Cost of Living in Melbourne

Summary of cost of living in Melbourne, Australia:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 15.93 $ 10.83-31.86
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 70.09 $ 47.79-101.95
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 9.56 $ 8.92-11.15
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 7.01 $ 4.46-10.19
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 6.37 $ 5.10-11.47
Cappuccino (regular) 3.44 $ 2.55-4.14
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 2.56 $ 1.91-3.19
Water (12 oz small bottle) 2.24 $ 1.91-3.19
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 5.38 $ 3.62-8.44
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 2.22 $ 1.45-3.47
Rice (white), (1 lb) 1.01 $ 0.52-1.45
Eggs (regular) (12) 4.23 $ 3.06-6.12
Local Cheese (1 lb) 4.07 $ 2.60-7.23
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 3.97 $ 2.60-5.78
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 6.06 $ 3.47-9.25
Apples (1 lb) 1.39 $ 0.72-1.73
Banana (1 lb) 1.24 $ 0.72-2.02
Oranges (1 lb) 1.17 $ 0.58-2.31
Tomato (1 lb) 1.64 $ 0.87-2.60
Potato (1 lb) 1.05 $ 0.58-1.45
Onion (1 lb) 0.95 $ 0.58-1.16
Lettuce (1 head) 2.04 $ 1.27-2.87
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 1.38 $ 0.51-2.87
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 12.74 $ 8.92-19.12
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 4.54 $ 2.22-7.72
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 5.16 $ 2.55-7.65
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 31.86 $ 25.49-41.42
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 3.38 $ 3.19-3.82
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 114.69 $ 104.50-146.83
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 3.50 $ 3.09-6.37
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 2.26 $ 1.93-3.08
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 25.84 $ 25.16-41.42
Gasoline (1 gallon) 4.46 $ 4.10-5.31
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 26,853.53 $ 25,486.80-28,305.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 22,328.20 $ 20,876.87-24,849.63
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 143.59 $ 99.99-216.64
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data 21.94 $ 12.11-41.42
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 50.62 $ 44.60-57.35
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 48.44 $ 30.58-67.29
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 15.03 $ 10.19-19.12
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 15.13 $ 11.79-19.12
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 1,673.77 $ 872.29-2,038.94
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 20,102.50 $ 15,292.08-27,398.31
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 74.46 $ 31.86-105.13
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 50.22 $ 22.30-76.46
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 102.94 $ 63.72-159.29
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 107.96 $ 76.46-159.29
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 1,459.65 $ 1,070.45-2,038.94
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 1,182.11 $ 892.04-1,656.64
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 2,752.67 $ 1,911.51-3,823.02
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 1,713.82 $ 1,338.06-2,293.81
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 643.51 $ 591.95-828.72
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 496.54 $ 414.36-630.55
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 4,003.38 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 6.32 5.20-7.00

Prices in Melbourne

This city had 2879 entries in the past 12 months by 454 different contributors.
Last update: December 2024
Sources and References
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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30 Comments so far
Anonymous on Dec 03, 2024:
why price updated are not reflected on that states?
Anonymous on Nov 23, 2024:
The entire CBD and Inner City has basically had a (typically dense) South East Asian city transferred and "superimposed" onto it.

Who are the new Property Developers of the CBD in the last 19 years? The young guns of South East Asia and the Subcontinent. These Young Guns, male and female, are pretty much the curators of their own upbringing - Dense Asian Cities. And no doubt they tell themselves after having worked a typical 13 hour day, and then stepping into their $480K Mercedes Benz, and driving thru the quieter CBD, that the Homeless Population is just the after effect of the Pandemic Era, and that the City STILL has Old World Charm and Grace... which has NOTHING to do with... RACE!!! They tell themselves as they are planning ANOTHER glass High Rise for, yep, you guessed it, Asian Wealth Investors, they tell themselves that something "good will come of this all": I will make money, the city will prosper, the clients will all be happy and the greater populace will benefit.

Not so. What has been allowed to happen to the CBD, is now irreversible.

Like an ancient site, once blasted by a Mining Co. for resources, then it's... gone forever. Transient, wealthy, White Collar Workers are all either deluded or wilfully ignorant about the fact that Melbourne's CBD is no longer Australian. It is NOT a shithole, nor an "Asian MegaCity", just an area so well homogenised, to the point of being... not much different to other cities around Asia.

Why did I mention the detail about the developers? To highlight that they are in no way connected to the reality of what they themselves have co-created with the Government.

When you think about it, something of that size and scale, which is now irreversible, was caused by greed-blinded people that don't even want to be in the country, individuals who'd rather be "with their own people" in the Subcontinent or Asia at large.

It's all a bit... disconnected. Distance between one another, exacerbated by the LONGEST LOCKDOWN IN THE WORLD, and a mentally ill Collective, strained from the Lockdowns. Amplified by the proliferation of Technology. There is a machine-like feel to it now, the CBD. The soft, gentle romance and ease of the pre-pandemic time is all, gone. Not even pockets of the aforementioned:

"Just put up with this, as it's better than other harsher parts of the world".
Anonymous on Aug 18, 2024:
Outer suburbs need to be on 80+ for family with 3 kids to cover basics and public education costs (aka other than fees).

Food for family of 5 is around $400 a week, unless you grow your own food, which I recommend in 2024 as supermarket food is stale and old by time it hits the shelves, not fresh.
Mark on Jul 21, 2024:
I've lived in Melbourne for about 25 years, having lived in other Australian capital cities and overseas briefly. The present cost of living shown is about right by my estimation. In general, the past few years have seen a huge increase in the cost of living with only token increases in wages. In particular, rent and housing are a critical issue for many people. It's got so bad that instead of the occasional homeless street sleeper, the city streets are now littered with people. In outer suburbs and some inner suburbs (like mine) it's not noticeable. However I am forced run the gauntlet to attend the office several times a week and it no longer feels that safe to me. I also appears that post COVID traditional shopping strips and medium sized businesses are closing en masse. It seems to be the long term businesses that I have used or walked past for years that are closing. In discussions with the owners they tell me increases in overheads like insurance and utilities are what's driving them out. Lastly, Melbourne used to be a beautiful city with lots of character. However in the last 10 years there has been so much over development, devoid of class, character or style. Mostly these have been either student or short stay accommodation. The result is glass monstrosities that would be more at home in KL or Singapore.
Paul on Jun 17, 2024:
Australian cities are overpriced shitholes. Why do many young people want to move here to travel is beyond my comprehension. You will bleed money and its infinitely worse than european cities. Spend your money in south east asia and the sub continent and if you must visit Australia, stay far away from cities unless you have plenty of cabbage to relieve yourselves of.
Stanley on May 23, 2024:
Don't be fooled by the prices here. In reality they are much higher.

We made the costly mistake to come over here to find out, so now you know.
Anonymous on May 10, 2024:
Any amount is enough, as long as you're willing to sacrifice something for it.
If you want a general good well-being you need to be on about 150k roughly to be comfortable for a single person.
Anonymous on Mar 01, 2024:
I am a Arabic teacher and I have a offer to work in the college of Melbourne and my salary will be 95k A$ will that be enough for my family of 5 ( 3 adults 1 teen 1 kid ) and should I learn English or teach my kids English
Anonymous on Jan 02, 2024:
Hello guys, I'm considering doing a PhD in the University of Melbourne with annual salary of 37,000A$. I'm curious if this amount would be enough for living there as an international student or even can save around 500-600A$ per month or not.
George on May 14, 2023:
Australia in general, has become overly expensive.

Look at the food prices, utilities, wages going down and the toxic social atmosphere.

I am looking into relocating to the north of UK. Different weather, but so affordable with nice folks around.
Dolma on Jan 30, 2023:
I am new in Melbourne and want room for two in low rent as possible. If anyone can suggest me.
Anonymous on Jan 17, 2023:
Hi guys summary of Melbourne Australia

If you’re happy to live in the outer suburbs be sure to do your research first. Go into each council website which will give you the population of that suburb and all the information you’ll need including property rates, rules and regulations for that area.

Melbourne is culturally and socioeconomic diverse. For example the cost of living in the outer western or northern suburbs is much cheaper than the inner northern and inner western suburbs. The eastern & Bayside suburbs is very expensive in all areas. If you want to live near a beach or lake you’ll need to be earning over $100,000 and living in a very small house or apartment building. Depending on your personal needs you may want to consider renting with another couple if you want to live in the CBD.
Anonymous on Jan 17, 2023:
$80,000 isn’t enough to live comfortably in Melbourne if you want to live close to work. If the job allows you to work from home then yes it’s ok for two people. I love living and working in Melbourne Australia however the cost of living the last few years has jumped so much that it’s difficult to make ends meet on a single household income of $100,000 salary. I think you should ask for more money if the job located inner city.
to Serbian guy on Jan 16, 2023:
$80,000 is very good for 2 people, if the 2nd person is also working you’ll be in the upper class
Serbian guy on Jan 11, 2023:
I have a job offer in Melbourne, annual salary $80,000. I wonder if it is enough for two people?
Anonymous on Oct 17, 2022:
Should show previous years cost-of-living so you can compare between previous years.
Anonymous on Oct 12, 2022:
how much will it cost if I will relocate in Melbourne together with my 2 daughters and with my wife - including house rent maybe 3 bedrooms
Sandeep on Jul 21, 2022:
Hi All,

I needed a room for rent with less rent. Can anyone suggest me?
Chinmay on May 18, 2022:
@Michael - IF you want to relocate to Peninsula, expect a big jump due to huge jump on Price increase on Properties etc. If you are looking to rent with all other expenses I would imagine you are looking the range anywhere between $4k to $5k depending on what you want !
Michael Nugroho on Mar 28, 2022:
If I relocate to mornington peninsula area, how much do I need to make a decent monthly living?
Dan on Feb 10, 2022:
My budget in Melbourne for a single guy as at February 2022.
Rent including utilities $700
Internet $35
Food $500
Total to survive = $1235
Paul on Feb 06, 2022:
For 2 elderly couple will it be ok with round 30k just for every day living? With there own home.
Ducera on Jan 24, 2022:
People, there is living and then there is living. If you cook all of your meals, entertain yourself outside of nightlife and events, then you can pay your bills and live in Melbourne.

If you order take away, drink at clubs, go on holidays the. your money is going to mean anything.

Two people earning $50k each can make a life in Melbourne for themselves and their families.

Also, most Melbournians won’t work beyond 38 hrs a week so you people from the developing world can get ahead by working a couple extra shifts a week elsewhere.

Regards
Ducera
Mandy on Sep 07, 2021:
Hi guys I just want to know is it enough to have 55k salary per person (2 person) to have average life in Melbourne?
Just a tired guy on Apr 05, 2021:
April 2021 UPDATE: Things are fine here. It's a fine place to live. I'll leave some information in this comment on where to look to budget for your own needs as the questions previously asked in the comments are for the most part lazy bordering on ridiculous or completely stupid. In particular: Nobody can answer accurately about your own circumstances and whatever job offer you have that's being queried, or ease of job you would like to get. The anonymous people on the internet just don't know.

So, If you want to know about rent: domain.com.au and realestate.com.au are where most things are listed and at the very least are indicative of the property market for both buying and renting.

You can also look at our larger grocery chains such as Coles or Woolworths websites for indicative prices of groceries because you can search for individual items. Presumably you have an idea of your own groceries wherever you are currently in terms of prices and volume.

Public transport ticket costs and network maps can be found on the websites of Metro(trains) and Yarra Trams (trams)

Utilities such as gas/water/electric are going to be widely different on your usage and how many people you are living with if you share accomodations.

I hope this answers most budgeting concerns. Don't waste you time with follow up questions, I don't think I'll check back here ever again, but i hope if you've read this far you have at least been given the bare minimum of how to start budgeting and costs that will apply to you. This is in addition to the numbers above, which is probably the info you wanted to end up here in the first place- just read it and do your own math. To finish up, the borders are still pretty much closed, so it's not looking good for anyone trying to enter at the moment.

But that one guy who is a physician and is looking for a phd position with a 30,000 AUD scholarship for wife and 3 kids- Man.... if you're a physician you should be intelligent enough to do a cursory search and basic budgeting. No. It's not possible.

For that other guy who asks if ''Hi every one please suggest me 10500 AUD is sufficient for me or not with wife and 2 children'' Please, if you are going to ask questions of this nature with: Zero context, incomplete information and on a page designed to answer you exact field of questions... Don't come here. Just don't. We have enough stupid lazy people making stupid lazy choices already.

On the other hand, If you are someone who thinks first, considers the questions and makes considered and responsible choices based on reasonably anticipated outcomes... welcome home.
Shawn on Dec 21, 2020:
Can you please tell me for international student how much is living cost?
Realist on Oct 16, 2020:
Anyone thinking of trying to move to Melbourne now after Covid-19. Think about this.

- Recession
- Over 200+ days in lockdown after a second wave and still going (many businesses shut, can't leave your home beyond 5km etc)
- High unemployment (job losses across Victoria (mostly Melbourne) have already far eclipsed the height of the 1990s recession)
- Job market has been decimated obviously with many applicants applying for those jobs that are actually still being advertised
- High population (all those previous years of jamming in immigration)
- High property prices (by all measures, DYOR)

Good luck!
Garg G C on Oct 14, 2020:
What salary can be expected by a CA with 13 years experience & what are the job prospects as of now?
Les on Oct 04, 2020:
The restaurant prices in Melbourne are totally off. Everything is 50% higher than quoted.
Prasoon Vyas on Sep 30, 2020:
Hi

What would be the ideal monthly cost of living for a family of 3 (Including 10 year old children) in Melbourne?

Regards
Prasoon