Here’s why Adelaide surpasses Melbourne,
If there were a Miss World Cities pageant, Australia would have an exceptional roster of contenders.
However, the crown would undoubtedly go to Adelaide, which has recently been recognized as the most beautiful city in the world by Architectural Digest. While this accolade was expected by locals, it has understandably ruffled the feathers of some Melburnians, including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who has taken a few poorly aimed jabs at our stunning city.
To put the debate to rest once and for all, we’ve analyzed solid data and consulted with impartial experts to present seven reasons why Adelaide is, and always will be, superior to Melbourne.
Our homes are more affordable.
As the great philosopher Sir Paul McCartney wisely observed, money can’t buy love.
However, it can reduce stress, and with less stress often comes greater friendliness. That might explain why, despite our home prices steadily climbing towards Melbourne’s levels, Adelaide remains the friendlier city.
Let’s examine the figures:
According to PropTrack, the median price for houses in greater Adelaide is $760,000, while units average $510,000.
In Melbourne, the median house price is $875,000—$115,000 more than in Adelaide—while units cost $605,000, which is $95,000 higher than in Adelaide.
But there’s more good news for South Australians! First-home buyers who build or purchase a new home in SA can benefit from a $15,000 grant and avoid stamp duty entirely, regardless of the home’s value, thanks to a recent state government initiative.
In contrast, while the Allan Labor Government in Melbourne has eliminated stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties, residential tax breaks are still lacking. This makes Adelaide a more appealing choice for home buyers.
It’s a market favorable for investors.
Adelaide is not only known as the most beautiful city in the world but is also becoming a top choice for investors. Recent reports from the Advertiser suggest that house prices in Adelaide could rise by 7 percent by the end of this year, with another 5 to 6 percent increase expected in 2025.
In comparison, Melbourne has seen a more modest price increase of 3.2 percent. This means sellers and investors in Melbourne might not see as high returns as those in Adelaide.
Adelaide is also leading in housing supply, with the biggest increase in property listings among capital cities over the past year. Listings have jumped by 17.4 percent, according to PropTrack, while Melbourne’s listings have grown by 14.6 percent.
Resident Comfort
Melburnians often describe Adelaide as merely “a big country town,” and while there’s some truth to that, many locals take pride in this reputation. After all, where else can you be just 20 minutes away from both stunning beaches and some of the world’s finest wine regions, like the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa, and McLaren Vale? Seriously, can you name another city surrounded by three exceptional wine regions? We’re all ears.
WE HAVE MORE SUNSHINE
According to the experts who track these things, Adelaide enjoys an average of 2,765 hours of sunshine annually, compared to Melbourne’s 2,362 hours. It’s well-known that soaking up the sun can boost mood and overall happiness. With an additional 400 hours of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder Adelaide is often seen as a friendlier city.
Our baristas are more affordable.
Adelaide boasts a rich and lasting coffee culture, but the baristas serving up our flat whites each morning don’t carry the same intense attitude as their Melbourne peers. Whether you prefer your coffee extra hot, half-strength, or in a mug, you’ll find no judgment in Adelaide (at least, not overtly). Try making such requests in Melbourne, and you might find yourself fleeing from a highly caffeinated, tattooed barista wielding a machete.
The Traffic Flow
If you let someone in from a side street on Goodwood Road, Churchill Road, or Payneham Road, you’ll receive “the wave”—a simple gesture that says, “Thank you, fellow driver; your courtesy has made my commute a bit smoother, and I appreciate it.” Does this happen in Melbourne? No one really knows, since letting someone in from a side street has been practically unheard of since 1963.
Our daily commute doesn’t leave us exhausted.
If you’re commuting from Ballarat every morning, you’re likely to be less than enthusiastic when you finally find a parking spot and arrive at the office. On the other hand, if you’re driving in on the Southern Expressway – which has been a two-way route for several years now – you’ll arrive at work as refreshed as a daisy from Seaford Meadows. Expect smiles all around!
