Moving from Los Angeles to Melbourne (2026)
Melbourne has a COL index of 110 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 36% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Melbourne to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 36% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Melbourne |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,434 |
| $50K | $31,792 |
| $60K | $38,150 |
| $75K | $47,688 |
| $80K | $50,867 |
| $100K | $63,584 |
| $120K | $76,301 |
| $150K | $95,376 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Melbourne
| Expense | Los Angeles | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $3,000 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $410 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $150 |
| Utilities | $145 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $678 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,203 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melbourne cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Melbourne has a cost of living index of 110 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 36% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Melbourne?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Melbourne run about $1,031/month more than Los Angeles. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Melbourne to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $47,688/year in Melbourne. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only