Data last updated: August 2026

Los Angeles, CAMelbourne, Australia

You would need around 29.3% less money in Melbourne, Australia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Los Angeles, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

29.3%

Melbourne, Australia is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,534 USD
City B1,739 USD
Difference-31.4%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A328 USD
City B284 USD
Difference-13.4%

Average Net Salary

City A4,485 USD
City B4,497 USD
Difference+0.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Los Angeles, CA 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 29.3% 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 31.4% less than in Los Angeles, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA.

USD

You need in Melbourne, Australia

3,170 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Los Angeles, CA to Melbourne, Australia and investing the 29% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.4 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Los Angeles, CA 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 795 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 ~133,560 USD in 10 years.