Glen Waverley vs Notting Hill Melbourne — Which Is Better?

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

Glen Waverley in 90 Seconds

Glen Waverley is a suburb that surprises first-time visitors. One of Melbourne’s most sought-after school zones. Kingsway restaurant strip for Asian cuisine. The dining scene runs from $12-18 for casual meals to $28-45 for a proper sit-down dinner. The suburb has a established community identity and good access to major roads.

Notting Hill in 90 Seconds

Notting Hill holds its own against Glen Waverley in most categories. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. Expect to pay $4.50-5.50 for coffee and $28-45 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 Waverley ($416/wk) and Notting Hill ($301/wk) is noticeable. Groceries and daily costs are similar in both suburbs. Coffee runs $4.50-5.50 in Glen Waverley versus $4.50-5.50 in Notting Hill. For eating out, Glen Waverley ranges $28-45 for dinner while Notting Hill sits at $28-45. Over a year, the cost difference between the two is about $5,980 in rent alone.

Head-to-Head: Dining Scene

Glen Waverley has a more established food scene with reliable local favourites. Notting Hill counters with a stronger cafe game. For cheap eats, both suburbs deliver well under $15 — Glen Waverley leans toward Vietnamese and Indian while Notting Hill favours Middle Eastern and Italian.

Head-to-Head: Lifestyle

If you want parks and outdoor space, Glen Waverley has the edge. Shopping is more diverse in Glen Waverley. For nightlife and evening options, neither suburb is exactly Chapel Street — but Notting Hill has more going on after 8pm. Weekend activities are a toss-up, with both suburbs offering parks, cafes, and local markets.

Head-to-Head: Families

Both suburbs cater to families, but in different ways. Glen Waverley offers better park access, while Notting Hill has stronger community programs. For school quality, check the MySchool data — but both suburbs have options that locals rate highly.

Head-to-Head: Transport

Glen Waverley is 22km, 38min train, 30min drive — well-connected. Notting Hill sits at 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive. For driving, both suburbs have reasonable arterial connections. Public transport: Glen Waverley has the edge with more frequent services.

Who Should Choose Glen Waverley

• You prioritise transport access
• You want a quieter suburb with room to grow
• You prefer a suburban pace
• Budget: $416/wk rent, $28-45 dinners

Who Should Choose Notting Hill

• You prioritise a developing food scene
• You want access to monash university clayton campus adjacent
• You prefer strong community identity
• Budget: $301/wk rent, $28-45 dinners

Our Verdict

Notting Hill takes this one — but not by much. The deciding factors are family infrastructure and future growth potential. If affordability is your top priority, go with Notting Hill. The other suburb is still a solid choice and may suit you better depending on your specific needs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Glen Waverley or Notting Hill?

Rent in Glen Waverley averages $416/wk vs $301/wk in Notting Hill. Daily costs (coffee, groceries, transport) are similar in both suburbs.

Which is better for families?

Both work for families. Glen Waverley has a quieter feel. Notting Hill has stronger community programs.

How far are they from Melbourne CBD?

Glen Waverley: 22km, 38min train, 30min drive. Notting Hill: 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive.

Last updated: March 2026