15 Cheapest Suburbs to Rent in Melbourne

With the cost of living pressures, you may be looking for the cheapest suburbs to rent in Melbourne. Melbourne is one of Australia’s most liveable cities, with vibrant communities, great transport and job opportunities that make it an ideal place for students, professionals and families.

Below, we break down our list of 15 of the cheapest suburbs to live in, helping you find a rental that suits your budget and lifestyle.

#1 Melton

Melton is one of Melbourne’s most affordable suburbs, offering spacious homes, schools and parks in a growing community. Located 35km west of the CBD, it has strong transport links and plenty of amenities, making it a great choice for families and renters on a budget.

  • Median rent: $380 per week (houses), $330 per week (units)
  • Distance to CBD: 35km (V/Line train to Southern Cross)
  • Why rent here? Affordable, growing infrastructure, new housing estates.

#2 Werribee

Werribee is a family-friendly suburb known for its parks, schools and shopping options, including the popular Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre. With easy access to public transport and major freeways, it’s a convenient and affordable place to rent while staying connected to Melbourne’s CBD.

  • Median rent: $420 per week (houses), $380 per week (units)
  • Why rent here? Strong community, great schools and Pacific Werribee shopping centre.

#3 Kurunjang

Kurunjang offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with plenty of parks, schools and open spaces, making it ideal for families and renters seeking a relaxed environment. Located near Melton, it provides easy access to shopping centres, public transport and major roads for commuting to the city.

  • Median rent: $390 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Quiet family suburb, large parks and affordable prices.

#4 Brookfield

Brookfield is a peaceful, family-friendly suburb with plenty of parks, schools, and walking trails, offering a relaxed lifestyle close to nature. Just minutes from Melton’s shopping and transport hubs, it provides convenient access to essential amenities while maintaining a quiet suburban feel.

  • Median rent: $400 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Close to Melton train station, family-friendly vibe.

#5 Harkness

Harkness is a rapidly growing suburb with modern housing estates, schools and parks, making it a great choice for families and professionals. With its proximity to Melton’s shopping centres and transport links, it offers both convenience and a relaxed suburban lifestyle.

  • Median rent: $410 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? New estates, good schools and great rental affordability.

#6 Weir Views

Weir Views is a new and developing suburb that offers modern homes, green spaces and easy access to shopping and schools. Located near Melton, it provides a quiet suburban lifestyle while staying well-connected to essential amenities and transport options.

  • Median rent: $380 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Affordable and close to Melton’s shopping district.

#7 Eynesbury

Eynesbury is a picturesque suburb surrounded by natural reserves, offering a peaceful lifestyle with a strong sense of community. With its heritage charm, open parklands and local amenities, it’s an ideal spot for renters looking for space and tranquillity while staying connected to nearby urban centres.

  • Median rent: $420 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Tree-lined streets, modern amenities and a vibrant community.

#8 Albanvale 

Albanvale is a well-connected suburb with easy access to shopping centres, schools and public transport, making it a convenient choice for renters. Located near St Albans and Sunshine, it offers a mix of suburban living and city convenience with plenty of local amenities.

#9 Hoppers Crossing 

Hoppers Crossing is a popular suburb for families and professionals, offering great schools, parks and shopping options like Pacific Werribee. With strong transport links, including a train station and freeway access, it provides an easy commute to Melbourne’s CBD.

  • Median rent: $450 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Victoria University nearby, strong community atmosphere.

#10 Tarneit

Tarneit is a rapidly expanding suburb with modern housing, shopping centres and well-planned infrastructure, making it a great choice for renters. With its train station, bus networks and freeway access, commuting to the city or nearby employment hubs is quick and convenient.

  • Median rent: $480 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Close to Wyndham Village Shopping Centre, new train station.

#11 Wyndham Vale

Wyndham Vale offers a family-friendly atmosphere with spacious parks, schools and modern amenities, making it a great choice for renters. With a train station providing direct access to Melbourne’s CBD and growing infrastructure, it combines convenience with suburban charm.

  • Median rent: $460 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? New masterplanned community, great for house hunters.

#12 Point Cook

Point Cook is a coastal suburb known for its scenic parks, family-friendly communities and modern shopping centres. With easy access to the freeway and public transport, it offers a balance of relaxed suburban living and city convenience.

  • Median rent: $500 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Coastal living, great shopping and schools.

#13 Pakenham 

Pakenham is a growing suburb in Melbourne’s southeast, offering a mix of modern housing, schools and plenty of green spaces. With direct train access to the city and expanding local amenities, it’s an ideal choice for renters seeking both convenience and a relaxed lifestyle.

  • Median rent: $450 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Affordable homes, family-friendly with growing infrastructure.

#14 Craigieburn 

Craigieburn is a thriving northern suburb with excellent schools, shopping centres and recreational facilities, making it a great option for families and professionals. With strong transport links, including a train station and major roads, commuting to the city or nearby employment hubs is easy.

  • Median rent: $460 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Good public transport, new estates and shopping centres.

#15 Dallas 

Dallas is a well-established northern suburb offering a diverse community, local shopping centres and plenty of schools. With its proximity to Broadmeadows and easy transport access, it provides renters with a convenient and affordable place to live.

  • Median rent: $420 per week (houses)
  • Why rent here? Close to Broadmeadows shopping centre, train station.

**Sources: CoreLogic, Domain, Realestate.com.au. Note that the above median rent figures are an approximation of the current property market value that fluctuates over time. For real-time estimates, it’s always best to talk with your real estate agent.

How to Find Cheap Rental Homes in Melbourne

Rental prices continue to increase in Melbourne, but with the right approach, you can secure a home that fits your budget. Here are some key tips to help you find cheap rental homes in Melbourne:

  • Use reliable websites – Check Realestate.com.au, Domain and local Facebook groups for the latest listings.
  • Act fast – Rental properties in affordable suburbs tend to go quickly, so submit applications as soon as possible.
  • Expand your search – Consider neighbouring suburbs that offer similar amenities but lower rent.
  • Check for off-market listings – Some landlords list properties through local real estate agents before advertising online.
  • Be prepared – Have your proof of income, references and ID ready to speed up the application process.

FAQs

What is the cheapest area to rent in Melbourne?

Suburbs like Melton, Werribee and Frankston regularly rank among the lowest price areas for renters, offering affordable housing options and decent weekly rent rates well below other suburbs. These locations still provide good city access and are a popular choice for those balancing the cost of living with lifestyle needs.

What is the cheapest suburb in Melbourne to live in?

Melton South is considered one of the cheapest suburbs to live in, with a median house price under $500,000 and weekly rent averages significantly lower than Melbourne’s median price. It offers affordable options for family homes, public schools and community events with reasonable upfront costs.

What is the cheapest suburb within 10km of Melbourne CBD?

Footscray is an affordable housing option within 10km of the CBD, offering one-bedroom apartments with lower weekly rent and solid rental yield potential for property investors. Its vibrant culture, major shopping centre access and lifestyle factors make it an excellent choice for renters needing city access without the expensive price tag.

Are rental prices going down in Melbourne?

Melbourne’s real estate market is seeing mixed trends, with rental prices dropping slightly in some desirable suburbs, but rental demand and price growth remain strong in outer suburbs offering affordable units. Factors like cost of living and shifts in the housing market continue to influence rental yield and lease terms.

How do I find the cheapest places to rent near me in Melbourne?

You can search websites like realestate.com.au, Domain and local agents, filtering by weekly rent, price range and property type to find affordable housing options nearby. Consider looking to outer areas with good public schools, community events and access to a major shopping centre for better quality of life at a lower cost.

Final thoughts

Finding an affordable rental in Melbourne is possible, especially in the outer suburbs, where median house rents remain lower than inner city suburbs. As the rental market continues to shift in 2025, exploring these liveable suburbs can help you find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle. 

Wanting to invest in these sought after areas? Talk to a Loan Market Connect broker on your finance options today.


Author: Jacob Decru

Published: 4/6/2025
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