Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Melbourne 2024

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Melbourne

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: AUD
660 4,700 31,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $3,000 $20,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Melbourne

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Melbourne?

A single person in Melbourne spends around 4,700 AUD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 660 AUD or as high as 31,000 AUD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Melbourne


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Melbourne

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

6.8 AUD 14 AUD 23 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $8.8 $15

Restaurant meal for one

24 AUD 35 AUD 71 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46

Fine dining meal for one

47 AUD 71 AUD 280 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $180

Cappuccino or latte

5.7 AUD 9 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $5.9 $8.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

4.5 AUD 5.4 AUD 6.8 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.5 $4.4

12 eggs

3.4 AUD 4.5 AUD 6.8 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.9 $4.4

Fresh whole chicken

7.7 AUD 10 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.5 $9.2

Pack of beef

9 AUD 14 AUD 27 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $8.8 $18

Medium bag of rice

3.6 AUD 5 AUD 7.1 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.6

Bag of tomatos

1.4 AUD 1.8 AUD 3.4 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.2 $2.2

Bag of apples

2.4 AUD 3.2 AUD 5.2 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Melbourne


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

5.9 AUD 7.1 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.6 $9.2

Average car full tank

34 AUD 45 AUD 90 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $29 $59

Average car 1-day rental

37 AUD 49 AUD 73 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $48

Average car price

17,000 AUD 34,000 AUD 45,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $22,000 $29,000

Bus ticket one way

1.2 AUD 1.8 AUD 3.7 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.2 $2.4

Car Service

49 AUD 73 AUD 150 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $48 $95
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Melbourne


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

40 AUD 280 AUD 1,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $180 $1,200

Internet and cable

34 AUD 68 AUD 90 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $44 $59

Mobile phone charges

27 AUD 45 AUD 140 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $29 $88

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

17 AUD 23 AUD 34 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $22

One month gym membership

59 AUD 73 AUD 150 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $48 $95
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Melbourne


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

43 AUD 61 AUD 92 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $40 $59

Woman dress

41 AUD 56 AUD 180 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $37 $120

Woman shoes

39 AUD 52 AUD 120 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $34 $79

Men's shoes

33 AUD 41 AUD 81 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $26 $53

Men suit

37 AUD 46 AUD 240 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $160

Regular t-shirt

18 AUD 24 AUD 73 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $48
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Melbourne


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

610 AUD 920 AUD 2,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $590 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment

920 AUD 1,500 AUD 3,700 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $950 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment

1,200 AUD 1,800 AUD 4,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,200 $3,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

120,000 AUD 180,000 AUD 370,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment

150,000 AUD 240,000 AUD 920,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $160,000 $590,000

2-bedroom apartment

240,000 AUD 730,000 AUD 1.5M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $480,000 $950,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Melbourne


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

680 AUD 850 AUD 1,100 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $550 $730

Double Bed

450 AUD 680 AUD 850 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $550

Single Bed

400 AUD 520 AUD 680 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $340 $440

Living Room

750 AUD 970 AUD 3,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $630 $2,200

Dining Table

340 AUD 450 AUD 850 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $290 $550

Sofa or Couch

450 AUD 620 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $400 $880
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Melbourne


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

450 AUD 680 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $880

Fridge or Freezer

400 AUD 620 AUD 850 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $400 $550

Washing Machine

520 AUD 750 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $490 $880

Stove or Cooker

480 AUD 620 AUD 850 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $400 $550

Mobile Phone

570 AUD 680 AUD 970 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $440 $630

Laptop or Computer

620 AUD 750 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $490 $880
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Melbourne

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Melbourne

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Melbourne

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

72% to 90%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Melbourne spend around 81% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 72% of their income while some as high as 90%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Melbourne

How do individuals spend their money in Melbourne?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$160   240 AUD
AVERAGE$1,100   1,700 AUD
HIGH$7,300   11,000 AUD
Per Month

Individuals in Melbourne typically spend from 21% to 45% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 33% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,700 AUD with expenditure ranging from 240 AUD to 11,000 AUD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$26   40 AUD
AVERAGE$180   280 AUD
HIGH$1,200   1,900 AUD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Melbourne ranges from 3% to 12% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 280 AUD with 40 AUD and 1,900 AUD being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$34   53 AUD
AVERAGE$240   370 AUD
HIGH$1,600   2,500 AUD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 53 AUD to 2,500 AUD in a month on commuting with 370 AUD being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$69   110 AUD
AVERAGE$480   740 AUD
HIGH$3,200   5,000 AUD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Melbourne is 740 AUD. The cost of groceries can range between 110 AUD to 5,000 AUD. Individuals spend on average about 18% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 23% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$39   60 AUD
AVERAGE$270   420 AUD
HIGH$1,800   2,800 AUD
Per Month

Individuals in Melbourne allocate 5% to 15% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 60 AUD to 2,800 AUD with 420 AUD being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$22   33 AUD
AVERAGE$150   230 AUD
HIGH$1,000   1,600 AUD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 33 AUD to 1,600 AUD with 230 AUD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$8.6   13 AUD
AVERAGE$60   93 AUD
HIGH$400   620 AUD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 93 AUD per month with 13 AUD being the minimum spent amount and 620 AUD being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$78   120 AUD
AVERAGE$540   840 AUD
HIGH$3,600   5,600 AUD
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Melbourne

What percentage of individuals in Melbourne are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
80%
Not Saving
20%

Almost 80% of surveyed individuals in Melbourne said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 20% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Melbourne

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

220 AUD
$140
1,900 AUD
$1,300
13,000 AUD
$8,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 14% to 35% of their monthly income to their savings, with 24% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 1,900 AUD with 220 AUD and 13,000 AUD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Melbourne

Saving Challenges in Melbourne

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Melbourne. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Melbourne

Typical saving choices for individuals in Melbourne

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in Melbourne

Affordable living in Melbourne

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Melbourne?


Yes
85%
No
15%

Around 85% of surveyed individuals think that living in Melbourne is affordable with proper budgeting while 15% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Melbourne

Low-cost alternatives in Melbourne

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options66%

Few low-cost options34%


Based on the survey, 66% of the individuals living in Melbourne have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 34% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked individuals of Melbourne whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes81%

No19%


Based on the survey, 19% of the individuals living in Melbourne said that they don't have an emergency fund while 81% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Melbourne

Financial Literacy in Australia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy73%


We asked individuals in Melbourne whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 27% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 73% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether single people of Australia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance27%

Easily manages finances73%

Financial goals and targets of single people living in Melbourne

Financial goals of individuals in Melbourne

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Melbourne, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction32%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence9%

Around 7% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 32% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Melbourne

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Melbourne


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the individuals in Melbourne have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Melbourne

Debt-to-income ratio in Melbourne

Debt to income ratio

30%

21% to 40%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of a single person's monthly income in Melbourne goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Melbourne pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Melbourne

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan36%

13% of debtors in Melbourne confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Melbourne.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Melbourne

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of Melbourne how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Melbourne

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Melbourne

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Melbourne

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

610 AUD 920 AUD 2,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $590 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

920 AUD 1,500 AUD 3,700 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $950 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 AUD 1,800 AUD 4,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,200 $3,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 AUD 2,400 AUD 6,700 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950 $1,600 $4,300

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,900 AUD 7,300 AUD 15,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,800 $9,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,400 AUD 3,700 AUD 10,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,400 $6,800

House monthly rent cost

2,900 AUD 7,300 AUD 15,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,800 $9,500

Villa monthly rent cost

3,700 AUD 9,200 AUD 15,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $5,900 $9,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Melbourne ranges between 610 AUD and 2,400 AUD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 920 AUD to 3,700 AUD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 AUD and 4,900 AUD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,500 AUD to 6,700 AUD. The average rent of a townhouse in Melbourne is around 3,700 AUD while house rental costs can be as high as 7,300 AUD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,700 AUD to 15,000 AUD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Melbourne

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

120,000 AUD 180,000 AUD 370,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment price

150,000 AUD 240,000 AUD 920,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $160,000 $590,000

2-bedroom apartment price

240,000 AUD 730,000 AUD 1.5M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $480,000 $950,000

3-bedroom apartment price

810,000 AUD 1.2M AUD 3.7M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530,000 $790,000 $2.4M

Townhouse price

1M AUD 2.4M AUD 9.2M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680,000 $1.6M $5.9M

House price

1.2M AUD 7.3M AUD 10M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.8M $6.8M

Villa price

1.5M AUD 8.1M AUD 12M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950,000 $5.3M $7.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Melbourne can range from 120,000 AUD to 370,000 AUD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 150,000 AUD to 920,000 AUD. A villa can cost you 8.1M AUD on average with prices ranging from 1.5M AUD to 12M AUD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Melbourne will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


46 x133 monthly income 232
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Melbourne can be x133 to x232 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x133 multiples of the average monthly salary in Melbourne.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 35% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Melbourne is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


10 AUD 130 AUD 1,300 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Melbourne

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Melbourne

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

40 AUD 280 AUD 1,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $180 $1,200

Internet and cable cost

34 AUD 68 AUD 90 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $44 $59

Mobile phone bill and charges

27 AUD 45 AUD 140 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $29 $88

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 280 AUD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 34 AUD to 90 AUD with 68 AUD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 45 AUD but can range between 27 AUD and 140 AUD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.2% 5.4% of income 9.8%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Melbourne is around 5.4%. This means that people pay 5.4% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.2% to 9.8% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Melbourne

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Melbourne

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

6.8 AUD 14 AUD 23 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $8.8 $15

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Melbourne is approximatly 14 AUD with meal cost ranging from 6.8 AUD to 23 AUD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

24 AUD 35 AUD 71 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 24 AUD and 71 AUD with 35 AUD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Melbourne.

Fine dining meal for one price

47 AUD 71 AUD 280 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $180

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 47 AUD to 280 AUD with the average cost being 71 AUD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Melbourne.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

5.7 AUD 9 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $5.9 $8.8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Melbourne is around 9 AUD. Price ranges between 5.7 AUD and 14 AUD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

4.5 AUD 5.4 AUD 6.8 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.5 $4.4

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Melbourne is 5.4 AUD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 6.8 AUD and the minimum being 4.5 AUD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.4 AUD 4.5 AUD 6.8 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.9 $4.4

A dozen eggs costs around 4.5 AUD on average with 3.4 AUD and 6.8 AUD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

7.7 AUD 10 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.5 $9.2

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Melbourne is between 7.7 AUD and 14 AUD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 10 AUD.

Pack of beef price

9 AUD 14 AUD 27 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $8.8 $18

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 14 AUD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3.6 AUD 5 AUD 7.1 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.6

A bag of rice in Melbourne costs around 5 AUD on average with prices rangeing between 3.6 AUD and 7.1 AUD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.4 AUD 1.8 AUD 3.4 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.2 $2.2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.4 AUD to 3.4 AUD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.4 AUD 3.2 AUD 5.2 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.4

A bag of apples costs 3.2 AUD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 27% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Melbourne is around 27%. This means that individuals spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 34% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 110 AUD to 5,000 AUD with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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