Living in Blackburn as a Student: The Complete Guide (2026)
Blackburn (postcode 3130) is 14km from Melbourne’s CBD with a population of around 13,800. For students at nearby university campuses, Blackburn offers a balance of affordability and access to the broader Melbourne network.
Blackburn sits in Melbourne’s middle ring, 14km from the CBD, with a population of approximately 13,800. The suburb has an established residential character with local shops, parks, and transport connections.
This guide covers what you need to know about living in Blackburn as a student – rent costs, transport options, where to eat cheaply, and what the social scene looks like.
Universities and TAFEs Near Blackburn
The following campuses are accessible from Blackburn:
- nearby university campuses
Commute times from Blackburn to these campuses vary by mode of transport. Train and bus connections make the journey practical for daily commuting.
Rental Costs for Students
One-bedroom apartments in Blackburn rent for approximately $369 per week. For most students, a share house is more realistic:
| Housing type | Weekly cost | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Share house room | $189-269/week | $819-1,165/month |
| Studio apartment | $329-389/week | $1,425-1,685/month |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $369/week | $1,599/month |
Where to find share houses:
- Flatmates.com.au and Fairy Floss Real Estate (Facebook group) are the most active platforms
- University housing boards and student union noticeboards
- Inspect in person before paying any bond or signing a lease
Transport to Campus
Public transport in Blackburn includes train and bus services connecting to the CBD and surrounding suburbs. The suburb is 14km from Melbourne’s centre.
Myki fares (full-time student concession):
- 2-hour fare: $2.65 (concession) / $5.30 (full)
- Daily cap: $5.30 (concession) / $10.60 (full)
- Weekly cap: $26.50 (concession) / $53.00 (full)
Apply for your concession Myki through your university portal before semester starts. The savings add up to $1,300+ per year compared to full fare.
Budget Grocery Shopping
Keeping food costs down is essential on a student budget. In and around Blackburn:
- Aldi is the budget leader – a weekly shop costs 15-25% less than Coles or Woolworths
- Asian grocers sell rice, noodles, tofu, and sauces at prices below supermarket equivalents
- Local markets (if available nearby) offer fresh produce at 20-40% below supermarket prices
- Meal prepping on Sundays can bring your weekly food spend down to $40-60
A realistic weekly food budget for a student in Blackburn: $50-80 if cooking at home, $100-150 if eating out regularly.
Social Scene
Blackburn is 14km from the CBD, which means CBD nightlife requires a commute but is still reachable.
Within Blackburn itself, the local scene includes pubs, cafes, and community events.
Safety
Blackburn is a well-connected suburb with strong foot traffic on main streets. Standard Melbourne safety practices apply:
- Main commercial areas are well-lit
- Use well-lit, well-trafficked routes late at night
- The PTV app shows real-time transport options to avoid waiting alone at stops
- University security services operate around the clock at most campuses
Monthly Student Budget in Blackburn
| Category | Budget option | Moderate option |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (share house) | $189/week ($819/mo) | $269/week ($1,165/mo) |
| Groceries | $50/week ($217/mo) | $80/week ($347/mo) |
| Transport (concession) | $26.50/week ($115/mo) | $26.50/week ($115/mo) |
| Utilities (share) | $30/week ($130/mo) | $40/week ($174/mo) |
| Phone | $30/mo | $45/mo |
| Social | $60/mo | $120/mo |
| Total | $1,371/mo | $1,966/mo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackburn a good suburb for students?
Blackburn is 14km from the CBD with transport links. Share house rent runs $189-269/week. For students seeking affordable rent with public transport to campus, Blackburn works well.
How much does it cost to live in Blackburn as a student?
A budget-conscious student in a share house can expect $1,371 to $1,966 per month, covering rent, food, transport, utilities, and basic social costs.
Data sourced from ABS Census 2021, Domain median prices, PTV fare information. Compiled April 2026. Rental prices are indicative and vary by property.