Is Melbourne Better Than Sydney?

Controversial… we know.

When it comes to Australia’s two biggest cities, comparison is inevitable. If you remember, pretty much the whole reason for Canberra’s existence is that no one could decide whether the capital of Australia should be Melbourne or Sydney. And while we love both, we thought we’d breakdown a couple of reasons why Victoria’s biggest city might have an edge on Sydney.

Melbourne's Chuckle Park via Instagram @chucklepark

Sydney's Hacienda via Instagram @lauren_vangansen @sarahhashcroft

Life after dark

While Sydney has its fair share of amazing restaurants and rooftop bars, Melbourne’s inclement weather (Sydney wins in the weather stakes, hands down), life after dark has been pushed into small, cosy den-like bars around the city. Think Barcelona and New York combined. Down hidden alleyways and inside crumbling industrial buildings, bars and nightclubs thrive. You’ll find themed bars, neighbourhood bars, AFL-loving pubs, and Speakeasies all going until the wee hours. No lock out laws here, folks.

Melbourne's Presgrave Place via @z0e.ng and Sydney's Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall via @marcoinmanyplaces

The Instagram Factor

You’d think that with incredible beaches and a beautiful harbour (not to mention the Bridge and Opera House), Sydney would win hands down in a beauty pageant. However, Melbourne’s cool graffiti-filled lanes, European-style cafes and hidden bars light up Instagram on the reg. And for good reason, Melbourne feels more like Europe than any other Aussie city (hello cold weather…). So grab a strong coffee (Melbourne definitely serves up a better brew) and get snapping.

@kattylizmusic plays Melbourne streets via @alihancaglar. @joepbeving plays @sydneyoperahouse

Culture Vultures

Sure, Sydney’s got the Sydney Opera House, numerous festivals and, of course, VIVID, but Melbourne’s live band culture is strong and steady. As venue after venue closes in Sydney, Melbourne enjoys the title of being the ‘live music capital of the world’, as named by a recent study. In fact, Melbourne has more live music venues per capita than any other city, including New York, London and Berlin. And the good news is that audiences are growing, year on year.

Melbourne CBD via @twiceblessed_

Cost of Life

Eek, sorry Sydney but all your beauty comes at a serious cost. According to a recent survey, the cost of living in Sydney is 11% higher than our southern neighbours (ouch!). Rent is 27% higher (no surprises there), food is 4% higher, and entertainment is a whopping 12% higher. Don’t worry, Sydney, you’re still 12% cheaper than living in London?

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel via @madisongillard_

Love and dating

Now, we don’t have any official data on this (not sure that actually exists) but Melbourne seems to have the upper hand when it comes to dating. Talk to anyone who’s dated in both cities and inevitably you’ll end up hearing some of the following reasons why dating in Melbourne is more fun (and ultimately successful). The focus on nightlife is greater, bars open later, it’s cheaper to date in Melbourne (fact), it’s more accepted to talk to people you don’t know in bars, cafes, and even on public transport… and there’s a stronger emphasis on introducing friends to friends. Anecdotally, Sydney’s seemingly ‘clique-y’ nature and apparent ‘man drought’ (if men are your thing) can be hard to navigate, making Sydney a frustrating destination to find the one.

Shop for a weekend away.

Lucy E Cousins

Writer

Is Melbourne Better Than Sydney?

Related Stories

What Celebrities Really Think

YES! Chunky Sneakers Are Still Trending

Savings Hacks We Wish We’d Known Earlier