Moving from Melbourne to Denver (2026)

Denver has a COL index of 122 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 11% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$2,138 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
110 โ†’ 122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600 โ†’ $2,000
per month
State tax
45% โ†’ 4.4%
income tax
COL difference
110 โ†’ 122
11% more expensive

Salary needed in Denver to match your Melbourne lifestyle

Based on the 11% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MelbourneEquivalent in Denver
$40K$44,364
$50K$55,455
$60K$66,545
$75K$83,182
$80K$88,727
$100K$110,909
$120K$133,091
$150K$166,364

Adjust your salary

Pay ~$385/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Melbourne vs Denver

ExpenseMelbourneDenver
Monthly take-home$3,000$4,466
1BR rent$1,600$2,000
Groceries$380$388
Transport$150$114
Utilities$130$140
Internet$62$65
Left after essentials$678$1,759

Frequently asked questions

Is Denver cheaper than Melbourne?

No. Denver 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 Denver?

On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Denver saves roughly $2,138/month on core expenses. That's ~$25,656/year.

What salary do I need in Denver to match my Melbourne lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $83,182/year in Denver. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only