Melbourne vs Edinburgh

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

48Cost Index42
4,100Median Income /mo2,650
70Safety Index78
32.5Income Tax %29
70Internet (Mbps)67
240Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

MelbourneCategoryEdinburgh
$1,785/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
13% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
25% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$19/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% cheaper →
$23/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% ← cheaper
$90/month
$230/month
Utilities (Monthly)
30% cheaper →
$330/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Melbourne

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

Edinburgh

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheaper than Edinburgh?

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 Melbourne and Edinburgh?

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

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

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

What is the average income in Melbourne vs Edinburgh?

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

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