving your business to Victoria a brilliant option whilst part-time work is also available for those studying in Victoria or just getting on their feet.

Best Places to Live in Victoria

If you’re moving to Victoria for work and haven’t yet secured employment, moving to one of the major urban centres would be your best option. Moving to Melbourne offers a large population and bustling central business district as one of the main areas to live in Victoria. A wide range of varied jobs and opportunities will be available in Melbourne. However, with climbing housing prices, it can be quite expensive.

Areas such as East Melbourne, South Yarra and Docklands are highly desirable to move to in Victoria. Also close to the city are Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick and Richmond which provide a more eclectic lifestyle.

If you are looking for a quieter life in a smaller town when moving to Victoria, there are many beautiful places to choose from including; Walhalla, Kyneton, Birregurra, Port Fairy, Bright or Mount Beauty and Wilsons Promontory or Tidal River.

Most Populated Victorian Cities:

• Melbourne – Australia’s cultural heart, famous for laneway cafés, sports events, and world-class arts.

• Geelong – Coastal city with beaches, waterfront dining, and gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula.

• Ballarat – Historic gold-rush city with heritage architecture and family-friendly parks.

• Bendigo – Art, culture, and gardens; home to vibrant festivals and Victorian-era charm.

• Mildura – Riverfront lifestyle with wineries and fresh produce markets.

• Shepparton – Regional hub with strong agriculture and multicultural communities.

• Wodonga – Border city with outdoor activities, sports facilities, and a relaxed pace of life.

• Warrnambool – Coastal beauty and whale watching on the Great Ocean Road.

• Traralgon – Gippsland’s gateway with affordable housing and natural attractions.

• Wangaratta – Country charm with wineries, markets, and easy access to alpine regions.

Top Things to Do in Victoria

Check out our list of top things to do for those moving to Victoria.

1. Drive down the great ocean road and stop in on the 12 Apostles
2. Use the free city trams to explore Melbourne
3. Enjoy a spa day at the Peninsula Hot Springs
4. Indulge in wine and cheese at the Yarra Valley
5. Watch an AFL game live at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
6. Shop at the enormous Queen Victoria Market
7. Drink coffee at in one of Melbourne’s many historic laneway cafes
8. See the penguin parade on Phillip Island
9. Climb up and share a drink at one of the rooftop bars
10. Eat cake and explore St Kilda beach