The Verdict
Living in Melbourne is 8% cheaper than New York City.
If you move from Melbourne to New York City, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Melbourne, you would need to earn about $81,522 in New York City.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Melbourne:
Why people love New York City:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Melbourne | New York City | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,325 | $3,500 | +$175 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $450 | +$36 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $308 | $350 | +$42 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $130 | +$19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $200 | +$10 |
| Total Monthly | $4,348 | $4,630 | +$282 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 72/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in New York City to match a Melbourne salary
| Salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,348 | $4,348 more |
| $75,000 | $81,522 | $6,522 more |
| $100,000 | $108,696 | $8,696 more |
| $125,000 | $135,870 | $10,870 more |
| $150,000 | $163,043 | $13,043 more |
| $200,000 | $217,391 | $17,391 more |
Melbourne vs New York City: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Melbourne is the more affordable option.
Rent: Melbourne has a rent index of 95, while New York City has 100.
Average Salaries: Melbourne: $3,120/month vs New York City: $5,500/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Melbourne wins 6, while New York City wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.