Cost of Living in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has a cost of living index of 61/100 (New York = 100). It is 39% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

61/100
Cost Index
$6,200/mo
Median Income
56/100
Safety Index
temperate oceanic
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 72/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,430/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,150/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,720/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 52/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.6/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$2.8/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.4/kg
Dining OutScore: 58/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$17.6/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$85/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10.6/meal
TransportationScore: 48/100
Monthly Transit Pass$100/month
One-Way Ticket$3.7/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.1/km
UtilitiesScore: 52/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$180/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$55/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$35/month
HealthcareScore: 70/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$75/visit
Dentist Visit$120/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 55/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$18/ticket
Theater Ticket$50/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 52/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$50/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$25/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 50/100
Haircut (Men)$25/cut
Haircut (Women)$50/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6/bottle
ClothingScore: 58/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$75/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$45/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$110/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
78/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Fitzroy, South Yarra, Carlton

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheap to live in?

Melbourne has a cost of living index of 61/100, where New York = 100. It is 39% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,220–$1,708 per month.

How much does rent cost in Melbourne?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Melbourne costs approximately $1,430/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,150/month.

Is Melbourne good for digital nomads?

Melbourne has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Melbourne?

The median net monthly salary in Melbourne is approximately $6,200 USD. The income tax rate is around 21%.

How does Melbourne compare to New York for cost of living?

Melbourne (cost index 61) is 39% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $975/month by moving from New York to Melbourne.

Compare Melbourne with another city

See exactly how Melbourne stacks up against your current city or next destination.

Compare Melbourne →Explore another city

Free to start · No credit card needed