🇦🇺 Melbourne vs 🇳🇿 Wellington
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇦🇺
Melbourne
Australia
$2,646–$4,190/mo
A$4,071 – A$6,446 / month (local)
🇳🇿
Wellington
New Zealand
$2,338–$3,703/mo
NZ$4,031 – NZ$6,384 / month (local)
Melbourne is 13% more expensive
Wellington wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Melbourne (USD) | Wellington (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,985–$3,087 | $1,754–$2,728 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,047–$1,654 | $926–$1,462 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Utilities | $83–$160 | $73–$141 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Groceries | $419–$628 | $370–$555 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $55–$99 | $49–$88 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Public transport (monthly) | $105–$127 | $93–$112 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Internet & Mobile | $33–$55 | $29–$49 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Gym membership | $39–$72 | $34–$63 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$20 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,646–$4,190 | $2,338–$3,703 | 🟢 Wellington |
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 · 4.9 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Melbourne▲ better
Wellington
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Melbourne
Wellington▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Melbourne offers vs Wellington
- ✓Coffee
- ✓Sports
- ✓Arts
- ✓Creative
Choose Wellington if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Melbourne
- ✓Coffee
- ✓Government
- ✓Windy creative scene
- ✓Policy
You might also like…
📊
Full Melbourne guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Melbourne →📊
Full Wellington guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Wellington →