Why Melbourne Is the Best Place to Live
If you’ve been dreaming of a move to a city that perfectly balances world-class ambition with a laid-back lifestyle, look no further than Melbourne, Victoria. The data is in, and the verdict is clear: Melbourne isn’t just maintaining its reputation; it’s climbing to new heights.
We’ve synthesized reports from four top sources—Live in Melbourne, Northern Health, Study Melbourne, and the latest 2026 rankings from Time Out—to break down exactly why Melbourne is the best place to call home right now.
1. A Globally Recognized Heavyweight
Melbourne doesn’t just claim to be great; it has the scoreboard to prove it.
The “Best Cities” List: According to Time Out, Melbourne has secured the #21 spot globally in Resonance Consultancy’s “World’s Best Cities” list for 2026. This ranking, considered the most comprehensive of its kind, highlights Melbourne as Australia’s second-highest ranked city, praised specifically for its growing metro network and world-class institutions.
The Liveability Champion: Live in Melbourne confirms that the city consistently dominates the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) rankings, currently holding the title of the 4th most liveable city in the world. It achieved perfect 100/100 scores for healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Gen Z & Happiness: Time Out also highlighted two massive wins for younger movers and families: Melbourne was voted the #2 best city in the world for Gen Z and currently holds the title of the happiest city in Australia.
2. World-Leading Healthcare
For many movers, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury. Melbourne offers this with a healthcare system that is the envy of the world. Melburnians boast some of the highest life expectancies globally, supported by a network of public and private hospitals that are accessible and high-quality.
Institutions like The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Alfred Health have been ranked among the top 50 hospitals in the world. As noted by Northern Health, this robust system allows residents to focus on maintaining an enviable work-life balance, knowing their wellbeing is in safe hands.
3. The Education Capital
If you are looking to study or have children, Melbourne is arguably the best choice in the region. Study Melbourne highlights that the city is consistently ranked as Australia’s Best Student City and sits at #4 globally in the QS Best Student Cities index.
It is home to Australia’s highest-ranked university and is the only Australian city with two universities in the global top 50. This academic excellence was a key factor in pushing Melbourne up the 2026 Resonance rankings.
4. Unbeatable Culture and Events
You can’t talk about Melbourne without mentioning the “vibe.” Northern Health points out that the city is overflowing with creativity, from the famous laneway culture filled with hidden arcades to major institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria.
Time Out emphasizes that Melbourne’s “sizzling” arts and events scene is a major driver of its global status. The city hosts world-renowned sporting spectacles like the Australian Open and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, ensuring there is never a dull weekend.
5. Green Spaces and Lifestyle
Despite being a bustling metropolis, Melbourne breathes. Time Out praises the city’s “beautiful green spaces,” with stunning parks and beaches right on your doorstep. Whether it is a summer sunset at St Kilda Beach or a weekend hike in the Grampians (as recommended by Northern Health), nature is always accessible.
The Verdict
Melbourne isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place to live well. With its rising 2026 rankings, perfect scores in essential services, and a title as the “happiest city in Australia,” it is hard to find a flaw in this cultural capital.
Ready to make the move? contact us to book an appointment to start your journey.
