For those seeking improved affordability, work-life balance, and long-term stability, moving from Sydney can feel a lot more relieving and practical. But it is often a big change and requires a good amount of research and homework. Thankfully, Singh Movers and Packers are here to help you with the right research, moving, and all the things associated with relocation.
In the Top 5 Melbourne Suburbs for Families Relocating from Sydney, we help you find all the required information to move closer to having a final destination to move to. We highlight five of the most suitable Melbourne suburbs for families moving from Sydney, focusing on areas that deliver safety, connectivity, reputable schools, and a balanced suburban lifestyle ideal for raising children.
Cost of Living Comparison: Sydney vs Melbourne Suburbs
Finding this takes so much time; by the time you’re done, you won’t even want to move. So, we have curated a table for you to quickly skim through to have an idea of how things are to be taken while planning to move out from Sydney to one of the Melbourne Suburbs.
| Cost Factor | Sydney | Melbourne suburbs |
| Housing (Rent/Buy) | Significantly higher purchase prices and rents; limited land availability | More affordable housing with larger land sizes |
| Daily Groceries | Slightly higher due to logistics and supplier pricing | Weekly household savings are more achievable |
| Childcare & Schools | Higher childcare fees; intense competition for schools | Generally lower fees; more school options |
| Transport Costs | Higher average household utility bills | Slightly lower, with competitive energy plans |
| Lifestyle & Leisure | Higher dining, sports, and activity costs | More budget-friendly recreational options |
| Overall Cost Pressure | High financial strain for large families | More balanced cost structure |
All the top Melbourne Suburbs for families
Moving to a city with all your life and stuff can be a difficult thing to do when looking for the right suburb; a lot can go into it. From the right schools, to the right hospitals, wellness centres, and finding the right suburb that suits your lifestyle. Here are the top 5 Melbourne Suburbs for Families Relocating from Sydney.
Glen Waverley (South-East Melbourne)
For large families relocating from Sydney, Glen Waverley offers scale, structure, and certainty. The suburb combines family-sized housing, elite public schools, strong transport links, and integrated retail and healthcare. Compared to many Sydney equivalents, it delivers superior space-efficiency and lifestyle coverage within a defined geographic footprint, ideal when decisions must be executed quickly and cohesively. For someone with fewer people to move or fewer things to move, Glen works just fine. Make sure to do all the research, and when you do shift, bring all the change. A few good reasons to move to Glen are:-
- Abundant four- and five-bedroom homes, dual-living layouts, and newer townhouses accommodate multigenerational needs without requiring sprawl.
- Access to Glen Waverley Secondary College (highly ranked), quality primary schools, and tutoring hubs reduces commute and coordination complexity.
- Direct train line to the CBD, bus interchanges, and proximity to the Monash Freeway streamline work–school logistics.
- The Glen Shopping Centre centralises groceries, dining, services, and entertainment, cutting time and travel costs.
Doncaster East (Eastern Suburbs)
Doncaster can be a place well associated with higher watercourses. Compared to Sydney’s middle-ring suburbs, this place brings you more value for many, a greater living space, and a stronger pursuit for all kinds of families. Everyday expenses are more affordable for Doncaster residents, causing a reduction in financial pressure. Doncaster East is well regarded for public schooling, particularly secondary education, alongside reputable private options nearby. This makes it attractive for Sydney families prioritising academic outcomes without private-school dependency. The suburb offers a quieter, greener lifestyle with abundant parks, walking trails, and community facilities. For Sydney residents accustomed to congestion and density, this represents a tangible upgrade in day-to-day livability. A few things that help finalise Dincaster to move to are:-
- Improved Housing Value
- Lower Ongoing Cost of Living
- Strong Education Ecosystem
- Family-Centric Suburban Environment
- Strategic Transport Connectivity
- Long-Term Property and Lifestyle Stability
Point Cook (South-West Growth Corridor)
Moving from Sydney to Point Cook (Melbourne’s western corridor) can offer tangible advantages, particularly for families seeking affordability, space, and a planned suburban lifestyle. Compared with Sydney suburbs at a similar distance from the CBD, Point Cook offers significantly larger homes, modern estates, and better land value at a lower price point. This allows Sydney residents to upgrade their living standards without overextending financially. Everyday costs such as rent, utilities, dining, and services are typically lower than in Sydney. This cost differential improves cash flow and enables higher savings or reinvestment into property and lifestyle needs.
Essendon (North-West Melbourne)
Known for its period homes and tree-lined streets, this has to have a beautiful addition for your lifestyle upgrade. Access to reputable public and private schools makes it attractive for families with school-aged children. Multiple train stations, tram routes, and quick access to CityLink provide efficient CBD commuting. Larger block sizes and character homes compared to inner Sydney suburbs, offering better long-term liveability. Parks such as Queen’s Park, local cafés, shopping strips, and community amenities support a balanced family lifestyle. A mature suburb with consistent capital growth and strong owner-occupier demand.
Caroline Springs (West Melbourne)
Practicality and cost-effectiveness are two key factors to consider when moving to a city like Coral Springs. It offers detached homes on generous land sizes at price points substantially lower than comparable Sydney suburbs. For Sydney residents, this enables an immediate lifestyle upgrade without the financial strain of Sydney’s housing market. The suburb is designed around lakes, parks, and walkable neighbourhoods. This planned structure promotes safety, ease of movement, and community engagement, benefits often harder to achieve in Sydney’s older, congested suburbs.
Tips for Sydney Families Moving to Melbourne
Reloacting from Sydney has to be one of the most difficult, if not lonesome, if made out of spite. Sydney can take a toll on you if not exited properly. Differences in lifestyle, schooling, climate, transport, and housing can all impact how smoothly the transition unfolds. With the right preparation and local insight, families can settle in confidently and enjoy what Melbourne has to offer. So here are a few things one can take care of, or supervise when shifting from Sydney to the suburbs in Melbourne. Moving within Melbourne can be a bit tedious; let Singh Movers and Packers be here for your worries and concerns regarding house relocation experiences.
- Research School Zones and Education Options
- Understand Lifestyle and Weather Differences
- Choose Family-Friendly Suburbs Strategically
- Familiarise Yourself with Transport and Commute Patterns
- Budget for Housing and Cost-of-Living Variations
- Engage with Community and Recreational Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are many families moving from Sydney to Melbourne?
Answer: Many families relocate because Melbourne tends to offer a broader selection of family-friendly suburbs that balance good schools, community amenities, green spaces and comparatively more housing options than some of Sydney’s more expensive areas. Additionally, Melbourne’s suburban infrastructure, including transport, shopping, parks and community services, gives a well-rounded lifestyle that appeals to families.
What makes a suburb “family-friendly” in Melbourne?
Answer: Key factors include: good public and private schools nearby; safe and peaceful neighbourhood; access to parks, playgrounds, green/open spaces; convenient public transport or road connectivity; local shopping, medical facilities and community infrastructure; a friendly local community vibe; and a reasonable balance of affordability and amenities.
Which Melbourne suburbs are particularly recommended for families?
Answer: Some commonly recommended suburbs are Glen Waverley, Camberwell, Bentleigh, Doncaster East, and Point Cook, each offering different strengths such as excellent schools, affordability, green spaces, community feel, and good transport links.
How do the suburbs differ, and how should a family select the “right” one?
Answer: Suburbs differ on factors like housing cost (houses vs. units), proximity to city vs. space, public transport access, school quality, and lifestyle (heritage vs. newer estates). Families should weigh their priorities: school quality, commute requirements, budget, desire for green space vs. convenience, and long-term growth, and ideally visit suburbs to get a feel of day-to-day living before deciding.
How does the cost of living (housing or rent) compare across these family-friendly suburbs?
Answer: Suburbs with top schools and convenience tend to have higher home prices, e.g., heritage or premium suburbs. Suburbs with newer housing estates or further from the city have more affordable housing or rent, which tends to appeal to first-home buyers or growing families.
What schooling options are available in these suburbs?
Answer: Many of the suburbs have access to reputable public and private schools (primary and secondary), and often multiple school/childcare options, which is a major draw for families relocating with children.
How important is public transport and commuting in suburban selection?
Answer: Very important, good public transport connectivity (train, tram, bus) makes commuting to work or school easier, and enhances the liveability of a suburb. Many family-friendly suburbs are chosen partly because of direct train/tram links and reasonable commute times.
