Both Canberra and Melbourne are two of Australia’s most iconic cities. Although Canberra is the capital of Australia, it has a much smaller population than Melbourne which means fewer attractions and amenities. Conversely, Melbourne offers an unbeatable selection of restaurants, cultural highlights and entertainment spots that make it one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Ultimately, both cities have something different to offer depending on your needs – making them both great places to visit or call home!
Canberra Vs. Melbourne – Differences
Location
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, while Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria. Both are located in the country’s southeastern part, but Canberra is about 280 kilometres (170 miles) southwest of Melbourne. Population-wise, Melbourne is more than three times as large as Canberra—over 4 million people live there, compared to just over 400,000 in Canberra.
Weather
Melbourne is known for its temperate climate, while Canberra is known for its hot, dry summers and cold winters. This means that you can expect different weather patterns in each city.
In Melbourne, you can expect average temperatures to range from 12-25 degrees Celsius. The city experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, so you’ll need to pack your umbrella! The summers in Melbourne can be quite hot, so be sure to pack your sunscreen.
Canberra experiences much hotter summers, with average temperatures ranging from 21-32 degrees Celsius. However, the winters in Canberra can be very cold, so make sure you pack your warm clothes! You’ll also need to be prepared for less rainfall in Canberra than in Melbourne.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Canberra is relatively high compared to other Australian cities, but still lower than Melbourne and Sydney. Prices for groceries and basic necessities are higher than most other Australian cities, but housing costs are lower. Overall, the cost of living in Canberra is about average for an Australian city.
Housing
In Canberra, the median house price is $671,000, while in Melbourne it is $834,000. This means that houses in Canberra are much more affordable than in Melbourne. The average rent for a house in Canberra is $450 per week, while in Melbourne it is $490 per week. This makes Canberra a much more affordable place to live for renters as well.
Education
In Melbourne, you will find a more traditional approach to education with a strong focus on the humanities, while in Canberra the emphasis is on STEM subjects. This difference is reflected in the University of Melbourne, which is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities for arts and humanities, and the Australian National University, which is ranked among the world’s top 50 universities for science and technology.
Healthcare
Canberra has a public healthcare system which is funded by the government, while Melbourne has a private healthcare system. This means that residents of Canberra have access to free or subsidized healthcare, while residents of Melbourne must pay for their own healthcare costs.
Canberra also has a higher number of hospitals per capita than Melbourne, meaning that there is greater access to medical care in the capital city. Additionally, Canberra’s hospitals are more likely to be located in close proximity to each other, making it easier for patients to get the care they need. Conversely, Melbourne’s hospitals are more spread out, making it more difficult for patients to get to the care they need.
Recreation and leisure
Canberra is known for its outdoor activities, as it is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which has many national parks and reserves. It also has a number of museums and art galleries, as well as a lively nightlife scene.
In contrast, Melbourne is more urbanised and offers a greater variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It is also home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Federation Square.
Which city is better Melbourne or Canberra?
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If you’re looking for a bustling, cosmopolitan city with plenty of things to do, then Melbourne is probably the better choice. However, if you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle and want to be close to nature, then Canberra might be a better fit.
Canberra is the capital of Australia and is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), whereas Melbourne is the capital of Victoria. This means that Canberra is much smaller than Melbourne, both in terms of population and area. As a result, there are fewer things to do in Canberra and it can feel quite isolated at times. However, this also means that Canberra is quieter and less crowded than Melbourne, which some people prefer.
Another difference between the two cities is their climate. Melbourne has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cooler winters. The weather in Canberra is more extreme, with very hot summers and cold winters. This can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities in Canberra during the summer months unless you’re prepared for the heat.
So, which city is better? It really depends on your personal preferences. If you like busy cities with lots to do, then Melbourne is probably your best bet. However, if you prefer a slower paced lifestyle and want to be close to nature, then Canberra might be a better choice
Is Canberra or Melbourne more expensive?
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If you’re looking to move to Australia’s capital cities, you may be wondering which is more expensive – Canberra or Melbourne? Here’s a breakdown of the costs of living in each city.
Utilities: Electricity and gas prices are similar in both cities. For example, AGL charges around $1.30 per day for electricity in both Canberra and Melbourne.
Groceries: You’ll pay slightly more for groceries in Melbourne than in Canberra. For example, a loaf of bread costs around $3.50 in Melbourne but only $3 in Canberra.
Transport: Public transport costs are similar in both cities, with a weekly Myki pass costing $38.80 in Melbourne and $39.80 in Canberra. However, petrol is cheaper in Canberra – you’ll pay around $1.40 per litre compared to $1.50 per litre in Melbourne.
Overall, the cost of living is higher in Melbourne than it is in Canberra. However, salaries are also higher in Melbourne so you may find that your lifestyle doesn’t change too much if you move from one city to the other.
How far is Canberra from Melbourne by flight?
Canberra is about a one-hour flight from Melbourne. The two cities are about 550 kilometers apart by road.
Is Canberra a good place to live?
There are many factors to consider when determining whether or not a city is a good place to live. Some people might prefer a bustling metropolis, while others might prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. Canberra, the capital of Australia, has a population of just over 400,000 and is located in the southeastern part of the country. It’s known for its museums and galleries, as well as its large number of parks and gardens. The city also has a relatively low cost of living, which can be appealing for those on a budget. Additionally, Canberra is home to several universities, making it a great place for students or those looking to further their education. While it may not be as exciting as some other cities, Canberra offers a high quality of life and is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a new place to call home.
Is Melboune a good place to live?
Yes, Melbourne is a great place to live! It’s a big city with plenty to do, but it also has a small-town feel. The people are friendly and there’s a strong sense of community. The weather is good, too – you can enjoy all four seasons here!
What is Canberra Australia known for?
Canberra Australia is known for being the capital city of the country. It is also known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as its large number of parks and gardens. Additionally, Canberra is home to the Australian National University, which is one of the country’s leading universities.
What is Melbourne Australia known for?
Melbourne is known for being Australia’s cultural capital. It has a diverse and vibrant arts scene, with many museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is also home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Federation Square. Melbourne is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Featured Image By – Photo by Aditya Joshi on Unsplash
