🇦🇺 Australia · #67 of 538 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Melbourne?

25.6% cheaper than NYC — and purchasing power is very strong.

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

-25.6%
vs NYC
AUD 1,664
Estimated rent in
AUD 5,301
Net take-home
Very strong
Purchasing Power

Source: Numbeo · NYC = 100 baseline · Data verified Q1 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary — move to Melbourne?

Example: AUD 81,181 gross/year in Australia → AUD 5,301/month net after tax (21.6% effective rate). Full Australia tax breakdown → →

The numbers

Cost breakdown — Melbourne

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living
74.4 Moderate
Rent
39.9 Affordable
Groceries
84.6 Above average
Restaurants
68.4 Moderate
Purchasing Power
140.8 Very strong

Estimated rent in Melbourne

1-BR — City centre AUD 1,664/mo
1-BR — Outside centre AUD 1,248/mo
3-BR — City centre AUD 2,896/mo
Save by going outside centre ~25% cheaper

Estimated from rent index. Actual prices vary.

Tax reality

Australia take-home pay

AUD 81,181 → AUD 5,301/Net take-home (21.6% effective rate, single filer)

Full Australia tax calculator →

Similar options

Considering alternatives?

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

🇦🇺 Canberra
Australia
CoL index 74.8
🇦🇺 Gold Coast
Australia
CoL index 72.0
🇦🇺 Sydney
Australia
CoL index 77.5

Ready to run the numbers?

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

Relocation Toolkit

Trusted services for your move

We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.