What is the cost of living in Melbourne?

The cost of living in Melbourne is 40.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 59.3). Groceries are 9.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 25.8% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately AUD 2,429 per month. Local purchasing power index is 135.5 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Australia?

In Australia, a gross salary of AUD 81,435 per year results in approximately AUD 5,431 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 20.0%). Use our Australia tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇦🇺 Australia · #56 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Melbourne?

Q: Should I move to Melbourne?

Melbourne, Australia has a cost of living 40.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 59.3). It is ranked #56 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 135.5 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Australia earning AUD 81,435 gross take home approximately AUD 5,431/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

40.7% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-40.7%

vs NYC

AUD 2,429

1-BR, city centre

AUD 5,431

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Melbourne?

Example: AUD 81,435 gross/year in Australia → AUD 5,431/month net after tax (20% effective rate). Full Australia tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Melbourne

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

59.3 Very expensive

Rent

41.0 Affordable

Groceries

90.1 Above average

Restaurants

74.2 Moderate

Purchasing Power

135.5 Very strong

Rent in Melbourne

1-BR, city centre AUD 2,429/mo

1-BR, outside centre AUD 1,989/mo

3-BR, city centre AUD 4,851/mo

3-BR, outside centre AUD 3,553/mo

Save by going outside centre 18% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Australia take-home pay

AUD 81,435 → AUD 5,431/Net take-home (20% effective rate, single filer)

Full Australia tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇦🇺 Perth

Australia

CoL index 57.8

Compare Perth vs Melbourne →

🇦🇺 Hobart

Australia

CoL index 55.0

Compare Hobart vs Melbourne →

🇦🇺 Adelaide

Australia

CoL index 53.3

Compare Adelaide vs Melbourne →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Melbourne after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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