Melbourne vs Singapore

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Melbourne is roughly 2% more affordable than Singapore (index 48 vs 49, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Melbourne
More affordable overall
2% cheaper than Singapore · Cost index: 48 vs 49

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 Index49
4,100Median Income /mo4,442
70Safety Index89
32.5Income Tax %12
70Internet (Mbps)250
240Coworking /mo400

Price Breakdown

MelbourneCategorySingapore
$1,785/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% cheaper →
$2,000/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
28% cheaper →
$2.5/liter
$19/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% ← cheaper
$8/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
13% ← cheaper
$100/month
$230/month
Utilities (Monthly)
22% ← cheaper
$180/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
29% ← cheaper
$85/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Melbourne

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

Singapore

Internet250 Mbps
Coworking$400/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability85/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheaper than Singapore?

Melbourne is cheaper than Singapore. Melbourne has a cost of living index of 48/100 compared to 49/100 for Singapore (New York = 100), making it roughly 2% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Melbourne than Singapore?

Melbourne is approximately 2% cheaper than Singapore based on cost index scores (48 vs 49, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Singapore could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,932/month in Melbourne.

What is the rent comparison between Melbourne and Singapore?

In Melbourne, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,785/month. In Singapore, the equivalent is around $2,000/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Melbourne offers 70 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$240/month. Singapore offers 250 Mbps and coworking at ~$400/month. Melbourne has a cost advantage of 2%.

What is the average income in Melbourne vs Singapore?

The median net monthly salary in Melbourne is approximately $4,100 USD, compared to $4,442 USD in Singapore.

Compare Melbourne with…

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

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