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The Cheapest Suburbs to Move to in Melbourne

Explore the cheapest suburbs in Melbourne with key details on prices, transport, and lifestyle to help you choose the right area.

Cheapest Suburbs in Melbourne
Practical moving advice for Melbourne homes
Published12 March 2025
Reading timeAbout 8 minutes
TopicGeneral

List of the Cheapest Suburbs in Melbourne

  1. Melton
  2. Melton South
  3. Millgrove
  4. East Warburton
  5. Frankston North
  6. Kurunjang
  7. Werribee
  8. Dallas
  9. Albanvale
  10. Cranbourne

Melbourne’s property market is always changing, with a wide range of housing options and growing demand from buyers and renters. As one of Australia’s most sought-after cities, Melbourne offers a unique blend of urban convenience, cultural vibrancy, and green spaces. But with prices going up, affordability is a big concern for first-home buyers, families, and investors.

For many, the dream of homeownership or securing a cost-effective rental hinges on finding a balance between price, lifestyle, and accessibility. But what makes a suburb truly "affordable"? Affordability isn’t just about house prices, it also depends on location, public transport, local facilities, and future developments. Cheaper suburbs with good growth potential attract buyers on a budget.

This article highlights some of Melbourne’s most budget-friendly suburbs, locations where affordability meets livability. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or an investor seeking a smart purchase, these suburbs provide excellent value while still offering essential lifestyle benefits.

Cheapest Suburbs in Melbourne

1. Melton

  • Median House Price: Approximately $265,000 to $468,000
  • Distance from CBD: 35 km
  • Transport Options: Melton is well-connected via the Melton Station on the V/Line train network, with an approximate 45-minute commute to Southern Cross Station in the city. The suburb also has multiple bus routes linking residents to surrounding areas.
  • Lifestyle Features: Melton is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers due to its larger block sizes, abundance of green spaces, and a growing community. The area is home to Woodgrove Shopping Centre, various schools, and a range of recreational facilities. With future transport and infrastructure upgrades planned, Melton continues to be a suburb with great potential for capital growth.

2. Melton South

  • Median House Price: Approximately $260,501
  • Distance from CBD: 35 km
  • Transport Options: Melton South benefits from excellent transport connectivity, with Melton Station providing V/Line train services to Melbourne’s CBD in approximately 44 minutes. The suburb also has multiple bus routes and easy access to the Western Freeway, making commuting by car convenient.
  • Lifestyle Features: Melton South offers affordable housing with generous land sizes, making it a great choice for families and first-home buyers. The area has several schools, parks, and shopping options, and is rapidly developing with new infrastructure projects enhancing its appeal. Its proximity to Melton’s main shopping precinct, Woodgrove Shopping Centre, adds to its convenience.

3. Millgrove

  • Median House Price: Approximately $275,000
  • Distance from CBD: 63 km
  • Lifestyle Features: Nestled in the Yarra Valley, Millgrove is an ideal option for those seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle while still remaining within commuting distance of Melbourne. The suburb is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, including access to the Yarra River and walking trails, making it a haven for nature lovers. While it offers fewer urban amenities compared to inner suburbs, Millgrove provides an escape from city life with its peaceful environment and close-knit community feel.

4. East Warburton

  • Median House Price: Approximately $280,000
  • Distance from CBD: 67 km
  • Lifestyle Features: East Warburton offers a serene, nature-filled lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for those looking to escape the noise and crowds of city life. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Yarra Ranges National Park, this suburb is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing surroundings. While it lacks major shopping precincts and urban amenities, it provides a peaceful retreat with a strong sense of community. This affordability and natural beauty make East Warburton a hidden gem for those seeking a rural lifestyle within reach of Melbourne.

5. Frankston North

  • Median House Price: Approximately $295,000 to $470,000
  • Distance from CBD: 37 km
  • Transport Options: Frankston North is well-served by public transport, with Frankston Train Station providing direct rail access to Melbourne’s CBD in approximately 57 minutes. Bus networks also connect the suburb to nearby areas, and Peninsula Link and Nepean Highway offer easy road access.
  • Lifestyle Features: One of the biggest draws of Frankston North is its affordable beachside lifestyle. With its proximity to Frankston Beach, this suburb allows residents to enjoy coastal living without the hefty price tag of neighboring areas. The suburb also boasts multiple parks, schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities, making it a well-rounded choice for families and investors. As Frankston continues to experience gentrification, property values in this area have strong growth potential.

6. Kurunjang

  • Median House Price: Approximately $295,000 to $440,000
  • Distance from CBD: 40 km
  • Transport Options: Kurunjang is just a short drive from Melton Station, where V/Line trains offer a 44-minute commute to Melbourne’s CBD. Bus routes within the suburb connect residents to nearby shopping centers and schools. The Western Freeway also provides an easy drive into the city.
  • Lifestyle Features: Kurunjang is a quiet, family-friendly suburb with plenty of parks, playgrounds, and schools. It offers affordable housing on larger blocks, making it an appealing option for first-home buyers and those looking for more space. With its proximity to Melton’s shopping and commercial centers, Kurunjang provides convenience while maintaining a suburban, relaxed atmosphere. As new developments and infrastructure projects continue to emerge, Kurunjang is gaining popularity as an affordable, up-and-coming suburb.

7. Werribee

  • Median House Price: Approximately $332,500 to $520,000
  • Distance from CBD: 32 km
  • Transport Options: Werribee is well-connected to Melbourne’s CBD via the Werribee train line, with an approximate 40-minute commute. The suburb also benefits from multiple bus routes and easy access to major roads, including Princes Freeway, making car travel convenient.
  • Lifestyle Features: Werribee offers a blend of suburban and semi-rural living, with affordable housing options that attract first-home buyers and investors. The suburb is home to the famous Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park Mansion, and the Werribee River, providing ample recreational activities. Additionally, Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre offers a variety of retail and dining options. With continued infrastructure development and its growing population, Werribee is fast becoming a desirable yet affordable suburb in Melbourne’s west.

8. Dallas

  • Median House Price: Approximately $340,500 to $520,000
  • Distance from CBD: 18 km
  • Transport Options: Dallas offers excellent public transport access, with Broadmeadows Station just minutes away, providing a 39- to 40-minute train ride to Melbourne’s CBD. Multiple bus routes also connect the suburb to surrounding areas, and major roads like Pascoe Vale Road and the M80 Ring Road make driving convenient.
  • Lifestyle Features: Dallas is known for its affordability, strong community feel, and multicultural atmosphere. The suburb has a variety of schools, shopping centers, and community spaces, making it a practical choice for families and first-home buyers. Its close proximity to Broadmeadows Central Shopping Centre, local markets, and parks adds to its livability. As an inner-north suburb, Dallas provides a great balance between affordability and accessibility, making it an appealing option for those looking to live close to the city without the premium price tag.

9. Albanvale

  • Median House Price: Approximately $341,500 to $530,000
  • Distance from CBD: 19 km
  • Transport Options: Albanvale has multiple bus connections linking it to West Footscray Station and Sunshine Station, providing access to train services into Melbourne’s CBD. The Western Ring Road and Ballarat Road offer convenient driving routes for commuters.
  • Lifestyle Features: A small yet affordable and family-friendly suburb, Albanvale is known for its proximity to major shopping centers, including Brimbank Shopping Centre. It offers a mix of older homes and newer developments, attracting first-home buyers and investors. With local schools, parks, and a quiet suburban feel, Albanvale provides a great mix of affordability and convenience.

10. Cranbourne

  • Median House Price: Approximately $340,000 to $565,000
  • Distance from CBD: 43 km
  • Transport Options: Cranbourne is well-serviced by Cranbourne Station, providing a 60-minute train ride to Melbourne’s CBD. Additionally, buses and major roads such as the South Gippsland Highway make commuting easier for residents.
  • Lifestyle Features: Cranbourne is a rapidly growing suburb offering a mix of urban and natural environments. The suburb is home to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, providing green spaces and recreational activities. It features multiple shopping centers, schools, and sporting facilities, making it an attractive option for families. With ongoing residential developments and infrastructure improvements, Cranbourne is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking affordable housing in Melbourne’s southeast.

Melbourne offers a range of affordable suburbs that provide a balance of price, lifestyle, and accessibility. No matter if you're looking for a quiet, nature-filled retreat like East Warburton and Millgrove, a family-friendly suburban environment like Melton South and Kurunjang, or a well-connected, developing area like Werribee and Cranbourne, there are options to suit various needs and budgets.

Factors to consider when choosing an affordable suburb

Choosing the Right Affordable Suburb

  1. Lifestyle – Do you prefer the coast, suburbs, or countryside?
  2. Transport – Check train, bus, and road access.
  3. Future Growth – Look at new developments and price trends.
  4. Amenities – Schools, shopping, and healthcare matter for long-term living.

Melbourne’s outer suburbs offer great affordability for first-home buyers and investors. Visit different areas, compare options, and find the best match for your budget and lifestyle.

Need Help Moving to One of These Affordable Suburbs?

Relocating to a budget-friendly suburb in Melbourne? Quick Pick Movers offers reliable and affordable removalist services to make your move stress-free. No matter if you're shifting to Melton, Werribee, Cranbourne, or anywhere in between, our expert team guarantees a smooth and efficient move. Get a free quote today at Quick Pick Movers!

FAQs About The Cheapest Suburbs in Melbourne

What is the cheapest suburb to live in Melbourne?

Melton and Melton South are among the most affordable suburbs, with median house prices starting around $260,000.

Are cheap suburbs in Melbourne safe to live in?

Safety varies by area. Research crime rates, speak to locals, and visit the suburb to assess its suitability for your needs.

Which cheap Melbourne suburb has the best public transport?

Werribee, Dallas, and Frankston North offer strong transport links, with train services providing direct access to the CBD.

Do cheap suburbs in Melbourne have good amenities?

Many affordable suburbs have schools, shopping centers, and parks, but some rural areas may have fewer facilities.

Are property prices in cheap Melbourne suburbs expected to rise?

Many affordable suburbs are experiencing growth due to new developments and infrastructure projects, making them attractive for investment.

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