Cost of Living & Salary in Melbourne
Compare your salary to Melbourne (Australia). With a cost of living index of 72 (NYC = 100), Melbourne is 28% cheaper than New York. See what salary you need — calculated privately in your browser.
Cost of Living in Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital with slightly lower costs than Sydney and a growing tech sector. The city has a cost of living index of 72 relative to New York City (100), making it 28% cheaper than New York. Average salaries in Melbourne are around AUD 78,000 per year, though this varies significantly by industry and experience level.
Housing is typically the largest expense, accounting for 35-40% of total living costs. In Melbourne, housing costs are above the global city average. Food, transportation, and healthcare make up most of the remaining budget.
Salary Comparison: Melbourne vs Other Cities
When comparing salaries across cities, raw numbers can be misleading. A higher salary in Melbourne may not stretch as far due to higher living costs. Use this calculator to find the equivalent salary you would need in Melbourne to match your current standard of living.
For example, someone earning $100,000 in New York (index 100) would need approximately $72,000 in Melbourne (index 72) to maintain the same purchasing power. This accounts for housing, groceries, transport, healthcare, and entertainment.
Working and Living in Melbourne
Melbourne offers a high cost of living but strong career opportunities for professionals. The city's job market is competitive but rewarding.
Beyond salary, consider quality of life factors: commute times, public transportation, healthcare access, cultural amenities, and climate. Local tax rates can also significantly impact your take-home pay and should be factored into any relocation decision.