Melbourne, Australia
Cost of living · 2025 · Oceania · Rent +4% vs 2024
Rent trend in Melbourne (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Melbourne (2025)
Estimated monthly budget in Melbourne
Based on 2025 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Australia (2025)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Melbourne |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | AUD 2,496 | AUD 598 | AUD 172 | AUD 239 | — |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,768 | AUD 567 | AUD 120 | AUD 218 | -29.2% |
| Brisbane | AUD 2,184 | AUD 582 | AUD 192 | AUD 229 | -12.5% |
| Canberra | AUD 2,080 | AUD 582 | AUD 78 | AUD 229 | -16.7% |
| Gold Coast | AUD 1,976 | AUD 577 | AUD 73 | AUD 224 | -20.8% |
| Perth | AUD 2,028 | AUD 572 | AUD 166 | AUD 224 | -18.8% |
| Sydney | AUD 3,016 | AUD 645 | AUD 218 | AUD 270 | +20.8% |
Other Oceania cities (2025)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Melbourne in 2025?
In 2025, a single person living in Melbourne needs approximately AUD 3,688/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AUD 6,792/month. Melbourne is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Melbourne in 2025?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Melbourne costs approximately AUD 2,496/month in 2025. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AUD 4,368/month. Rent has changed +4% vs 2024.
How much do groceries cost in Melbourne?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Melbourne are approximately AUD 598 in 2025. 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 172 in 2025, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Melbourne?
Monthly utility costs in Melbourne average AUD 239 in 2025, 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 2,496/month and total single-person expenses around AUD 3,688/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 23 in 2025. Budget around AUD 183/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 2025, a single person needs approximately AUD 3,688/month. This covers rent (AUD 2,496), groceries (AUD 598), transport (AUD 172), utilities (AUD 239) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AUD 6,792/month.