Cost of Living: Adelaide vs Melbourne (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia.
The Verdict
Adelaide is $6,440/year cheaper than Melbourne. You need to earn approximately $11,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Adelaide compared to Melbourne.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Adelaide | Melbourne | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $520 | Adelaide |
| Rent (2br/week) | $540 | $680 | Adelaide |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $125 | Adelaide |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $260 | Adelaide |
| Transport/month | $160 | $195 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $110 | Adelaide |
| Petrol/litre | $1.90 | $1.98 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $1,050,000 | Adelaide |
| Median unit price | $450,000 | $620,000 | Adelaide |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 89 | Adelaide |
How Much More Do You Need to Earn?
Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.
Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category
Net Difference in Annual Costs
Living in Adelaide saves you $6,440 per year compared to Melbourne. That is $537/month or $124/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelaide or Melbourne cheaper to live in?
Adelaide is cheaper to live in than Melbourne by approximately $6,440 per year. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 79 compared to 89 for Melbourne (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Melbourne compared to Adelaide?
You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Melbourne compared to Adelaide.
Is rent cheaper in Adelaide or Melbourne?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Adelaide and $520/week in Melbourne. Adelaide is cheaper for rent by $100/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Adelaide or Melbourne?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Adelaide and $125 in Melbourne. Adelaide is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Adelaide or Melbourne?
The median house price in Adelaide is $780,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Melbourne. Adelaide has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.