Cost of Living in Melbourne, Australia
Australia · Oceania
$3,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
80
Cost Index
NYC=100
75
Rent Index
NYC=100
90
Quality of Life
Excellent
78
Safety Index
Good
5.0M
Population
AUD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $16 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $75 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $4 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.4 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $4 |
| Monthly Pass | $170 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $185 |
| Mobile Plan | $38 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $60 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,900/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,300/mo |
| 3BR Center | $4,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $11,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $7,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.1% |
View Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in Melbourne — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Melbourne, Australia is approximately $3,000 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Melbourne has a cost index of 80, making it around 20% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Melbourne costs around $1,300/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,900/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $4,000/month. The rent index is 75 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Melbourne scores 90/100 on the quality of life index and 78/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 85/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Melbourne is approximately $4,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 85/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AUD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Melbourne
The average monthly salary in Melbourne is approximately $4,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,000, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 85/100.
Healthcare Costs in Melbourne
Healthcare quality in Melbourne is rated 85/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Melbourne
Melbourne has a quality of life score of 90/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Melbourne
Students living in Melbourne should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Melbourne
Expats moving to Melbourne often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Melbourne, Australia is approximately $3,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 80 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Melbourne
Living in Melbourne offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 80 and a quality of life score of 90/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $4,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Melbourne provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Australia and around the world.
Key Facts About Melbourne
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,000
- Cost Index: 80
- Rent Index: 75
- Average Salary: $4,200
- Quality of Life: 90/100
- Safety Score: 78/100
- Country: Australia
- Currency: AUD
Is Melbourne Expensive?
Melbourne has a cost index of 80 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Melbourne compare to other cities?
Melbourne is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 5.0M. At a cost index of 80 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Melbourne stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Melbourne?
The average cost of living in Melbourne, Australia is approximately $3,000 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 80 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Melbourne?
Rent in Melbourne varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 75 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Melbourne alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Melbourne expensive to live in?
Melbourne has a cost index of 80 compared to New York City (100). At 80, Melbourne is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,000.
What is the quality of life in Melbourne?
Melbourne has a quality of life index of 90/100 and a safety index of 78/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Melbourne compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Melbourne with any city worldwide. Melbourne's cost index is 80 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Melbourne?
Many residents live comfortably in Melbourne with a monthly budget of around $3,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Melbourne good for expats?
Melbourne is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Melbourne?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Melbourne.
Is Melbourne cheaper than New York?
Yes, Melbourne has a cost index of 80 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Melbourne?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Melbourne.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Melbourne
Cheapest Ways to Live in Melbourne
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Melbourne typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,300/month compared to $1,900/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Melbourne, Australia.
Is Melbourne Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 85/100 and a quality of life score of 90/100, Melbourne is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 80 relative to New York City, Melbourne remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Australia has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Melbourne Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Melbourne", "Melbourne monthly expenses 2026", and "is Melbourne affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,000, a safety score of 78/100, and healthcare rated 85/100, Melbourne offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Australia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026