Ballarat vs Melbourne
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Ballarat | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 120,000 | 5.2 million |
| State | Victoria | Victoria |
| Median house price2 | $560k | $780k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $430 | $560 |
| Average summer day3 | 25°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 11°C | 14°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 690 mm | 650 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Health, education, tourism, manufacturing | Health, education, finance, creative industries |
Ballarat and Melbourne share the same time zone all year. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Ballarat and Melbourne beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Ballarat. Gold-rush history, including Sovereign Hill and the Eureka Stockade, plus grand Victorian streetscapes and Lake Wendouree.
Melbourne. Cafe culture and coffee, laneway bars, street art, live music and a packed events calendar: the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup.
Getting around
Ballarat. V/Line trains reach Melbourne in about 75 to 90 minutes. Local buses are limited, so most people drive.
Melbourne. The world's largest urban tram network covers the inner city, backed by a metro train network and the Metro Tunnel. Toll roads are fewer than Sydney's (mainly CityLink and EastLink), but traffic on the outer freeways is heavy.
Sport
Ballarat. Local AFL and netball leagues are the heart of community sport. Mars Stadium hosts some AFL games.
Melbourne. AFL is close to a religion: nine of the 18 clubs are based here and the MCG holds 100,000 people. Melbourne Park, AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium sit within walking distance of the city centre.
Day-to-day life
Ballarat. Affordable regional living with heritage charm. Winters are cold, often near freezing overnight. It is popular with families priced out of Melbourne.
Melbourne. An indoor-outdoor city of neighbourhoods, each with its own high street. Weather changes fast ('four seasons in one day') and winters are grey, but housing is markedly cheaper than Sydney.
Sources: Public Transport Victoria · Visit Ballarat · Public Transport Victoria · Visit Melbourne