City Comparison
Perth vs Melbourne
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Perth is ~10% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Melbourne
Australia
COL+Rent
61.9
Rent Index
46.6
Groceries
79.3
Restaurant
69.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $2,072 | $314 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $1,546 | $235 |
| Groceries | $412 | $441 | $29 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $23 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $104 | $7 |
| Utilities | $146 | $156 | $10 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $2,207/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $3,118/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $3,862/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,667/mo | +$167 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,223/mo | +$223 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,334/mo | +$334 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth or Melbourne cheaper to live in?
Perth is approximately 10% cheaper overall. Perth's COL+Rent Index is 55.7 vs Melbourne's 61.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Perth vs Melbourne?
A 1BR in Perth city center costs ~$1,758/mo vs $2,072/mo in Melbourne. Outside the center: $1,311 vs $1,546.
What is $2,000/month in Perth worth in Melbourne?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Perth has the purchasing power of approximately $2,223/month in Melbourne.
Are groceries cheaper in Perth or Melbourne?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $412 in Perth vs $441 in Melbourne. Groceries Index: 74 vs 79.3 (NYC = 100).