Melbourne is an expensive city, but that does not mean you have to pay up to live well. Plenty in our fair city is free or inexpensive. Many of our best cultural institutions are free, and deals and specials will let you eat at some of our best restaurants for less than you might think.
There's a special joy in doing, eating, drinking or wearing something fabulous that you've hardly paid a thing for. If you know where to look, you can get by in the city for a lot less than you'd think. Sadly, the only thing we can't help you with is rising rental prices.