The Verdict
Living in London is 8% more expensive than Melbourne.
If you move from London to Melbourne, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in London, you would need to earn about £36,800 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 London:
Why people love Melbourne:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Melbourne | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £1,900 | £-100 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £322 | £-28 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £220 | £-30 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £136 | £-24 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £171 | £-9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £2,749 | £-191 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
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 London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £27,600 | £2,400 less |
| £40,000 | £36,800 | £3,200 less |
| £50,000 | £46,000 | £4,000 less |
| £60,000 | £55,200 | £4,800 less |
| £80,000 | £73,600 | £6,400 less |
| £100,000 | £92,000 | £8,000 less |
London vs Melbourne: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Melbourne is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Melbourne has 95.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Melbourne: £3,120/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 0, while Melbourne wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.