Pros & Cons: Melbourne vs Perth?

Question

Hi

My wife, 5 yr old son & I are going to move to OZ. The toss up is bet. Perth & Melbourne.

I've been doing a fair bit of reading, but still haven't made up our minds about Perth vs Melbourne.

The main answer that I think I am looking for is quality of life in the two places. In other words, the weather, fun activities, commuting, work/life balance, income potential are the things that'll bring joy to our lives.

I am a graphic designer, and my wife is a dentist. And the most important aspect is our son and his enjoyment of growing up.

Answer 1

Hi

The list of things regarding quality of life makes this an easy question to answer -

Perth, by a mile, no contest.

The weather is fantastic, which makes for endless outdoor activities, Perth is a 1/3 the size of Melb, so commuting is so much easier, and earning potential would be similar, although there would be more oppurtunities in Melb for work, esp graphic designer.

You said the most important aspect is your son`s enjoyment. Melbourne is a nice place, but you will LOVE Perth.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Melbourne by a mile (but Sydney is even better). Perth tries but it is too small and too far from anywhere else. Singapore is closer to Perth than Canberra, Australia's capital. In Melbourne you have a wide range of climates from the coast to the mountains and there will be something to suit you. There is a greater choice of schools and universities, a superb cultural scene with great theatre, music, art and a complete range of entertainment from opera to heavy metal to boot scooting. Melbourne has some great restaurants and many very good ones covering a huge variety of cuisines at prices to suit any pocket.

Victoria is a small State and many of its attractions are an easy day trip from Melbourne - including skiing in the Victorian Alps, trout fishing, some of the best surf in Australia, penguins at Phillip Island, platypuses at Healesville and great wines and food all over the place.

If you really can't go to Sydney (which has everything Melbourne has plus the Harbour and beaches) then Melbourne is the place for you. Perth is a lovely city and I have always enjoyed my visits but you wouldn't want to live there if you ever want to see anything other than Perth.

Answer 3

Perth is currently being disrupted by the resources boom and this is distorting its economy leading to shortages in various essentials. Melbourne on the other hand is a well-established world class city located in the population centre of Australia. It has everything you are ever likely to need in abundance including a temperate climate and very friendly people.

Answer 4

Perth, whilst a beautiful city and is riding on the wave of a mineral resources boom is too remote from the rest of Australia.

It's pros are relaxed lifestyle, beautiful surroundings, great beaches and strong economy. Its cons are expensive real estate and remote location.

Melbourne is more cosmopolitan than Perth. More variety of cultures.

Its pros are good economy, good proximity for the rest of the nation and cheaper real estate. It's cons are people are snobby and the weather isn't as good.

There's my view mate. Take it from there