Moving to Bendigo in 2026: Regional Victoria's Most Liveable City

Bendigo has quietly become one of regional Victoria's most compelling places to live. The city of around 110,000 has a rich heritage, the best regional art gallery in Australia, a thriving food scene and excellent train links to Melbourne. It is the choice of Melbourne escapees who want to genuinely leave the city behind without giving up what a city provides.

Why Bendigo

The combination of affordability, culture and connectivity is Bendigo's pitch. Median house prices are roughly a third of Melbourne's. The train to Southern Cross Station takes just over an hour. The Bendigo Art Gallery routinely hosts exhibitions that would be at home in a capital city. The central Bendigo streetscape — Victorian goldfields architecture, wide streets — is genuinely beautiful.

Living here

Bendigo has a strong community feel without being provincial. The population skews slightly older but the city is attracting younger residents and families drawn by housing affordability and lifestyle. The local food and cafe scene has benefited from this influx. The Bendigo night markets and seasonal events add to the calendar.

Cost of living

Bendigo is one of the most affordable cities in Victoria. House prices are a fraction of Melbourne equivalents. Groceries and services are comparable to other regional cities. The main cost consideration for Melbourne-connected workers is the train fare, which adds up over time.

Jobs

Health, education and government are the main employers. Bendigo Health is a large regional referral centre. La Trobe University has a campus here. Many Bendigo residents maintain Melbourne careers on a hybrid basis. The local small business economy is diverse.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.