15 Cheapest Suburbs to Rent in Melbourne: Affordable Living Starts Here

Finding the cheapest suburbs to rent in Melbourne can feel overwhelming, especially with rising rental prices. 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 seeking affordable housing.

For newcomers, renting is typically a first option to explore different suburbs, experience the local lifestyle, and decide where to settle long-term later on. 

If you choose to buy a home in Melbourne, working with a mortgage broker like LM Connect can be advantageous. Our brokers provide expert advice, compare loan options from multiple lenders, and help you find the best financing solution based on your budget and needs.

Below, we break down the 15 most affordable suburbs, helping you find a rental that suits your budget and lifestyle.

15 Cheapest Suburbs to Rent in Melbourne

With rental prices climbing, finding an affordable place to live is more important than ever. Here are 15 suburbs in Melbourne where you can rent a home without stretching your budget.

#1  Melton – The Most Affordable Suburb in Melbourne

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 – Budget-Friendly Suburb with Great Amenities

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 – Cheap Rental Prices in Melbourne’s West

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 – Affordable Family Living Close to Melton

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 – Growing Suburb with Low Rent Prices

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 – Affordable Rentals Near Melbourne’s West

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 – Hidden Gem with Budget-Friendly Rent

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 – Cheap Rent Close to the CBD

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.

• Median rent:  $430 per week (houses)
• Why rent here?  Close to St Albans train station, near Sunshine shopping hub.

#9  Hoppers Crossing – One of Melbourne’s Cheapest Suburbs for Renters

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 – Cheap Rent in a Fast-Growing Suburb

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 – Affordable Homes for Renters

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 – Budget-Friendly Coastal Suburb

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 & schools.

#13  Pakenham – Cheapest Rental Suburb in Melbourne’s Southeast

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 – Cheap Rent in Melbourne’s North

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 – One of the Most Affordable Suburbs in Melbourne

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

Finding an affordable rental in Melbourne can be challenging, 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:

1. Use Reliable Websites  – Check Realestate.com.au, Domain, and local Facebook groups for the latest listings.
2. Act Fast  – Rental properties in affordable suburbs go quickly, so submit applications as soon as possible.
3. Expand Your Search  – Consider neighbouring suburbs that offer similar amenities but lower rent.
4. Check for Off-Market Listings  – Some landlords list properties through local real estate agents before advertising online.
5. Be Prepared  – Have your proof of income, references, and ID ready to speed up the application process.

If you're ready to buy a home after renting, the brokers at LM Connect can help you find the best home loan tailored to your budget and goals. Get in touch with our expert brokers today!

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 expensive suburbs. These locations provide good city access, strong rental demand, 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 suburbs. 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 a strong 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 suburbs 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 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 beyond expensive suburbs 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.

What are the available home loans mortgage brokers can assist after renting?

Mortgage brokers can help renters transition into buying by assisting with home loans designed for steady income earners ready to handle mortgage repayments and council rates. They guide you through loans that reduce initial costs, help assess property prices, and recommend areas with strong price growth and future rental yield potential.

What lifestyle factors should I consider when renting in Melbourne’s cheapest suburbs?

Think about public schools, community events, proximity to a major shopping centre, and ease of city access to ensure good quality of life while keeping within your price range. Balancing low weekly rent with important lifestyle factors like safety, lease terms, and local amenities will help you make an excellent choice for affordable living

Final Thoughts

Finding an affordable rental in Melbourne is possible, especially in the outer suburbs, where median house rents remain lower than in 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. 

If you decide to settle permanently in one of Melbourne’s suburbs, the brokers at  LM Connect are here to guide you through the mortgage process and provide you with the loan options best for your financial goals. Contact them today at (03) 7020 1159 for a free consultation and take the next step toward homeownership with confidence!