Tokyo vs Melbourne

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Melbourne is roughly 23% more affordable than Tokyo (index 48 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Melbourne
More affordable overall
23% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 48 vs 63

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

63Cost Index48
2,800Median Income /mo4,100
88Safety Index70
23Income Tax %32.5
90Internet (Mbps)70
180Coworking /mo240

Price Breakdown

TokyoCategoryMelbourne
$1,247/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
30% cheaper →
$1,785/month
$2.2/liter
Meal for One
18% ← cheaper
$1.8/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
37% cheaper →
$19/meal
$70/month
Monthly Transit Pass
39% cheaper →
$115/month
$147/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% cheaper →
$230/month
$70/visit
Doctor Visit
42% cheaper →
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Tokyo

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Melbourne

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo cheaper than Melbourne?

Melbourne is cheaper than Tokyo. Melbourne has a cost of living index of 48/100 compared to 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 23% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Melbourne than Tokyo?

Melbourne is approximately 23% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (48 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,304/month in Melbourne.

What is the rent comparison between Tokyo and Melbourne?

In Tokyo, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,247/month. In Melbourne, the equivalent is around $1,785/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$180/month. Melbourne offers 70 Mbps and coworking at ~$240/month. Melbourne has a cost advantage of 23%.

What is the average income in Tokyo vs Melbourne?

The median net monthly salary in Tokyo is approximately $2,800 USD, compared to $4,100 USD in Melbourne.

Compare Tokyo with…

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