City Comparison
Melbourne vs Perth
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Perth is ~10% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Melbourne
Australia
COL+Rent
61.9
Rent Index
46.6
Groceries
79.3
Restaurant
69.8
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Melbourne | Perth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,072 | $1,758 | +$314 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,546 | $1,311 | +$235 |
| Groceries | $441 | $412 | +$29 |
| Restaurant Meal | $23 | $22 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $104 | $97 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $156 | $146 | +$10 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Melbourne | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,207/mo | $1,930/mo |
| Typical | $3,118/mo | $2,743/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,862/mo | $3,419/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Melbourne | ≈ in Perth | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,350/mo | -$150 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,800/mo | -$200 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,700/mo | -$300 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne or Perth cheaper to live in?
Perth is approximately 10% cheaper overall. Melbourne's COL+Rent Index is 61.9 vs Perth's 55.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Melbourne vs Perth?
A 1BR in Melbourne city center costs ~$2,072/mo vs $1,758/mo in Perth. Outside the center: $1,546 vs $1,311.
What is $2,000/month in Melbourne worth in Perth?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Melbourne has the purchasing power of approximately $1,800/month in Perth.
Are groceries cheaper in Melbourne or Perth?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $441 in Melbourne vs $412 in Perth. Groceries Index: 79.3 vs 74 (NYC = 100).