Tram on Swanston Street

How much does it cost to live in Melbourne?

To make the most of your time in Melbourne, it’s important to know upfront the average cost of living here.

How much it costs to live in Melbourne will depend on your individual circumstances. Below we break down common expenses so you can budget for an enjoyable stay.

Your accommodation costs will depend on where you live and who you live with.

There are a number of trusted and affordable student accommodation options provided by the University of Melbourne. To find out more, see the University Accommodation page.

Alternatively, you may choose to live in private rental accommodation. The following provides a guide to the average weekly rental prices per property type:

Location

Property Type

Median Rent

Metropolitan Melbourne

1 Bed Flat

$450

Metropolitan Melbourne

2 Bed Flat

$590

Metropolitan Melbourne

3 Bed Flat

$620

Metropolitan Melbourne

2 Bed House

$750

Metropolitan Melbourne

3 Bed House

$850

Metropolitan Melbourne

4 Bed House

$1000

Source: Australian Government.

On top of accommodation costs, there are other expenses to plan for like food and public transport. These costs will depend on your circumstances and lifestyle choices.

To get an idea of how much your living expenses in Melbourne will be use the cost-of-living calculator on Study Australia or this one on Insider Guides.

You can tailor a search to your situation including costs for:

  • Food
  • Gas/Electricity
  • Phone/Internet
  • Public transport
  • Car
  • Entertainment/Eating out

Need more help?

These resources also offer helpful information on the cost of living in Melbourne.

Resources for international students

Explore support, advice and what to expect living and studying as an international student at Melbourne.

Read more