Melbourne, the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria, is a city known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class dining, amazing parks, and high standard of living. However, like any major city, living in Melbourne comes with its own costs. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at the cost of living in Melbourne, comparing it to other cities and breaking down the various expenses you can expect.
Cost of Housing in Melbourne
One of the most significant expenses in any city is housing. In Melbourne, the cost of housing can vary greatly depending on whether you’re renting or buying, and where in the city you choose to live.
Renting in Melbourne
The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 2,252.61 AUD per month, while the same apartment outside the city centre is approximately 1,806.22 AUD. For larger families, a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages around 4,289.74 AUD, and outside the city centre, it’s about 2,818.43 AUD.
Buying Property in Melbourne
If you’re considering buying property, the average price per square foot in the city centre is around 1,065.56 AUD, while outside the city centre, it’s approximately 951.47 AUD. These prices can fluctuate based on the property’s condition, age, and other factors.
Food and Restaurant Prices in Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its fantastic food scene, from its high-end restaurants to its bustling markets. The cost of food can vary depending on where you choose to dine or shop.
Dining Out in Melbourne
An inexpensive meal at a restaurant in Melbourne will cost you around 25 AUD, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages about 130 AUD. Fast food, like a combo meal at McDonald’s, is around 15 AUD.
Grocery Shopping in Melbourne
Grocery prices in Melbourne are relatively reasonable. For example, a gallon of regular milk costs around 8.61 AUD, a loaf of fresh white bread is about 3.23 AUD, and a dozen regular eggs is approximately 5.64 AUD. These prices can vary based on the store and the specific brands you choose.
Transportation Costs in Melbourne
Melbourne offers a variety of transportation options, from public transit to taxis. The cost of transportation can significantly impact your monthly budget.
Public Transportation in Melbourne
A one-way ticket on local transport in Melbourne costs around 4.60 AUD, while a regular monthly pass is approximately 165.60 AUD. These prices make public transportation a cost-effective option for many residents.
Taxis and Cars in Melbourne
Starting a taxi journey in Melbourne typically costs around 5.20 AUD, with an additional cost of about 4.83 AUD per mile. If you’re considering buying a car, a new Volkswagen Golf or a similar model averages around 35,000 AUD.
Utilities and Internet Costs in Melbourne
Utilities are another significant monthly expense. In Melbourne, the basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average around 265.73 AUD per month. Internet, with a speed of 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data, costs about 82.64 AUD per month.
Leisure and Sports Costs in Melbourne
Melbourne offers a wide range of leisure and sports activities. A monthly fee for an adult at a fitness club averages around 75.36 AUD. Renting a tennis court for an hour on the weekend costs about 23.45 AUD. If you’re a movie buff, a ticket for an international release at a cinema will set you back around 22 AUD.
Childcare Costs in Melbourne
If you have children, childcare can be a significant expense. The cost of full-day private preschool or kindergarten in Melbourne averages around 2,700.94 AUD per month for one child. If you’re considering an international primary school, the yearly cost for one child is approximately 31,800 AUD.
Clothing and Shoes Costs in Melbourne
Clothing costs can vary greatly depending on your personal style and preferences. On average, a pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) costs around 128.22 AUD, a summer dress in a chain store like Zara or H&M is about 87.76 AUD, a pair of mid-range Nike running shoes is approximately 174.70 AUD, and a pair of men’s leather business shoes is around 196.82 AUD.
Salaries and Financing in Melbourne
Finally, let’s talk about income. The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Melbourne is around 5,139.27 AUD. If you’re considering buying a home, the mortgage interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate loan is about 4.89%.
Cost of Living Melbourne Summary Table
| Category | Item | Average Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Rent (1-bedroom, city centre) | 2,252.61 |
| Rent (1-bedroom, outside centre) | 1,806.22 | |
| Price per square foot (city centre) | 1,065.56 | |
| Price per square foot (outside centre) | 951.47 | |
| Food and Restaurants | Inexpensive meal | 25 |
| Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | 130 | |
| Milk (1 gallon) | 8.61 | |
| Bread (1 loaf) | 3.23 | |
| Eggs (12 regular) | 5.64 | |
| Transportation | One-way ticket (local transport) | 4.60 |
| Monthly pass (regular price) | 165.60 | |
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | 5.20 | |
| Taxi 1 mile (normal tariff) | 4.83 | |
| New Volkswagen Golf 1.4 or equivalent | 35,000 | |
| Utilities and Internet | Basic utilities for 915 sq ft apartment | 265.73 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) | 82.64 | |
| Leisure and Sports | Fitness club monthly fee (adult) | 75.36 |
| Tennis court rent (1 hour, weekend) | 23.45 | |
| Cinema ticket (international release) | 22 | |
| Childcare | Preschool or Kindergarten, full day, private, monthly for 1 child | 2,700.94 |
| International Primary School, yearly for 1 child | 31,800 | |
| Clothing and Shoes | Jeans (Levis 501 or similar) | 128.22 |
| Summer dress (chain store like Zara or H&M) | 87.76 | |
| Running shoes (mid-range, Nike) | 174.70 | |
| Men’s leather business shoes | 196.82 | |
| Salaries and Financing | Average monthly net salary (after tax) | 5,139.27 |
| Mortgage interest rate (yearly, for 20 years fixed-rate) | 4.89% |
*Please note that these are average costs and individual experiences may vary.
here’s an estimated average monthly budget for different types of households in Melbourne. Please note that these are rough estimates and actual costs can vary greatly depending on lifestyle, specific location, and personal choices.
Single – Cost of Living Budget Melbourne
| Category | Average Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, outside centre) | 1,806.22 |
| Groceries | 300 |
| Utilities and Internet | 200 |
| Transportation (Monthly pass) | 165.60 |
| Leisure (Fitness club) | 75.36 |
| Clothing | 100 |
| Total | 2,647.18 |
Couple – Cost of Living Budget Melbourne
| Category | Average Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, city centre) | 2,252.61 |
| Groceries | 600 |
| Utilities and Internet | 200 |
| Transportation (2 Monthly passes) | 331.20 |
| Leisure (2 Fitness club memberships) | 150.72 |
| Clothing | 200 |
| Dining Out (Twice a month) | 260 |
| Total | 3,794.53 |
Small Family (2 adults, 2 children) – Cost of Living Budget Melbourne
| Category | Average Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (3-bedroom, outside centre) | 2,818.43 |
| Groceries | 800 |
| Utilities and Internet | 300 |
| Transportation (2 Monthly passes) | 331.20 |
| Leisure (2 Fitness club memberships, cinema) | 200 |
| Clothing | 300 |
| Childcare (2 children in kindergarten) | 5,401.88 |
| Total | 10,151.51 |
Older Couple – Cost of Living Budge Melbourne
| Category | Average Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom, outside centre) | 2,000 (estimated) |
| Groceries | 600 |
| Utilities and Internet | 200 |
| Transportation (2 Monthly passes) | 331.20 |
| Leisure (Cinema, occasional dining out) | 150 |
| Clothing | 150 |
| Healthcare (Estimated) | 300 |
| Total | 3,731.20 |
These budgets are based on average costs and do not include savings, insurance, healthcare (except for the older couple), or other potential expenses. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and create a budget that fits your personal needs and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Living in Melbourne offers a high quality of life, but it’s essential to understand the cost of living to budget effectively. While Melbourne is less expensive than some other major cities, costs can add up, especially for housing and childcare. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Remember, these are average costs, and individual experiences may vary. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and create a budget that fits your personal needs and lifestyle. Welcome to Melbourne, a city that truly has something for everyone!
