Vancouver vs Melbourne

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Melbourne is roughly 9% more affordable than Vancouver (index 48 vs 53, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Melbourne
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Vancouver · Cost index: 48 vs 53

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

53Cost Index48
3,445Median Income /mo4,100
65Safety Index70
19.6Income Tax %32.5
137Internet (Mbps)70
200Coworking /mo240

Price Breakdown

VancouverCategoryMelbourne
$2,495/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
28% ← cheaper
$1,785/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
11% cheaper →
$1.8/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
5% cheaper →
$19/meal
$82/month
Monthly Transit Pass
29% cheaper →
$115/month
$91/month
Utilities (Monthly)
60% cheaper →
$230/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Vancouver

Internet137 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Melbourne

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver cheaper than Melbourne?

Melbourne is cheaper than Vancouver. Melbourne has a cost of living index of 48/100 compared to 53/100 for Vancouver (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Melbourne than Vancouver?

Melbourne is approximately 9% cheaper than Vancouver based on cost index scores (48 vs 53, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Vancouver could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,745/month in Melbourne.

What is the rent comparison between Vancouver and Melbourne?

In Vancouver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,495/month. In Melbourne, the equivalent is around $1,785/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Vancouver offers 137 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Melbourne offers 70 Mbps and coworking at ~$240/month. Melbourne has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Vancouver vs Melbourne?

The median net monthly salary in Vancouver is approximately $3,445 USD, compared to $4,100 USD in Melbourne.

Compare Vancouver with…

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