Cost of Living in Melbourne

by Katie G May 13, 2025

Discover Melbourne's true cost of living in 2025. Expert insights on housing, transport, and lifestyle expenses, plus money-saving tips for your move to Australia's cultural capital.

Planning a move to Melbourne? As Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan living, world-class coffee culture, and diverse communities. Our Victoria removalists help hundreds of families relocate to Melbourne each month, maintaining our 5-star satisfaction rating through exceptional service and support. Looking for the best removalists in Melbourne? We've got you covered with verified transport partners and comprehensive moving solutions.

Why Melbourne? The 2025 Advantage πŸŒ†

  • World's Most Liveable City (7-time winner)
  • Thriving arts and culture scene
  • Extensive public transport network
  • Dynamic food scene
  • Four seasons in one day lifestyle

Real Living Costs Breakdown 2025

Housing Scene 🏠

Melbourne's property market varies significantly by area. Whether you're moving apartments or houses, our container transport Melbourne guide breaks down all the options and costs for 2025.

Inner-City Living

  • CBD: High-rise apartment living
  • Southbank: Riverside luxury
  • Docklands: Modern waterfront

Trendy Areas

  • Fitzroy: Artistic community
  • Brunswick: Multicultural hub
  • Richmond: Sports precinct

Family-Friendly Suburbs

  • Brighton: Bayside living
  • Camberwell: Heritage charm
  • Glen Waverley: Education hub

Weekly Expenses Guide πŸ’°

Essential Services

Category Weekly Cost Range
Groceries (Markets) AUD 120-150
Transport (Myki) AUD 45-55
Utilities Bundle AUD 90-110
Internet (NBN) AUD 20-30

Lifestyle Costs

Activity Average Cost
Cafe Breakfast AUD 22-28
Tram Ride (Zone 1) AUD 4.90
NGV Entry Free
Botanical Gardens Free

Moving to Melbourne Made Easy πŸš›

Planning an interstate move? Our guide to backloading furniture from Brisbane to Melbourne shows how you can save up to 50% on your relocation costs.

Our Exclusive Benefits:

  • Free moving journal for kids
  • Multilingual support
  • Moving cost calculator
  • Printable checklists
  • Inventory assistance
  • Direct communication with transporters
  • Secure deposit system
  • Regular monitoring of transport partners
  • Comprehensive insurance options

  

Entertainment & Attractions 🎭

Budget-Friendly Activities

Activity Cost Website
NGV International Free Gallery, exhibitions & events
State Library Victoria Free Reading rooms & exhibitions
Royal Botanic Gardens Free Gardens & guided walks
Carlton Gardens Free Heritage gardens & fountains
Federation Square Events Free Cultural events & festivals
Melbourne Museum (Children) Free Natural & cultural history
ACMI Free Screen culture & digital art
City Circle Tram Free CBD sightseeing route

Premium Attractions

Attraction Adult Price Family Price Website
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium $45 $140 Marine life & exhibitions
Eureka Skydeck $27.50 $67.50 City views & experiences
Melbourne Zoo $39 $95 Wildlife & conservation
Luna Park $55 $180 Historic amusement park
Phillip Island Penguin Parade $28.50 $71.25 Wildlife encounters

Local Markets

Market Best For Website
Queen Victoria Market Fresh produce, souvenirs Historic market, night events
South Melbourne Market Gourmet food, dim sims Food halls & specialty shops
Prahran Market Organic produce, delis Gourmet & specialty foods

Universities

University Location Website
University of Melbourne Parkville Top 30 globally ranked
Monash University Clayton Leading research institution
RMIT University CBD Design & technology focus
Deakin University Multiple Industry connected

Public Transport Guide 🚊

Myki Card System

  • Card cost: $6
  • Minimum top-up: $10
  • Daily cap (Zone 1+2): $9.20
  • Weekly cap: $46

Zone Coverage

  • Zone 1: CBD and inner suburbs
  • Zone 2: Outer metropolitan
  • Regional: V/Line services

Transport Options

  1. Trams

    • Free Tram Zone in CBD
    • Operating hours: 5am-midnight (24hr on weekends)
    • Real-time tracking via PTV app
  2. Trains

    • 16 lines covering greater Melbourne
    • Airport link (2024 completion)
    • Night Network (24hr on weekends)
  3. Buses

    • SmartBus routes
    • NightRider services
    • University shuttle services

Melbourne Universities πŸŽ“

Top Universities

  1. University of Melbourne (Parkville)

    • QS World Ranking: Top 30
    • Known for: Research, Medicine
    • Student accommodation: From $320/week
  2. Monash University (Clayton)

    • QS World Ranking: Top 50
    • Known for: Engineering, Business
    • Student accommodation: From $290/week
  3. RMIT University (CBD)

    • QS World Ranking: Top 200
    • Known for: Design, Technology
    • Student accommodation: From $300/week
  4. Deakin University (Multiple Campuses)

    • QS World Ranking: Top 300
    • Known for: Education, Nursing
    • Student accommodation: From $270/week

Student Moving Tips

  • Book container transport in Melbourne for large moves
  • Consider semester start dates for better rates
  • Look for share houses near university
  • Check student accommodation deadlines

Melbourne's Unique Living Considerations 🌦️

Climate Impact on Living

  • Variable weather: Pack for all seasons
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Higher heating costs
  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Moderate cooling needs
  • Spring/Autumn: Most comfortable periods

Transport Zones

Zone Areas Covered Monthly Pass
Zone 1 Inner Melbourne AUD 155
Zone 1+2 Greater Melbourne AUD 170

Melbourne Rental Market 2025 🏘️

Rental Costs by Area

Suburb Type 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom
Premium (Toorak/South Yarra) AUD 550-650/week AUD 750-850/week AUD 1,000+/week
Inner City (CBD/Richmond) AUD 480-580/week AUD 650-750/week AUD 850-950/week
Middle Ring (Camberwell/Brighton) AUD 420-520/week AUD 580-680/week AUD 750-850/week
Outer Suburbs (Glen Waverley) AUD 380-450/week AUD 480-580/week AUD 650-750/week

Melbourne's Most Expensive Suburbs 2025

  1. Toorak (Median house price: AUD 5.2M)
  2. Brighton (Median house price: AUD 4.8M)
  3. Canterbury (Median house price: AUD 4.5M)
  4. Hawthorn (Median house price: AUD 4.2M)
  5. South Yarra (Median house price: AUD 3.9M)

Cost of Living Comparison: Singles vs Families πŸ“Š

Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown

Expense Category Single Person Family (4 people)
Rent (2bed/3bed inner suburbs) AUD 2,800 AUD 3,600
Utilities (inc. internet) AUD 280 AUD 450
Groceries AUD 500 AUD 1,200
Transport (Myki) AUD 180 AUD 420
Entertainment AUD 400 AUD 800
Healthcare (basic) AUD 150 AUD 450
Education - AUD 500
Miscellaneous AUD 300 AUD 600
Total Monthly AUD 4,610 AUD 8,020

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Singles can significantly reduce costs by house sharing in middle-ring suburbs, while families often find better value in areas like Preston or Reservoir with good school zones.

Melbourne stands as Australia's cultural heartbeat, where laneway coffee culture meets world-class sporting events, and historic trams glide past contemporary street art. As the world's most liveable city seven times running, Melbourne's charm lies in its distinct neighbourhood personalities - from the bohemian streets of Fitzroy to the seaside charm of St Kilda. The city's famous "four seasons in one day" weather adds to its character, while its multicultural food scene, from Queen Victoria Market's bustling aisles to hidden dumpling houses in Chinatown, creates an unmatched culinary landscape.

Our Victoria removalists network helps hundreds of families discover Melbourne's unique suburbs each month, from creative hubs to family-friendly neighbourhoods.

Need Help With Your Melbourne Move?

With our 5-star rating and comprehensive moving solutions, we're here to make your move stress-free. Contact us for personalised advice and free quotes:

Start your quote today - no obligation, just expert support for your Melbourne journey!

How Our Quote Process Works:

  1. Fill out our online form
  2. Select your transport type
  3. Receive matched quotes within minutes
  4. Compare verified providers
  5. Book with confidence through our secure platform

Moving Interstate?

No matter how far, either interstate or long distance, our database has a quality driver in every corner of the country.

Contact Us Today

Get your quote today