Australian renters worried they might never afford their own homes may be better positioned than they think, a new report suggests.

And in Melbourne, you may be surprised to hear that inner-city Carlton is the suburb where buying makes the most sense.

RP Data has identified 238 suburbs and towns across the country where it's cheaper to buy than rent.

Queensland has the most, with 84 areas offering renters some hope of buying into the great Australian dream. They include 16 Brisbane suburbs.

NSW is next with 54, followed by Western Australia with 35, Tasmania 25, South Australia 23 and Victoria 10.