The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 7% cheaper than Melbourne.
If you move from Los Angeles to Melbourne, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $81,176 in Melbourne.
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 Los Angeles:
Why people love Melbourne:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | Melbourne | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $3,325 | +$350 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $414 | $-14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $308 | $-7 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $111 | $-26 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $190 | +$10 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $4,348 | +$314 |
* 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 (7% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/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 Melbourne to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,118 | $4,118 more |
| $75,000 | $81,176 | $6,176 more |
| $100,000 | $108,235 | $8,235 more |
| $125,000 | $135,294 | $10,294 more |
| $150,000 | $162,353 | $12,353 more |
| $200,000 | $216,471 | $16,471 more |
Los Angeles vs Melbourne: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 7%. Los Angeles is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while Melbourne has 95.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs Melbourne: $3,120/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 3, while Melbourne wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.