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Ballarat vs Melbourne

Australia vs Australia · 102 km apart

Ballarat

Australia

$1,657 ($1,090)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Melbourne

Australia

$2,175 ($1,431)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseBallaratMelbourneCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$9.75$12.48Ballarat
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$39.00$49.92Ballarat
Cappuccino$2.93$3.74Ballarat
Monthly groceries (single person)$221$283Ballarat
Monthly public transport pass$35.75$45.76Ballarat
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$94.25$121Ballarat
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$27.30$34.94Ballarat
Fitness club membership$27.30$34.94Ballarat
Cinema ticket$7.15$9.15Ballarat
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$633$861Ballarat
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$440$599Ballarat
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,320$1,797Ballarat
Total single-person budget$1,090$1,431Ballarat
Average net salary$3,400$4,352

Verdict

Ballarat is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Ballarat runs about $1,090 versus $1,431 in Melbourne — a difference of roughly 31%.

Salary-adjusted, Melbourne leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Ballarat  ·  Full cost of living in Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ballarat cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,090 per month in Ballarat versus $1,431 in Melbourne — about 31% less.
How far is Ballarat from Melbourne?
The straight-line distance between Ballarat and Melbourne is approximately 102 km (63 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Ballarat or Melbourne?
The estimated average net salary is $3,400 in Ballarat and $4,352 in Melbourne. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,310 in Ballarat versus $2,921 in Melbourne per month.