Average rent in South Melbourne, VIC — 2026

South Melbourne is part of the Port Phillip council area and sits 2km out from the Melbourne CBD, with around 11,693 residents at the 2021 ABS Census. Renters here typically pay $421/week, which is above the Victoria median of $363/week. About 54% of households rent — the rest are owners or paying down a mortgage.

$421/wk

ABS 2021 Census median

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Suburb at a glance

Population
11,693

ABS 2021

Median age
39
Distance to Melbourne
2 km
Households renting
54%
Separate houses
5%
Flats / apartments
60%
Born overseas
35%
Top occupation
Professionals
LGA
Port Phillip

Renting in South Melbourne

Renting in South Melbourne costs more than most of Victoria — the typical renter pays $421/week, which is 16% above the state median of $363/week (ABS Census 2021). The suburb is mostly renters (54%) living mostly in flats and apartments (60%), which fits the inner-Melbourne pattern. About 35% of residents were born overseas, and Professionals is the biggest occupation category. South 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 South Melbourne?+
Based on ABS Census 2021 data, the median weekly rent for households in South Melbourne, VIC was $421. Where renters have submitted recent reports through RenterSay, the live figure shown above reflects post-2021 changes. State rent indices like CoreLogic and Domain suggest the 2021 baseline is now several years stale — treat it as the historical anchor, not the current asking price.
How does South Melbourne rent compare to Victoria?+
At the 2021 Census, Victoria's state median rent was $363 a week. South Melbourne sat at $421 — 16% 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 (5% separate houses, 60% flats here).
Which suburbs near South Melbourne have lower rent?+
A few nearby suburbs come in cheaper than South Melbourne's $421/week (ABS 2021): Blackburn, Hurstbridge, Ocean Grove. On the higher end, you've got Gowanbrae, Flinders, Rowville - Central. 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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