Melbourne vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Tokyo is roughly 24% more affordable than Melbourne (index 36 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Tokyo
More affordable overall
24% cheaper than Melbourne · Cost index: 36 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 Index36
4,100Median Income /mo2,676
70Safety Index92
32.5Income Tax %20
70Internet (Mbps)85
240Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

MelbourneCategoryTokyo
$1,785/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% ← cheaper
$870/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
6% ← cheaper
$1.7/liter
$19/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
47% ← cheaper
$10/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
30% ← cheaper
$80/month
$230/month
Utilities (Monthly)
41% ← cheaper
$135/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
58% ← cheaper
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Melbourne

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

Tokyo

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability80/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheaper than Tokyo?

Tokyo is cheaper than Melbourne. Tokyo has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 48/100 for Melbourne (New York = 100), making it roughly 24% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Tokyo than Melbourne?

Tokyo is approximately 24% cheaper than Melbourne based on cost index scores (36 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Melbourne could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,267/month in Tokyo.

What is the rent comparison between Melbourne and Tokyo?

In Melbourne, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,785/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $870/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Melbourne offers 70 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$240/month. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Tokyo has a cost advantage of 24%.

What is the average income in Melbourne vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Melbourne is approximately $4,100 USD, compared to $2,676 USD in Tokyo.

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