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Cost of Living in Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia · Population 5,350,705

▲ +23% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$2,175 ($1,431)
Couple, monthly$3,987 ($2,623)
Family of four, monthly$5,279 ($3,473)

Estimated Prices in Melbourne

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$18.97 ($12.48)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$75.88 ($49.92)per meal
Cappuccino$5.69 ($3.74)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$430 ($283)per month
Monthly public transport pass$69.56 ($45.76)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$183 ($121)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$53.11 ($34.94)per month
Fitness club membership$53.11 ($34.94)per month
Cinema ticket$13.91 ($9.15)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,309 ($861)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$911 ($599)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,732 ($1,797)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Melbourne is $6,615 ($4,352) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $2,175 ($1,431) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,828 ($1,860) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($911 ($599)) represents about 42% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Melbourne

Melbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideMelbourne vs Gold CoastMelbourne vs Canberra

Nearby Cities

Wollert

26 km away · Victoria

Dandenong

29 km away · Victoria

Sunbury

34 km away · Victoria

Melton

36 km away · Victoria

Mount Evelyn

37 km away · Victoria

Frankston

41 km away · Victoria

Cranbourne

43 km away · Victoria

Mount Eliza

43 km away · Victoria

Other Major Cities in Australia

Sydney

New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496

$2,213 ($1,456) / mo

Brisbane

Queensland · pop. 2,706,966

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Perth

Western Australia · pop. 2,141,834

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Adelaide

South Australia · pop. 1,387,290

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Gold Coast

Queensland · pop. 607,665

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Wollongong

New South Wales · pop. 261,896

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Living in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $2,175 ($1,431), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $911 ($599) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $5,279 ($3,473) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,987 ($2,623) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Melbourne is $6,615 ($4,352). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,828 ($1,860) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $2,175 ($1,431) per month in Melbourne including rent outside the city centre. That is 23% more than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Melbourne?
A net salary of around $2,828 ($1,860) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Melbourne with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Melbourne is $6,615 ($4,352).
How much is rent in Melbourne?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $1,309 ($861) per month in the city centre and $911 ($599) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,732 ($1,797).
Is Melbourne cheaper than Australia on average?
No — Melbourne is estimated to be about 23% more expensive than the Australia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Melbourne?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $430 ($283) in Melbourne. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $19 ($12) and a cappuccino runs around $6 ($4).
How do transport costs in Melbourne compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Melbourne is estimated at $70 ($46). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Melbourne are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,350,705). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.