Cost of Living: Melbourne vs Perth (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Melbourne and Perth, Australia.
The Verdict
Melbourne is $136/year cheaper than Perth. You need to earn approximately $0 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Melbourne compared to Perth.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Melbourne | Perth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $520 | $530 | Melbourne |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $700 | Melbourne |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $125 | Tie |
| Utilities/month | $260 | $250 | Perth |
| Transport/month | $195 | $175 | Perth |
| Internet & Phone/month | $110 | $108 | Perth |
| Petrol/litre | $1.98 | $1.92 | Perth |
| Median house price | $1,050,000 | $780,000 | Perth |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $470,000 | Perth |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 85 | Perth |
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 Melbourne saves you $136 per year compared to Perth. That is $11/month or $3/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne or Perth cheaper to live in?
Melbourne is cheaper to live in than Perth by approximately $136 per year. Melbourne has a cost of living index of 89 compared to 85 for Perth (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Perth compared to Melbourne?
You need to earn approximately $0 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Perth compared to Melbourne.
Is rent cheaper in Melbourne or Perth?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $520/week in Melbourne and $530/week in Perth. Melbourne is cheaper for rent by $10/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Melbourne or Perth?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Melbourne and $125 in Perth. Perth is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Melbourne or Perth?
The median house price in Melbourne is $1,050,000 compared to $780,000 in Perth. Perth has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.