Melbourne is a cultural city known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Melbourne that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Melbourne?
You should plan to spend around $197 (AU$305) per day on your vacation in Melbourne. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $52 (AU$80) on meals
- $19 (AU$30) on local transportation
- $236 (AU$364) on hotels
A one week trip to Melbourne for two people costs, on average, $2,761 (AU$4,270). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,381
AU$2,135
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,761
AU$4,270
-
One Month
Per person
$5,917
AU$9,150
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,761
AU$4,270
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,523
AU$8,540
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,835
AU$18,300
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Melbourne cost?
A one week trip to Melbourne usually costs around $1,381 (AU$2,135) for one person and $2,761 (AU$4,270) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Melbourne on average costs around $2,761 (AU$4,270) for one person and $5,523 (AU$8,540) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Melbourne will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Melbourne on average costs around $5,917 (AU$9,150) for one person and $11,835 (AU$18,300) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Melbourne expensive to visit?
Melbourne is a large and exciting city where activities abound. You'll meet travelers with all kinds of budgets and styles, each finding their own way to enjoy this fantastic spot. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Melbourne can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $74 (AU$111) per day, mid-range travelers spend $202 (AU$305) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $638 (AU$963) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Melbourne.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Melbourne is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Melbourne is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Melbourne Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Melbourne?
The average Melbourne trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Melbourne travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Melbourne cost?
Melbourne on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$36
(AU$56)
|
$118
(AU$182)
|
$447
(AU$691)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(AU$12)
|
$19
(AU$30)
|
$46
(AU$70)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(AU$33)
|
$52
(AU$80)
|
$117
(AU$180)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(AU$17)
|
$27
(AU$42)
|
$64
(AU$99)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(AU$5-16)
|
$8-25
(AU$13-38)
|
$19-57
(AU$29-88)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Melbourne. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $74 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Melbourne, such as Flinders Backpackers Melbourne, Nomads St Kilda, and Space Hotel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few. The city also offers convenient public transit, which can help budget travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. Visitors to Melbourne often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Melbourne will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $202 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Melbourne. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Yarra Gables is a great choice for kids, and Ovolo Laneways is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Melbourne hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $638. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Great Ocean Road Tour Luxury Small Group - Max 11 Passengers - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Melbourne
Hotel prices in Melbourne can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $111, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $207. Budget accommodations range from $75 to $340, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Melbourne for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $236 (AU$364). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $118 (AU$182) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Melbourne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Melbourne include:
- Cambridge Cottages starting at $210
- Eagle's View Bed & Breakfast starting at $198
- Yarra Gables starting at $105
- Werribee Short Stay Villas & Accommodation starting at $105
- Woolrich Historic Garden Accommodation starting at $201
Melbourne boasts a vast selection of places to stay, from budget hostels such as Flinders Backpackers Melbourne to elegant hotels and charming vacation rentals. While accommodations in the city center tend to be pricier, you'll enjoy convenient access to public transportation and popular attractions.
Melbourne's public transportation allows you to stay further away from the city for cheaper lodging, but commuting might add extra transportation costs and eat up your time.
Melbourne is known as a family-friendly city, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space. Rooms in a big city like this can be small and feel a little cramped.
With many visitors spending a week in Melbourne, it could be useful to book a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can cook your meals.
If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Many visitors prefer to discover Melbourne by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.
Transportation Budget in Melbourne
Transportation is essential in a large city like Melbourne, and the good news is that the city has an excellent public transit system. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars). To save money, use the public transit, though taxis and rideshares are readily available for convenience.
Visitors who like to stroll and explore will truly enjoy their time here. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (AU$30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Melbourne. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Melbourne is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
AU$30
If public transportation is in your plans often, be sure to take advantage of multi-day transit passes for savings.
Stay alert for pickpockets on the buses and trains and in the stations. Melbourne is a significant city, so it's wise to be cautious.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne for $92 details
- Airport Transfers for $141 details
- Luxury Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD for $84 details
How much does it cost to go to Melbourne? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Melbourne will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Melbourne are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Melbourne. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
-
Airport Bus
AU$16
-
Tram Ride
AU$3.80
Food Budget in Melbourne
The culinary delights in Melbourne are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Melbourne can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Melbourne is $52 (AU$80) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$52
AU$80
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Melbourne is around $53 (AU$80) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $119. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Melbourne are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Food in Melbourne is very diverse, international, and somewhat expensive. The service is usually quite good and a ten percent tip is the norm. If you receive excellent service then a higher tip is always appreciated, and if you are unhappy with the service you receive, this can also be reflected in your tip. Restaurant options are plentiful and you'll find some of the more touristy options in the Carlton area. Southbank and Victoria Street also have many options. In the Richmond area you'll find the most budget friendly options including Vietnamese and Southeast Asian restaurants. If you're looking for Middle Eastern food head to Sydney Road in Brunswick and Coburg.
Eating at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to save money. Many dining venues in tourist areas or business centers feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often smaller and cheaper versions of the dinner menu. If you're willing to search, you might discover a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price. For dinner, you can just enjoy a light meal.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Having a water bottle can help you save on drinks and do your part for the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Melbourne. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise for $128 details
- Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour for $52 details
- Thai Cooking Class for $130 details
Below are some standard food costs in Melbourne, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
-
Coffee
AU$4.00
-
Pizza
AU$7.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Melbourne
People come to Melbourne in droves for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Melbourne typically cost an average of $27 (AU$42) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
AU$42
Melbourne has countless attractions for visitors. Many entertainment options are found in the city center. Some of the most popular include Flinders Street Railway Station, Eureka Tower, the Parliament House of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, the State Library, Southgate, Federation Square, the Old Melbourne Gaol, the Yarra, and the Shrine of Remembrance. There are many historical sights in Carlton and the Melbourne Zoo is in Parkville. For beachside nightlife head to St. Kilda.
There are many cultural and outdoor activities to enjoy around Melbourne. There is interesting street art around town that you can explore. There is also a great live music scene as well as many sporting events and shows to experience. During the many public holidays in Australia, Melbourne puts on a variety of activities, festivals, and events.
Melbourne also makes a great base to explore the surrounding areas in Victoria. Plenty of day trips and weekend trips from Melbourne make for some amazing experiences. While the Great Ocean Road is popular, you can also visit the wine region or Phillip Island to see some wildlife.
Museums and Attractions:
Melbourne is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.
Beaches:
A great many tourists venture to Melbourne to enjoy its sandy beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.
A nice way to explore destinations in Melbourne is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Mornington Peninsula Hike and Hot Springs Day Tour - 8 people max for $184 details
- Melbourne City Tour: Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous for $105 details
- Yarra Valley Afternoon Winery Tour - Half Day from Melbourne for $89 details
Nightlife Budget in Melbourne
The nightlife in Melbourne is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (AU$25) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Melbourne per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
AU$25
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Melbourne. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour from Melbourne for $105 details
- Mornington Peninsula Luxury Lunch, Wine Tasting & Pt Leo Art Walk for $178 details
- MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour for $26 details
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 9, 2024
Traveling in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate. Because the city sits on the boundary between very hot inland areas and the cool southern ocean it is prone to abrupt and unpredictable changes in weather conditions. This is most common in the spring and summer months when cold fronts can form that cause gales or severe thunderstorms and hail storms. Temperatures in the summer months can climb to 35 or 40 degrees Celsius. Winters are cool with temperatures around 14 degrees.
Neighborhoods & Around
Melbourne's City Center has the central business district and the historical core of the city. The cosmopolitan Docklands area is also included here. The area is very energetic with a great nightlife and restaurant scene. Southbank is a good area to visit for entertainment, fine dining, river trips. St. Kilda has many beaches and restaurants. South Melbourne is where you'll find Port Melbourne and Albert Park. Inner North has Carlton, Parkville, and North Melbourne, and Inner East has Fitzroy, Richmond, and Collingwood. Stonnington has Toorak, Prahran, and South Yarra.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.