London and Melbourne are two of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, each with its own unique culture, history, and attractions.
While both cities have their own distinct personality, they also share some similarities in terms of their love for art, food, and sports.
In this article, we will compare London and Melbourne in various aspects to help you decide which city suits you the most.
Contents
Size: Which City Is Bigger?
When considering a move to a new city, size can play a crucial role in deciding which city is the best fit. The size of a city can impact everything from the availability of job opportunities to the cost of living and transportation options.
- Population
London is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 8 million people, making it the largest city in the UK and one of the most populous cities in Europe.
In contrast, Melbourne has a population of just under 5 million people, making it the most populous city in the state of Victoria and the second-most populous city in Australia.
- Area
In terms of land area, Melbourne is much larger than London. Melbourne covers an area of 2,664 square miles (6,905 square kilometers), while London covers an area of 607 square miles (1,572 square kilometers).
This means that Melbourne’s sprawling suburbs and urban sprawl cover a vast area, while London’s compact urban center is home to the majority of the city’s residents.
- Economy
London is one of the world’s most significant financial centers, with a diverse and dynamic economy that includes finance, insurance, and professional services.
The GDP of London was estimated to be around $835 billion in 2020, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
Melbourne also has a thriving economy, with a diverse range of industries that includes finance, manufacturing, and technology.
Melbourne’s GDP was estimated to be around $155 billion in 2020, making it one of the largest metropolitan economies in Australia.
Cost Of Living: Which City Is More Affordable?
When comparing two cities, one important factor to consider is the cost of living. This includes everything from housing costs and transportation expenses to food prices and entertainment options.
- Housing Costs
Housing is one of the most significant expenses for anyone living in a city. In London, housing costs are notoriously high, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging around £1,500 per month ($2,050 USD).
The cost of housing outside the city center is slightly more affordable, but still significant, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around £1,100 ($1,500 USD) per month.
In Melbourne, housing costs are also high, but slightly more affordable than in London. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around AUD $1,800 ($1,360 USD) per month, while outside the city center, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around AUD $1,400 ($1,060 USD) per month.
- Food and Entertainment Costs
The cost of food and entertainment can also vary significantly between cities. In London, dining out can be expensive, with the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around £25 ($34 USD) per person. Entertainment options can also be pricey, with cinema tickets costing around £13 ($18 USD) per person.
In Melbourne, dining out is also relatively expensive, with the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around AUD $60 ($45 USD) per person. Entertainment options are more affordable than in London, with cinema tickets costing around AUD $22 ($17 USD) per person.
- Overall Costs
Both London and Melbourne are expensive cities to live in, with high costs for housing, transportation, and entertainment. However, Melbourne’s cost of living is slightly more affordable than London, with lower housing costs and cheaper transportation options.
When it comes to food and entertainment, both cities are relatively expensive, with London being slightly more costly.
Ultimately, the cost of living in either city will depend on individual lifestyle choices, income levels, and personal preferences.
Weather: Which City Has A Better Climate?
When considering where to live, weather can be an essential factor to consider. The climate can significantly impact daily life, including outdoor activities, transportation, and even mental health.
We’ll take a closer look at the weather in London and Melbourne and compare which city has a better climate.
- Temperature
London has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 18°C (64°F), while in the winter months (December to February), the average temperature is around 7°C (45°F).
Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperature in the summer months (December to February) is around 25°C (77°F), while in the winter months (June to August), the average temperature is around 13°C (55°F).
- Rainfall
Both London and Melbourne receive a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. In London, the wettest months are October and November, with an average of 71mm of rainfall each.
In Melbourne, the wettest months are May and June, with an average of 48mm of rainfall each.
- Sunshine
The amount of sunshine can significantly impact the overall mood and mental health. London is known for its cloudy and rainy weather, with an average of 1,557 hours of sunshine per year.
Melbourne, on the other hand, is known for its sunny weather, with an average of 2,200 hours of sunshine per year.
- Extreme Weather Events
Extreme weather events, such as heat waves or snowstorms, can impact daily life and cause significant disruptions.
In London, extreme weather events are relatively rare, with occasional heatwaves and snowstorms in the winter months.
In Melbourne, extreme weather events are also relatively rare, but the city is known for its occasional heatwaves, bushfires, and storms.
Transportation: Which City Is More Accessible?
When it comes to transportation, both London and Melbourne have well-developed systems that make it relatively easy to get around the city.
Below we have compared the transportation systems of London and Melbourne to determine which city is more accessible.
- Public Transport
London has an extensive public transportation system, including the iconic London Underground, buses, and trains. The London Underground, or “the Tube,” is one of the oldest and most extensive metro systems in the world, covering 11 lines and 270 stations.
London’s bus network is also extensive, with over 8,000 buses operating throughout the city. Additionally, London has several overground train lines, including the London Overground and National Rail services.
Melbourne’s public transportation system includes trains, trams, and buses. The train network covers both suburban and regional areas, with 16 lines and over 200 stations.
The tram network is concentrated in the city center, with 28 routes and 1,763 tram stops. Melbourne’s bus network is extensive, with over 300 routes and 3,000 stops.
- Cost
In London, transportation can be relatively expensive, especially if you travel during peak times. The cost of a single fare on the London Underground can range from £2.40 to £6.00 depending on the zones traveled and time of day. Buses in London cost £1.55 for a single fare, with a daily cap of £4.65.
In Melbourne, the cost of transportation is generally lower than in London. The cost of a single fare on Melbourne’s trams, trains, and buses is a flat rate of $4.50, with discounts available for concession cardholders and off-peak travel.
- Accessibility
Accessibility is another crucial factor to consider when comparing transportation systems.
In London, most public transportation is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Additionally, most Tube stations have step-free access.
In Melbourne, public transportation accessibility is improving, with an increasing number of trams and train stations becoming wheelchair accessible.
Jobs: Which City Has Better Job Opportunities?
When it comes to job opportunities, factors such as the size and diversity of the economy, industry sectors, and the unemployment rate can all play a role.
London and Melbourne are both major economic centers with plenty of employment prospects. However, there are some differences to consider.
- Industry Sectors
London’s largest industry sectors include finance, technology, and creative industries. The city’s financial sector is one of the largest in the world, providing many job opportunities in banking, insurance, and investment.
London is also a leading global technology hub, with many tech companies and start-ups based in the city. The creative industries are also a significant contributor to London’s economy, with many jobs in media, advertising, and fashion.
Melbourne’s largest industry sectors include healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city has several leading healthcare organizations, including hospitals and research institutions, providing many job opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Melbourne is also home to several leading universities, creating job opportunities in the education sector. Additionally, Melbourne’s manufacturing sector includes a range of industries, including food and beverage production, creating many job opportunities.
- Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate is an important factor to consider when comparing cities for job opportunities.
As of September 2021, the unemployment rate in London was 5.6%, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 4.5%. However, it’s worth noting that London has a larger population and job market than many other cities in the UK.
In comparison, the unemployment rate in Melbourne as of August 2021 was 4.5%, which is lower than the Australian average of 4.6%. This suggests that the job market in Melbourne is relatively stable, and there may be more opportunities available to job seekers.