🇦🇺 Melbourne vs 🇦🇺 Perth
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇦🇺
Melbourne
Australia
$2,646–$4,190/mo
A$4,071 – A$6,446 / month (local)
🇦🇺
Perth
Australia
$2,462–$3,897/mo
A$3,788 – A$5,995 / month (local)
Melbourne is 8% more expensive
Perth wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Melbourne (USD) | Perth (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,985–$3,087 | $1,846–$2,872 | 🟢 Perth |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,047–$1,654 | $974–$1,538 | 🟢 Perth |
| Utilities | $83–$160 | $77–$149 | 🟢 Perth |
| Groceries | $419–$628 | $390–$585 | 🟢 Perth |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $55–$99 | $51–$92 | 🟢 Perth |
| Public transport (monthly) | $105–$127 | $97–$118 | 🟢 Perth |
| Internet & Mobile | $33–$55 | $31–$51 | 🟢 Perth |
| Gym membership | $39–$72 | $36–$67 | 🟢 Perth |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$20 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Perth |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,646–$4,190 | $2,462–$3,897 | 🟢 Perth |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.5 / 10 · 4.5 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Melbourne▲ better
Perth
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Melbourne
Perth▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Melbourne offers vs Perth
- ✓Coffee
- ✓Sports
- ✓Arts
- ✓Creative
Choose Perth if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Melbourne
- ✓Mining wealth
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Sun
- ✓Mining
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Full Melbourne guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Melbourne →📊
Full Perth guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Perth →