Moving from Melbourne to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 11% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $44,364 |
| $50K | $55,455 |
| $60K | $66,545 |
| $75K | $83,182 |
| $80K | $88,727 |
| $100K | $110,909 |
| $120K | $133,091 |
| $150K | $166,364 |
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Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Austin
| Expense | Melbourne | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $380 | $372 |
| Transport | $150 | $50 |
| Utilities | $130 | $170 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Melbourne?
No. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 11% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Austin saves roughly $2,613/month on core expenses. That's ~$31,356/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $83,182/year in Austin. 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