Monthly Cost Summary — Geelong
| Expense | Single Person |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | $320–$420/week |
| Groceries | $150–$190 per week |
| Public transport | $130–$170 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) | $260–$340 |
| Dining out (meal for two, mid-range) | $85–$115 |
| Total monthly (single) | $2,900–$3,700 |
| Total monthly (family of 4) | $6,000–$8,000 |
Rent in Geelong
| Property Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (inner/middle suburbs) | $320–$420/week |
| House (3-bedroom) | $450–$600/week |
| Median (all dwellings) | $480/week |
Rent is the biggest cost in Geelong and the main driver of differences between cities. Geelong ranks 30–40% cheaper than Melbourne for cost of living among Australian cities — 5–10% below average.
Property Prices
| Type | Median Price |
|---|---|
| Median house | ~$700K |
| Median unit/apartment | ~$400K |
Transport in Geelong
Myki card: same system as Melbourne. V/Line train to Melbourne: ~1 hour, ~$9 one way (Myki).
What Salary Do You Need?
To live comfortably in Geelong as a single person (renting, moderate lifestyle, some savings), you need a gross salary of approximately $65,000–$85,000 per year. "Comfortably" means renting a 1-bedroom apartment, eating well, going out occasionally, and putting something into savings.
Tips for Living in Geelong
V/Line train to Melbourne Southern Cross: ~1 hour, covered by Myki. Deakin University and major hospital provide employment. Surf Coast (Torquay, Bells Beach) is 20 minutes away. Great Barrier Reef... wrong state, but Great Ocean Road is right here.
What Makes Geelong Different
Victoria's second city. Rapidly growing with Melbourne commuters. Strong healthcare and education employment. Waterfront redevelopment has transformed the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Geelong?
A single person needs approximately $2,900–$3,700 per month including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. A family of four needs $6,000–$8,000.
What salary do I need to live in Geelong?
For a comfortable lifestyle as a single person, you need approximately $65,000–$85,000 gross per year. This covers rent on a 1-bedroom apartment, food, transport, and some discretionary spending.
How much is rent in Geelong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $320–$420/week per week. A 3-bedroom house costs $450–$600/week. Median across all dwellings: $480/week.