Melbourne, Australia
Australia's cultural capital with world-class dining, street art, laneways, and a thriving sports scene.
Below Average vs Australia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Melbourne vs Australia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: A$78,000
- Unemployment: 4.2%
- Population: 5,207,145
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 81°F
- Winter Low: 44°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: A$950,000
- 1BR Rent: A$2200/mo
Cost of Living
Melbourne's cost of living index is 95 (Australia average = 100).
| Category | Melbourne | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | A$950,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | A$2200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | A$2,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | A$633 |
Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Melbourne:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | A$150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | A$10 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | A$60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | A$70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | A$290 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Remote Work Score
Melbourne scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Melbourne has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64°F | 44°F | 2.5" |
| April | 66°F | 59°F | 2.8" |
| July | 81°F | 56°F | 1.5" |
| October | 61°F | 62°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Melbourne faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Bushfire-prone region.
Frequent drought conditions.
Significant cyclone risk.
Flash floods.
Eastern Australia experiences tornadoes.
Dust storms in interior regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Melbourne per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Victorian Department of Education sets the calendar.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Melbourne, Australia?
The cost of living index in Melbourne is 95, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Melbourne?
The median home price in Melbourne is A$950,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Melbourne is approximately A$2200/mo.
Does Melbourne, VIC have income tax?
Melbourne is in VIC, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.
What is the climate like in Melbourne?
Melbourne enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 81°F, while winter lows can drop to around 44°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
- Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.