Melbourne
London

Melbourne vs London — Cost of Living Comparison

Melbourne
Australia
VS
London
United Kingdom
Estimated average living costs are ~24% lower in Melbourne

Melbourne

$3,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,080,000

Safety

63/100

Quality

75/100

Cost
75
Safety
63
Life
75

London

$3,850

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,982,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

70/100

Cost
92
Safety
55
Life
70

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~24% lower in Melbourne

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Melbourne

$3,100

estimated per month

London

$3,850

estimated per month

Difference

+24.2%

Monthly savings

$750

Yearly savings

$9,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$93,145

+$18,145/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,750.00$2,200.00
+25.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,300.00$1,550.00
+19.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,100.00$3,900.00
+25.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,200.00$2,600.00
+18.2%
ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$17.00$18.00
+5.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$80.00$80.00
0.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$9.00
-10.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.70$1.30
-23.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.60$1.40
-46.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.30$1.80
-21.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.50$3.20
-28.9%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$10.00$8.50
-15.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50$2.50
-28.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.60$1.40
-46.2%
ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$110.00$185.00
+68.2%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.00$3.50
+16.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$4.50
+28.6%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.90$2.20
+15.8%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.85
+37.0%
ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$165.00$250.00
+51.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$32.00$25.00
-21.9%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$52.00$38.00
-26.9%
ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$50.00$75.00
+50.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$120.00$95.00
-20.8%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$18.00$12.00
-33.3%
ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$55.00$55.00
0.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$15.00$16.00
+6.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.00$4.50
+12.5%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.50$7.50
0.0%
ItemMelbourneLondonDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$75.00$78.00
+4.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$48.00$42.00
-12.5%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$105.00$95.00
-9.5%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Melbourne vs London

Is Melbourne or London more expensive?
London is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 92 compared with 75 for Melbourne.
How much cheaper is Melbourne than London?
Living in Melbourne is around 18% cheaper than London, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Melbourne and London?
Melbourne scores 75 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while London scores 92 — where New York City equals 100.