City Guide 2026
Australia
Living in Melbourne
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Melbourne, Australia.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$3,615
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
56/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
15°C
59°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
110 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Melbourne
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,483 | $1,614 |
| 3 Bedroom | $4,795 | $3,117 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$420/month
Healthcare
$200/month
Utilities
$314/month
Transport
$198/month
Climate in Melbourne
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
21°
Feb
21°
Mar
19°
Apr
16°
May
13°
Jun
10°
Jul
10°
Aug
11°
Sep
13°
Oct
15°
Nov
17°
Dec
19°
Air Quality (AQI)
22
Excellent
Avg Rain Days/mo
8
days per month
Beach Distance
5 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
80 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Melbourne
Walkability
72/100
Internet Speed
110 Mbps
Cultural Score
88/100
Nightlife
82/100
Outdoor Activities
85/100
English Proficiency
98/100
Expat Community
large
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
80+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
excellent
Visa & Immigration in Australia
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | - |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $1,250,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
Tourist -> Skilled/employer visa -> 4yr PR -> Citizenship
Tax Overview in Australia
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 23% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 45% |
| Dividend Tax | 45% |
| Interest Income | 45% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 23% |
| Exit Tax | Yes |
| Estate Tax | No |
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Melbourne?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Melbourne costs approximately $3,615-5,784/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $2,483/month.
Is Melbourne safe for expats?
Melbourne has a safety index of 56/100 (higher is safer). Melbourne has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 85/100.
What is the weather like in Melbourne?
Melbourne has an average annual temperature of 15°C (59°F). The warmest months reach 21°C and the coolest drop to 10°C. Air quality is excellent with an average AQI of 22.
What is the internet speed in Melbourne?
Average internet speed in Melbourne is 110 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 80+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Australia?
Australia uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 23% (long-term) and dividends at 45%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year.
Can I get a visa to live in Melbourne long-term?
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: Tourist -> Skilled/employer visa -> 4yr PR -> Citizenship.
Is Melbourne good for digital nomads?
Melbourne has fast internet at 110 Mbps, a large expat community, and 80+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 98/100. The cost of living index is 70/100 (NYC = 100), making it relatively expensive for remote workers.
Compare Melbourne with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.