Moving from Melbourne to Killeen (2026)

Killeen has a COL index of 83 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$3,363/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
110 โ†’ 83
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600 โ†’ $1,050
per month
State tax
45% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
110 โ†’ 83
25% cheaper

Salary needed in Killeen to match your Melbourne lifestyle

Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MelbourneEquivalent in Killeen
$40K$30,182
$50K$37,727
$60K$45,273
$75K$56,591
$80K$60,364
$100K$75,455
$120K$90,545
$150K$113,182

Adjust your salary

Save ~$654/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseMelbourneKilleen
Monthly take-home$3,000$4,741
1BR rent$1,600$1,050
Groceries$380$350
Transport$150$38
Utilities$130$170
Internet$62$60
Left after essentials$678$3,073

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $654 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$797,861

over 30 years compared to staying in Melbourne โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$654/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Killeen cheaper than Melbourne?

Yes. Killeen has a cost of living index of 83 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Killeen?

On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Killeen saves roughly $3,363/month on core expenses. That's ~$40,356/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $56,591/year in Killeen. 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