Cost of Living in Melbourne
How much does it cost to visit Melbourne? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Pieren / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
AUD 120
per day
Weekly: AUD 840
Monthly: AUD 3600
Examples
- 🏨The Nunnery Accommodation dorm bedAUD 45
- 🍽️Vietnamese pho from Pho HungAUD 15
- 🚌Myki card with daily capAUD 10
- 🎟️Explore Fitzroy Gardens and Cook's Cottage (exterior view is free)AUD 0
- 🎟️Wander through Queen Victoria MarketAUD 0
- 🍽️Coffee and pastry from a local bakeryAUD 10
- 🎟️Enjoy street art in Hosier LaneAUD 0
- 🍽️Dinner at a casual eatery in ChinatownAUD 30
- 🎟️Free walking tour of MelbourneAUD 10
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
AUD 250
per day
Weekly: AUD 1750
Monthly: AUD 7500
Examples
- 🏨Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank studioAUD 150
- 🍽️Brunch at Hardware SocieteAUD 30
- 🚌Myki card with daily cap and occasional taxiAUD 20
- 🎟️Visit the National Gallery of VictoriaAUD 0
- 🍽️Lunch at a cafe in Flinders LaneAUD 25
- 🎟️Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens VictoriaAUD 0
- 🎟️Catch a show at the Arts Centre Melbourne (cheaper seats)AUD 50
- 🍽️Dinner at Chin ChinAUD 75
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
AUD 500
per day
Weekly: AUD 3500
Monthly: AUD 15000
Examples
- 🏨The Langham Melbourne King RoomAUD 350
- 🍽️Degustation menu lunch at AtticaAUD 200
- 🚌Private car service for the dayAUD 150
- 🎟️Hot air balloon ride over Melbourne at sunriseAUD 300
- 🍽️Cocktails at The Lui BarAUD 40
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Melbourne MuseumAUD 150
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner at Vue de MondeAUD 250
Cost by Category
accommodation
80-250 AUD
food
50-100 AUD
Transport
10-20 AUD
activities
30-70 AUD
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) | Luxury | center | first-timers, culture |
| Fitzroy | Mid-range | slightly lower | culture, nightlife |
| Southbank | Luxury | similar | couples, culture |
| Carlton | Mid-range | lower | culture, families |
Money-Saving Tips for Melbourne
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Melbourne Costs
How much does it cost to visit Melbourne?
Budget travellers can visit Melbourne for around AUD 120/day (AUD 840/week). Mid-range travellers should budget AUD 250/day, while luxury travel costs around AUD 500/day.
Is Melbourne expensive?
Melbourne is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least AUD 120/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Melbourne?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Melbourne, budget AUD 250/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Melbourne?
Budget travellers in Melbourne can get by on AUD 120/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.