With 0 cafes and 0 restaurants in the suburb, Cardinia is quieter on the hospitality front, which keeps rents lower but means more driving for dining and errands. Here are the numbers for 2026.
At a glance: · Middle ring · 1BR $280–$347/wk · 2BR $400–$500/wk · 30-45 min to CBD by train
Rent Prices in Cardinia (2026)
Rents in Cardinia reflect its position in the Melbourne market. These estimates reflect current REIV quarterly data and Domain listings.
| Bedrooms | Weekly Rent | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $280–$347 | $1,212–$1,502 |
| 2 bedrooms | $400–$500 | $1,732–$2,165 |
| 3 bedrooms | $520–$674 | $2,251–$2,918 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $650–$850 | $2,814–$3,680 |
Prices reflect 2026 Q1 data for Cardinia’s middle position. Newer buildings and renovated properties sit at the top of each range. Check Domain for current listings.
Rental Market Trends – Cardinia
Middle-ring rents are growing moderately in 2026, with some easing from new supply.
What this means for renters: You have slightly more negotiating room than inner suburbs, especially for apartments. Houses with gardens remain competitive. Apply promptly and include a cover letter explaining why you suit the property.
Best Areas to Rent in Cardinia
We use venue density as a walkability proxy – streets with more cafes, restaurants, and shops tend to be more desirable (and pricier) rental locations.
In middle-ring suburbs like Cardinia, proximity to the train station and the local shopping village drives rental premiums. Properties within 800m of the station typically rent for 5–10% more.
Rental desirability factors:
| Factor | Impact on Rent |
|---|---|
| Walking distance to train station | +$20–$50/week |
| Near cafe strip / shops | +$15–$40/week |
| North-facing (natural light) | +$10–$30/week |
| Off-street parking included | +$20–$40/week |
| Ground floor / no lift | -$10–$20/week |
| Main road frontage (noise) | -$15–$30/week |
Bond and Application Tips for Cardinia
Bond Calculation
Under Victorian tenancy law, the maximum bond is:
- $900/week or less: One month’s rent
- Over $900/week: Negotiable (no cap)
| Property Type | Estimated Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,212–$1,502 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,732–$2,165 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,251–$2,918 |
All bonds must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).
Application Tips for Cardinia
Middle-ring applications are moderately competitive:
- Apply on the day of inspection – do not wait
- Include 100 points of ID and payslips with every application
- Mention any long-term lease preference – landlords value stability
- Provide references from previous landlords, not just employers
- Be upfront about pets – hiding them causes problems later
Public Transport from Cardinia
Glen Waverley and Lilydale/Belgrave lines.
| Mode | Estimated Time to CBD |
|---|---|
| Train | 30-45 min |
| Drive (off-peak) | 25-40 min |
Myki costs (2026): Zone 1-2 daily cap $10.60. Full fare weekly cap $53.00. Concession holders pay half.
Monthly Budget Breakdown – Renting in Cardinia (2026)
Estimated costs for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment.
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,357 |
| Utilities (gas + electricity) | $121–$154 |
| Internet | $70–$90 |
| Groceries | $320–$400 |
| Transport (Myki / car) | $380–$494 |
| Dining out / entertainment | $200–$400 |
| Total | $2,277–$3,073 |
For couples: Double the groceries, add $100 to utilities, and budget for a two-bedroom at $400–$500/week.
Related Guides
- Cardinia Property Market
- Cost of Living in Cardinia
- Cardinia Neighbourhood Guide
- Cardinia Transport Guide
- Best Cafes in Cardinia
Prices current as of April 2026. We update this guide quarterly. Got a correction? [email protected]
Sources
- Domain.com.au – rental listing data – accessed April 2026
- REIV Quarterly Median Rents – reiv.com.au – accessed April 2026
- ABS Census 2021 – abs.gov.au/census
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