Melbourne, Australia
Cost of living · 2026 · Oceania · Rent +2.8% vs 2025
Rent trend in Melbourne (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Melbourne (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Melbourne
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Australia (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Melbourne |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | AUD 2,566 | AUD 615 | AUD 176 | AUD 246 | — |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,818 | AUD 583 | AUD 123 | AUD 225 | -29.2% |
| Brisbane | AUD 2,245 | AUD 599 | AUD 198 | AUD 235 | -12.5% |
| Canberra | AUD 2,138 | AUD 599 | AUD 80 | AUD 235 | -16.7% |
| Gold Coast | AUD 2,031 | AUD 593 | AUD 75 | AUD 230 | -20.8% |
| Perth | AUD 2,085 | AUD 588 | AUD 171 | AUD 230 | -18.8% |
| Sydney | AUD 3,100 | AUD 663 | AUD 225 | AUD 278 | +20.8% |
Other Oceania cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Melbourne in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Melbourne needs approximately AUD 3,791/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AUD 6,982/month. Melbourne is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Melbourne in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Melbourne costs approximately AUD 2,566/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AUD 4,490/month. Rent has changed +2.8% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Melbourne?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Melbourne are approximately AUD 615 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Melbourne?
A monthly public transport pass in Melbourne costs AUD 176 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Melbourne?
Monthly utility costs in Melbourne average AUD 246 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Melbourne expensive to live in?
Melbourne is located in Australia (Oceania). With a 1-bed rent of AUD 2,566/month and total single-person expenses around AUD 3,791/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Melbourne?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Melbourne costs approximately AUD 24 in 2026. Budget around AUD 188/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Melbourne changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Melbourne from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 21.5% over this period (from AUD 2,112 in 2022 to AUD 2,566 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Melbourne?
To live comfortably in Melbourne in 2026, a single person needs approximately AUD 3,791/month. This covers rent (AUD 2,566), groceries (AUD 615), transport (AUD 176), utilities (AUD 246) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AUD 6,982/month.