Cost of Living in Melbourne, Victoria (2026)
COL Index
110
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,600
per month
Median HHI
—
per year
State Tax
45%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,150 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,600 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200 |
| Median home price | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $30 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — |
| Gas price/gal | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $130 |
| Internet/mo | $62 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | — |
| State income tax rate | 45.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 110 |
| Walk score / 100 | 80 |
Is Melbourne affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$1,600/mo take-home
100% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,000/mo take-home
80% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$2,400/mo take-home
67% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$3,000/mo take-home
53% rent burden · Difficult
$80K
~$3,200/mo take-home
50% rent burden · Difficult
$100K
~$4,000/mo take-home
40% rent burden · Tight
$120K
~$4,800/mo take-home
33% rent burden · Manageable
$150K
~$6,000/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only