Sydney and Melbourne are Australia's two largest cities and the two most common destinations for relocating expat families. The differences run deeper than weather. School markets, housing economics, public transport and broader urban personalities all diverge in ways that change which city suits which family.
Schools
Both cities offer the standard Australian state and independent school choice plus dedicated international schools. Sydney's independent sector is older and more entrenched, with schools like Sydney Grammar, Kambala, Knox Grammar and Cranbrook leading. Melbourne's independent sector is comparably strong (Scotch College, Melbourne Grammar, MLC, PLC) and arguably more competitive for places. Fees are broadly comparable in the AUD 26,000 to 38,000 range for senior years across both cities.
The IB Diploma is available at a handful of independent schools in both cities. The Victorian Certificate of Education (Melbourne) and Higher School Certificate (Sydney) are the state senior qualifications. For relocating families likely to stay long-term, either state qualification works. For families likely to move on, the IB is more portable.
Housing economics
Sydney housing is among the most expensive in the world. School-catchment housing in the eastern and northern suburbs commands a premium that pushes most expat families into expensive rentals. Melbourne is materially cheaper at comparable suburb quality, though the gap has narrowed since 2022.
Climate and quality of life
Sydney is warmer and offers harbour-and-beach lifestyle. Melbourne is cooler, with more changeable weather, and has the stronger cultural infrastructure (cafe culture, arts, sport, music). The Melbourne-vs-Sydney question is partly an aesthetic choice, and that's before you weigh the practical factors.
The decision
Sydney works better for families with a Pacific or Asian orientation (flights, business networks, the lifestyle that comes with proximity to harbour and beach). Melbourne works better for families coming from European cities who want a denser, more walkable, more culturally similar urban experience.