Moving from Melbourne to Los Angeles (2026)
Los Angeles has a COL index of 173 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 57% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Los Angeles to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 57% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| $40K | $62,909 |
| $50K | $78,636 |
| $60K | $94,364 |
| $75K | $117,955 |
| $80K | $125,818 |
| $100K | $157,273 |
| $120K | $188,727 |
| $150K | $235,909 |
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Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Los Angeles
| Expense | Melbourne | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $2,800 |
| Groceries | $380 | $410 |
| Transport | $150 | $100 |
| Utilities | $130 | $145 |
| Internet | $62 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $634 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Melbourne?
No. Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 173 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 57% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Los Angeles?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Los Angeles saves roughly $1,031/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,372/year.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $117,955/year in Los Angeles. 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