Living in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is one of the Australia destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Melbourne city center rents for around AUD 5,400/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages AUD 3,600/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about AUD 1,100 for groceries (single person) and AUD 210 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Melbourne scores 158, which makes it one of the more expensive cities in the region.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Melbourne starts at roughly AUD 6,710/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost AUD 84 for a mid-range meal and AUD 7 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around AUD 13. Owning a car adds approximately AUD 1,500/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Melbourne skip this in favour of public transport or the AUD 210/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Australia offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Melbourne costs around AUD 230/month, with a family plan at AUD 690. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about AUD 190, while specialists charge around AUD 350. Families should budget AUD 4,600/month for international schooling, or AUD 2,500/month for a local private school.
Who does Melbourne suit best?
Melbourne works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.