Glen Huntly vs Murrumbeena Melbourne — Which Is Better?

We’ve spent time in both Glen Huntly and Murrumbeena 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: Murrumbeena edges it overall, but it depends on what you prioritise.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Glen Huntly in 90 Seconds

Glen Huntly is a suburb that rewards patience. Glen Huntly Road has a small but characterful strip. Caulfield Racecourse is adjacent. The dining scene runs from $10-16 for casual meals to $22-38 for a proper sit-down dinner. The suburb has a growing community identity and improving infrastructure.

Murrumbeena in 90 Seconds

Murrumbeena holds its own against Glen Huntly in most categories. Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops. Close to Caulfield Park. Expect to pay $4.50-5.00 for coffee and $22-38 for dinner. The suburb has a food scene that punches above its weight.

Head-to-Head: Cost of Living

The weekly rent difference between Glen Huntly ($281/wk) and Murrumbeena ($388/wk) is noticeable. Groceries and daily costs are similar in both suburbs. Coffee runs $4.50-5.00 in Glen Huntly versus $4.50-5.00 in Murrumbeena. For eating out, Glen Huntly ranges $22-38 for dinner while Murrumbeena sits at $22-38. Over a year, the cost difference between the two is about $5,564 in rent alone.

Head-to-Head: Dining Scene

Glen Huntly has a more established food scene with reliable local favourites. Murrumbeena counters with better value for money. For cheap eats, both suburbs deliver well under $15 — Glen Huntly leans toward burgers and pizza while Murrumbeena favours pub grub and Thai.

Head-to-Head: Lifestyle

If you want parks and outdoor space, Glen Huntly has the edge. Shopping is more convenient in Murrumbeena. For nightlife and evening options, neither suburb is exactly Chapel Street — but Glen Huntly 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. Glen Huntly offers a quieter residential feel, while Murrumbeena has more childcare options. For school quality, check the MySchool data — but both suburbs have options that locals rate highly.

Head-to-Head: Transport

Glen Huntly is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive — a reasonable commute. Murrumbeena sits at 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive. For driving, both suburbs have reasonable arterial connections. Public transport: Murrumbeena benefits from recent network upgrades.

Who Should Choose Glen Huntly

• You prioritise transport access
• You want a quieter suburb with room to grow
• You prefer good value for money
• Budget: $281/wk rent, $22-38 dinners

Who Should Choose Murrumbeena

• You prioritise lifestyle options
• You want more evening options
• You prefer newer development
• Budget: $388/wk rent, $22-38 dinners

Our Verdict

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

Explore More

• Glen Huntly Complete Guide — everything about Glen Huntly
• Murrumbeena Complete Guide — everything about Murrumbeena
• Glen Huntly Best Cafes — where to eat in Glen Huntly
• Murrumbeena Best Cafes — where to eat in Murrumbeena
• Compare Suburbs Tool — detailed side-by-side
• Moving to Glen Huntly — full relocation guide

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Glen Huntly or Murrumbeena?

Rent in Glen Huntly averages $281/wk vs $388/wk in Murrumbeena. Daily costs (coffee, groceries, transport) are similar in both suburbs.

Which is better for families?

Both work for families. Glen Huntly has better parkland. Murrumbeena has stronger community programs.

How far are they from Melbourne CBD?

Glen Huntly: 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive. Murrumbeena: 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive.

Last updated: March 2026