Obviously trying to estimate living expenses isn't an exact science. However, the following table may assist you in estimating some of the living costs associated with your stay in Melbourne.
The figures in the table are estimates of living and other expenses for one year (52 weeks) for a single person and are subject to inflation and currency fluctuations. Your lifestyle and if you have a spouse and family living with you will determine what your actual living expenses are likely to be.
The figures in the table should only be used as a guide to determine your annual living expenses. Use a currency converter to convert these figures to your currency.
| General Expenses | Weekly | Yearly |
| One-Off Accommodation Establishment Costs for Each New Address | ||
| Bond (four weeks rent) | ||
| Rent in advance (two weeks) | ||
| Furniture and household goods | ||
| Utilities connections | A$1,200 | |
| Estimated Weekly Expenses | ||
| Rent (shared accommodation) | A$90 | A$4,680 |
| Food and beverages | A$70 | A$3,640 |
| Utilities (gas, electricity, telephone) | A$15 | A$780 |
| Entertainment and incidentals | A$35 | A$1,820 |
| Health Insurance | ||
| Overseas Student Health Cover (single person for one year) | A$342 | |
| Transport | ||
| Public transport (Zone 1) ….,or | A$26 | A$1,350 |
| Running a car | A$85 | A$4,420 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | ||
| If using public transport …., or | A$279 | A$13,800 |
| If running a car | A$338 | A$16,900 |
In addition we have listed some everyday prices of everyday goods in Melbourne which you might like to compare. They are not the prices of luxury goods such as designer clothes or the highest-quality food.
This information was last updated in November 2006. Prices are in Australian dollars (AUD).
| Supermarket Food | Approximate Cost | ||
| Loaf of bread | $2.05 | 6 eggs | $2.19 |
| 1 kg rice | $1.24 | Cheese (non-specialist) 250g | $3.45 |
| 1kg apples | $3.98 | 1 litre of milk | $1.44 |
| Packet of instant noodles | $1.27 | 1 packet biscuits | $1.17 |
| 1kg potatoes | $2.24 | 1 packet teabags (50 pack) | $3.12 |
| Tin of tuna | $1.60 | Packet of instant noodles | $1.27 |
| 500g minced beef | $4.49 | ||
| Entertainment | Approximate Cost | ||
| Cinema ticket (full price) | $11.00 | Haircut (men) | $17.00 |
| Nightclub entrance | $10.00 upwards | Haircut (women) | $40.00 |
| Pint of beer (570 ml) | $7.00 | Phone call | $0.40 |
| Stamp for letter abroad | $2.05 | ||
| Miscellaneous | Approximate Cost | ||
| Shampoo | $3.32 | Mobile phone text message | $0.25 upwards |
| Soap | $0.50 | Mobile phone call | $1.00 per minute |