Average rent in East Melbourne, VIC — 2026

East Melbourne is part of the Melbourne council area and sits 2km out from the Melbourne CBD, with around 4,896 residents at the 2021 ABS Census. Renters here typically pay $480/week, which is above the Victoria median of $363/week. About 53% of households rent — the rest are owners or paying down a mortgage.

$480/wk

ABS 2021 Census median

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Suburb at a glance

Population
4,896

ABS 2021

Median age
42
Distance to Melbourne
2 km
Households renting
53%
Separate houses
3%
Flats / apartments
74%
Born overseas
28%
Top occupation
Professionals
LGA
Melbourne

Renting in East Melbourne

Renting in East Melbourne costs more than most of Victoria — the typical renter pays $480/week, which is 32% above the state median of $363/week (ABS Census 2021). The suburb is mostly renters (53%) living mostly in flats and apartments (74%), which fits the inner-Melbourne pattern. About 28% of residents were born overseas, and Professionals is the biggest occupation category. East Melbourne is 2km from the CBD — close to jobs, transit, and the kind of inner-city amenity that pushes rent up. Applications close fast and competition is real. State rent indices have moved a lot since 2021, so the live figure above matters more than the Census baseline.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median rent in East Melbourne?+
According to the ABS 2021 Census, the median weekly rent in East Melbourne, VIC was $480. The live figure at the top of this page reflects what RenterSay users have reported more recently. State-wide rent indices suggest the 2021 number is by now well behind current asking rents — use it as a baseline, not a quote.
How does East Melbourne rent compare to Victoria?+
At the 2021 Census, Victoria's state median rent was $363 a week. East Melbourne sat at $480 — 32% above the state average. The suburb is 2km from Melbourne, and rent generally scales with how close you are to the CBD, transit links, and the local dwelling mix (3% separate houses, 74% flats here).
Which suburbs near East Melbourne have lower rent?+
A few nearby suburbs come in cheaper than East Melbourne's $480/week (ABS 2021): Templestowe Lower, Surrey Hills (West) - Canterbury, Hampton. On the higher end, you've got Fitzroy North, Wheelers Hill, Warrandyte - Wonga Park. Just remember that cheaper rent doesn't always mean better value — commute times, transit access, and the actual condition of the housing stock matter too. You can add to the live picture for your area using the rent submission form below.

Nearby suburbs in VIC

Tarneit - Central

$380/wk

Beaumaris

$612/wk

Brighton East

$602/wk

Brighton (Vic.)

$600/wk

Port Melbourne Industrial

$585/wk

Balwyn North

$554/wk

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