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London vs Melbourne

Melbourne runs about 23% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 931 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
melbourne from shrine of rememberance
Melbourne
$3,119/month · Australia
Melbpal · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Melbourne monthly
$3,119
Index 49 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-23%
Melbourne relative to London
Rent gap
$900
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonMelbourne
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Melbourne $1,700. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Melbourne $804. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Melbourne $180. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Melbourne $153. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Melbourne $26. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Melbourne $152. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Melbourne $105. Cheaper in Melbourne.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonMelbourne
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD3,119 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6349✓
Housing2,600 USD1,700 USD✓
Utilities267 USD153 USD✓
Food617 USD✓804 USD
Transport282 USD180 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓26 USD
Lifestyle169 USD152 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD6,176 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.6%25.9%✓
Left over each month1,902 USD3,057 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD3,700 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD1,700 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD3,200 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD8,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10074/100✓
Healthcare84/10088/100✓
Air quality60/10086/100✓
Public transport92/100✓84/100
Walkability90/100✓82/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife94/100✓92/100
Family friendliness72/10084/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓15°C
Summer high23°C✓26°C
Winter low3°C6°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,200 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓650 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access90 min25 min✓
CurrencyGBPAUD
Time zoneEurope/LondonAustralia/Melbourne

Melbourne runs about 23% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 931 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in MelbourneConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Melbourne cheaper?

Melbourne runs about 23% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 931 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Melbourne compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $6,176 in Melbourne, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Melbourne?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Melbourne scores 74 and 88. London averages 12°C against 15°C in Melbourne.