Eltham vs Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne — Which Is Better?

We’ve spent time in both Eltham and Upper Ferntree Gully 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: Eltham edges it overall, but it depends on what you prioritise.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Eltham in 90 Seconds

Eltham is a suburb that surprises first-time visitors. Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. Montsalvat artists’ colony since 1934. The dining scene runs from $10-16 for casual meals to $22-38 for a proper sit-down dinner. The suburb has a evolving community identity and improving infrastructure.

Upper Ferntree Gully in 90 Seconds

Upper Ferntree Gully contrasts with Eltham in most categories. Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Access to Dandenong Ranges National Park. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb has grown significantly over the past decade.

Head-to-Head: Cost of Living

The weekly rent difference between Eltham ($357/wk) and Upper Ferntree Gully ($437/wk) is noticeable. Groceries and daily costs are similar in both suburbs. Coffee runs $4.50-5.00 in Eltham versus $4.00-4.50 in Upper Ferntree Gully. For eating out, Eltham ranges $22-38 for dinner while Upper Ferntree Gully sits at $18-32. Over a year, the cost difference between the two is about $4,160 in rent alone.

Head-to-Head: Dining Scene

Eltham has a more established food scene with strong multicultural options. Upper Ferntree Gully counters with a stronger cafe game. For cheap eats, both suburbs deliver well under $15 — Eltham leans toward Vietnamese and Indian while Upper Ferntree Gully favours Middle Eastern and Italian.

Head-to-Head: Lifestyle

If you want parks and outdoor space, Upper Ferntree Gully has the edge. Shopping is more diverse in Upper Ferntree Gully. For nightlife and evening options, neither suburb is exactly Chapel Street — but Eltham has more going on after 8pm. Weekend activities are a toss-up, with both suburbs offering walking trails and family-friendly outings.

Head-to-Head: Families

Both suburbs cater to families, but in different ways. Eltham offers better park access, while Upper Ferntree Gully has better weekend activities for kids. For school quality, check the MySchool data — but both suburbs have options that locals rate highly.

Head-to-Head: Transport

Eltham is 24km, 45min train, 32min drive — well-connected. Upper Ferntree Gully sits at 30km, 48min train, 35min drive. For driving, both suburbs have reasonable arterial connections. Public transport: both are similarly served.

Who Should Choose Eltham

• You prioritise affordability
• You want a quieter suburb with room to grow
• You prefer good value for money
• Budget: $357/wk rent, $22-38 dinners

Who Should Choose Upper Ferntree Gully

• You prioritise school zones
• You want more evening options
• You prefer a bit more action
• Budget: $437/wk rent, $18-32 dinners

Our Verdict

Eltham takes this one — but not by much. The deciding factors are transport access and lifestyle options. If you want the better food scene, go with Eltham. The other suburb is still a solid choice and may suit you better depending on your specific needs.

Explore More

• Eltham Complete Guide — everything about Eltham
• Upper Ferntree Gully Complete Guide — everything about Upper Ferntree Gully
• Eltham Best Cafes — where to eat in Eltham
• Upper Ferntree Gully Best Cafes — where to eat in Upper Ferntree Gully
• Compare Suburbs Tool — detailed side-by-side
• Moving to Eltham — full relocation guide

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Eltham or Upper Ferntree Gully?

Rent in Eltham averages $357/wk vs $437/wk in Upper Ferntree Gully. Daily costs (coffee, groceries, transport) are similar in both suburbs.

Which is better for families?

Both work for families. Eltham has better parkland. Upper Ferntree Gully has newer facilities.

How far are they from Melbourne CBD?

Eltham: 24km, 45min train, 32min drive. Upper Ferntree Gully: 30km, 48min train, 35min drive.

Last updated: March 2026