Airport West vs Taylors Lakes Melbourne — Which Is Better?
We’ve spent time in both Airport West and Taylors Lakes to give you an honest comparison. If you’re choosing between these two suburbs — for living, investing, or just knowing where to eat — here’s the real picture for 2026. Our verdict: Airport West edges it overall, but it depends on what you prioritise.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Airport West | Taylors Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from CBD | 30-40km | 30-40km |
| Train to CBD | 40-55min train | 40-55min train |
| Median weekly rent 2026 | $452/wk | $446/wk |
| Median house price 2026 | $503k | $862k |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner price | $18-32 | $18-32 |
| Best known for | Located near Essendon Airport | Master-planned suburb built in the 1990s around Taylors Lakes |
Airport West in 90 Seconds
Airport West is a suburb that has more depth than you expect. Located near Essendon Airport. Westfield Airport West is the main retail centre. The dining scene runs from $8-14 for casual meals to $18-32 for a proper sit-down dinner. The suburb has a evolving community identity and improving infrastructure.
Taylors Lakes in 90 Seconds
Taylors Lakes contrasts with Airport West in most categories. Master-planned suburb built in the 1990s around Taylors Lakes. Watergardens Shopping Centre is the hub. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb has a food scene that punches above its weight.
Head-to-Head: Cost of Living
The weekly rent difference between Airport West ($452/wk) and Taylors Lakes ($446/wk) is minimal. Groceries and daily costs are similar in both suburbs. Coffee runs $4.00-4.50 in Airport West versus $4.00-4.50 in Taylors Lakes. For eating out, Airport West ranges $18-32 for dinner while Taylors Lakes sits at $18-32. Over a year, the cost difference between the two is negligible.
Head-to-Head: Dining Scene
Airport West has a growing food scene with solid cafe culture. Taylors Lakes counters with a stronger cafe game. For cheap eats, both suburbs deliver well under $15 — Airport West leans toward bakeries and delis while Taylors Lakes favours Asian fusion.
Head-to-Head: Lifestyle
If you want parks and outdoor space, Taylors Lakes has the edge. Shopping is more diverse in Airport West. For nightlife and evening options, neither suburb is exactly Chapel Street — but Taylors Lakes has more going on after 8pm. Weekend activities are a toss-up, with both suburbs offering community events and sports clubs.
Head-to-Head: Families
Both suburbs cater to families, but in different ways. Airport West offers better park access, while Taylors Lakes has stronger community programs. For school quality, check the MySchool data — but both suburbs have options that locals rate highly.
Head-to-Head: Transport
Airport West is 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive — well-connected. Taylors Lakes sits at 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive. For driving, both suburbs have good freeway access. Public transport: both are similarly served.
Who Should Choose Airport West
- You prioritise affordability
- You want proximity to located near essendon airport
- You prefer growing food and cafe options
- Budget: $452/wk rent, $18-32 dinners
Who Should Choose Taylors Lakes
- You prioritise newer housing stock
- You want a suburb on the upswing
- You prefer strong community identity
- Budget: $446/wk rent, $18-32 dinners
Our Verdict
Airport West takes this one — but not by much. The deciding factors are family infrastructure and future growth potential. If transport matters most, go with Airport West. The other suburb is still a solid choice and may suit you better depending on your specific needs.
Explore More
- Airport West Complete Guide — everything about Airport West
- Taylors Lakes Complete Guide — everything about Taylors Lakes
- Airport West Best Cafes — where to eat in Airport West
- Taylors Lakes Best Cafes — where to eat in Taylors Lakes
- Compare Suburbs Tool — detailed side-by-side
- Moving to Airport West — full relocation guide
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Airport West or Taylors Lakes?
Rent in Airport West averages $452/wk vs $446/wk in Taylors Lakes. Daily costs (coffee, groceries, transport) are similar in both suburbs.
Which is better for families?
Both work for families. Airport West has a quieter feel. Taylors Lakes has more childcare spots.
How far are they from Melbourne CBD?
Airport West: 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive. Taylors Lakes: 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive.
Last updated: March 2026
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