Edinburgh vs Melbourne

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Edinburgh is roughly 13% more affordable than Melbourne (index 42 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Edinburgh
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Melbourne · Cost index: 42 vs 48

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

42Cost Index48
2,650Median Income /mo4,100
78Safety Index70
29Income Tax %32.5
67Internet (Mbps)70
200Coworking /mo240

Price Breakdown

EdinburghCategoryMelbourne
$1,545/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
13% cheaper →
$1,785/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
25% cheaper →
$1.8/liter
$23/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% ← cheaper
$19/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% cheaper →
$115/month
$330/month
Utilities (Monthly)
30% ← cheaper
$230/month
$0/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Edinburgh

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability72/100

Melbourne

Internet70 Mbps
Coworking$240/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh cheaper than Melbourne?

Edinburgh is cheaper than Melbourne. Edinburgh has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 48/100 for Melbourne (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Edinburgh than Melbourne?

Edinburgh is approximately 13% cheaper than Melbourne based on cost index scores (42 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Melbourne could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,616/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent comparison between Edinburgh and Melbourne?

In Edinburgh, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,545/month. In Melbourne, the equivalent is around $1,785/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Edinburgh or Melbourne?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Melbourne offers 70 Mbps and coworking at ~$240/month. Edinburgh has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Edinburgh vs Melbourne?

The median net monthly salary in Edinburgh is approximately $2,650 USD, compared to $4,100 USD in Melbourne.

Compare Edinburgh with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Edinburgh wins or loses.

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