Melbourne vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Tokyo is roughly 27% more affordable than Melbourne (index 35 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Tokyo
More affordable overall
27% cheaper than Melbourne · Cost index: 35 vs 48

Head-to-Head Stats

48Cost Index35
4,100Median Income /mo2,520
70Safety Index87
32.5Income Tax %22
70Internet (Mbps)185
240Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

MelbourneCategoryTokyo
$1,785/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
34% ← cheaper
$1,175/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
12% ← cheaper
$1.58/liter
$19/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
53% ← cheaper
$9/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
58% ← cheaper
$48/month
$230/month
Utilities (Monthly)
48% ← cheaper
$120/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

Internet185 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability82/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheaper than Tokyo?

Tokyo is cheaper than Melbourne. Tokyo has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 48/100 for Melbourne (New York = 100), making it roughly 27% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Tokyo than Melbourne?

Tokyo is approximately 27% cheaper than Melbourne based on cost index scores (35 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Melbourne could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,198/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 $1,175/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 185 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Tokyo has a cost advantage of 27%.

What is the average income in Melbourne vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Melbourne is approximately $4,100 USD, compared to $2,520 USD in Tokyo.

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