Cost of Living in Melbourne

Coffee and culture capital; offers a world-class lifestyle and sporting events, though housing is becoming expensive.
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£2,243

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
62%
Groceries
13%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
5%
Utilities
9%
Leisure
3%
Property
62%
Groceries
13%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
5%
Utilities
9%
Leisure
3%

World-class coffee, art & hidden bars

Varied weather & bay views

Premium living; excellent tram network

Cost of living breakdown for Melbourne

You can expect to spend around £2,243 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£1,298Average rent per month
£5,599Price per m² (city centre)
£4,827Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index57
Quality of life index89
Safety index62
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Melbourne average costs for food and drink.

£280Weekly groceries/person
£163Dining out average cost/person
£3Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Melbourne average salaries and services.

£3,336Average Monthly Net Salary
£105Transport
Healthcare71
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Australia

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,297.66£1,114.07 - £1,522.56
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£980.46£737.94 - £1,167.12
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£2,515.61£2,122.04 - £3,183.05
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£1,796.01£1,379.32 - £2,387.29

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Melbourne depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £945 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £3,310. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £1,298 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Melbourne costs £3. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £105.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Melbourne is currently £3,336.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Melbourne costs approximately £13, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £64.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Melbourne for a single person is £945, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Melbourne, the estimated monthly costs are £3,310, not including rent.

Rent prices in Melbourne depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £1,298, compared to £980 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £2,516 in the centre and £1,796 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Melbourne (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £173 per month. Internet access typically adds another £41.