Data last updated: August 2026

Austin, TXMelbourne, Australia

You would need around 11.6% less money in Melbourne, Australia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Austin, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

11.6%

Melbourne, Australia is cheaper than Austin, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,963 USD
City B1,739 USD
Difference-11.4%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A284 USD
City B284 USD
Difference0.0%

Average Net Salary

City A5,055 USD
City B4,497 USD
Difference-11.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Austin, TX to Melbourne, Australia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Melbourne, Australia is 11.6% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Melbourne, Australia's center costs around 1,739 USD, which is a staggering 11.4% less than in Austin, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Austin, TX and Melbourne, Australia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Melbourne, Australia to maintain your current lifestyle in Austin, TX.

USD

You need in Melbourne, Australia

4,470 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Austin, TX to Melbourne, Australia and investing the 12% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 1.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Austin, TX budget to local Melbourne, Australia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1739 USD
Groceries284 USD
Utilities & Internet196 USD

Investment Planner

You save 224 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Melbourne, Australia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~37,632 USD in 10 years.