Melbourne
Tokyo

Melbourne vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Melbourne
Australia
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~10% 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

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~10% lower in Melbourne

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Melbourne

$3,100

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+9.7%

Monthly savings

$300

Yearly savings

$3,600

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)

$82,258

+$7,258/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

ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,750.00$1,150.00
-34.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,300.00$720.00
-44.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,100.00$2,650.00
-14.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,200.00$1,550.00
-29.5%
ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$17.00$7.50
-55.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$80.00$45.00
-43.7%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$6.50
-35.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.70$2.10
+23.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.60$2.20
-15.4%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.30$4.50
+95.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.50$2.80
-37.8%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$10.00$8.50
-15.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50$6.50
+85.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.60$3.80
+46.2%
ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$110.00$100.00
-9.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.00$1.80
-40.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$4.50
+28.6%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.90$3.20
+68.4%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.35
0.0%
ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$165.00$195.00
+18.2%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$32.00$35.00
+9.4%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$52.00$40.00
-23.1%
ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$50.00$35.00
-30.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$120.00$55.00
-54.2%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$18.00$15.00
-16.7%
ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$55.00$75.00
+36.4%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$15.00$13.00
-13.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.00$4.20
+5.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.50$5.00
-33.3%
ItemMelbourneTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$75.00$65.00
-13.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$48.00$38.00
-20.8%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$105.00$85.00
-19.0%

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

Frequently asked questions: Melbourne vs Tokyo

Is Melbourne or Tokyo more expensive?
Tokyo is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 75 for Melbourne.
How much cheaper is Melbourne than Tokyo?
Living in Melbourne is around 9% cheaper than Tokyo, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Melbourne and Tokyo?
Melbourne scores 75 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.