Monthly Cost Summary — Melbourne
| Expense | Single Person |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | $450–$600/week |
| Groceries | $155–$200 per week |
| Public transport | $180–$250 (Myki cap ~$11.40/day) |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) | $280–$380 |
| Dining out (meal for two, mid-range) | $100–$140 |
| Total monthly (single) | $3,800–$4,800 |
| Total monthly (family of 4) | $7,500–$9,500 |
Rent in Melbourne
| Property Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (inner/middle suburbs) | $450–$600/week |
| House (3-bedroom) | $580–$750/week |
| Median (all dwellings) | $580/week (all dwellings) |
Rent is the biggest cost in Melbourne and the main driver of differences between cities. Melbourne ranks 2nd for cost of living among Australian cities — 5–15% above national average.
Property Prices
| Type | Median Price |
|---|---|
| Median house | ~$800K |
| Median unit/apartment | ~$550K |
Transport in Melbourne
Myki card: daily cap $11.40 (full fare), $5.70 concession. Weekend/holiday cap $8.00. Free Tram Zone in CBD. Driving: CityLink tolls $3–$12/trip.
What Salary Do You Need?
To live comfortably in Melbourne as a single person (renting, moderate lifestyle, some savings), you need a gross salary of approximately $80,000–$100,000 per year. "Comfortably" means renting a 1-bedroom apartment, eating well, going out occasionally, and putting something into savings.
Tips for Living in Melbourne
Free Tram Zone in the CBD saves commuters. Myki daily cap is $11.40 (full fare). Shop at Queen Vic Market for cheaper produce. The western and northern suburbs offer the best rent value. Gas heating is more common than in Sydney — budget for winter gas bills.
What Makes Melbourne Different
Most affordable major capital after Adelaide, but catching up. Best public transport network after Sydney. Strong café and food culture means dining out is tempting but adds up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Melbourne?
A single person needs approximately $3,800–$4,800 per month including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. A family of four needs $7,500–$9,500.
What salary do I need to live in Melbourne?
For a comfortable lifestyle as a single person, you need approximately $80,000–$100,000 gross per year. This covers rent on a 1-bedroom apartment, food, transport, and some discretionary spending.
How much is rent in Melbourne?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $450–$600/week per week. A 3-bedroom house costs $580–$750/week. Median across all dwellings: $580/week (all dwellings).