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Canberra vs Melbourne

Australia vs Australia · 466 km apart

Canberra

Australia

$1,767 ($1,162)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Melbourne

Australia

$2,175 ($1,431)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseCanberraMelbourneCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.34$12.48Canberra
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$41.34$49.92Canberra
Cappuccino$3.10$3.74Canberra
Monthly groceries (single person)$234$283Canberra
Monthly public transport pass$37.90$45.76Canberra
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$99.91$121Canberra
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.94$34.94Canberra
Fitness club membership$28.94$34.94Canberra
Cinema ticket$7.58$9.15Canberra
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$680$861Canberra
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$473$599Canberra
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,420$1,797Canberra
Total single-person budget$1,162$1,431Canberra
Average net salary$3,604$4,352

Verdict

Canberra is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Canberra runs about $1,162 versus $1,431 in Melbourne — a difference of roughly 23%.

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 Canberra  ·  Full cost of living in Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canberra cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,162 per month in Canberra versus $1,431 in Melbourne — about 23% less.
How far is Canberra from Melbourne?
The straight-line distance between Canberra and Melbourne is approximately 466 km (289 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Canberra or Melbourne?
The estimated average net salary is $3,604 in Canberra and $4,352 in Melbourne. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,442 in Canberra versus $2,921 in Melbourne per month.