Geelong vs Melbourne
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Geelong | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 290,000 | 5.2 million |
| State | Victoria | Victoria |
| Median house price2 | $720k | $780k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $500 | $560 |
| Average summer day3 | 25°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 14°C | 14°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 540 mm | 650 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Health, education, advanced manufacturing | Health, education, finance, creative industries |
Geelong and Melbourne share the same time zone all year. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Geelong and Melbourne beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Geelong. The waterfront, the start of the Great Ocean Road, the Surf Coast (Torquay and Bells Beach) and the Bellarine Peninsula's wineries.
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
Geelong. V/Line trains reach Melbourne in about an hour, and many residents commute. Local buses serve the suburbs, but a car is close to essential.
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
Geelong. AFL dominates: the Geelong Cats play at GMHBA Stadium (Kardinia Park), and football is central to local identity.
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
Geelong. A sea-change option with Melbourne in reach. It has grown fast, with new estates on the edges. Weather is similar to Melbourne's but slightly drier.
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 Geelong & the Bellarine · Public Transport Victoria · Visit Melbourne