Cost of Living in Carlton - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $958 (excluding rent), and $2,178 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,439 (excluding rent), and $4,016 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.84 A$27.97
$11.24 A$15.85
$33.06 A$46.62
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$65.9 A$93.0
$52.7 A$74.4
$132 A$186
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.36 A$13.20
$9.04 A$12.75
$11.62 A$16.39
Cappuccino
$2.81 A$3.96
$2.65 A$3.73
$4.71 A$6.65
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.45 A$3.46
$1.96 A$2.76
$3.60 A$5.07
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.92 A$2.71
$1.92 A$2.71
$3.21 A$4.52
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.05 A$8.53
$4.45 A$6.28
$9.55 A$13.47
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.05 A$8.53
$4.46 A$6.28
$9.56 A$13.48
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.12 A$1.58
$1.01 A$1.42
$2.61 A$3.69
White Bread (500g)
$1.70 A$2.40
$1.27 A$1.79
$3.81 A$5.37
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.62 A$2.28
$0.92 A$1.30
$3.28 A$4.63
Eggs
$3.12 A$4.39
$2.38 A$3.36
$7.15 A$10.08
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.78 A$12.37
$5.41 A$7.62
$25.47 A$35.92
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.13 A$12.88
$6.09 A$8.59
$16.02 A$22.59
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.69 A$20.72
$7.83 A$11.05
$23.51 A$33.15
Apples (1kg)
$3.14 A$4.43
$2.21 A$3.12
$4.10 A$5.79
Banana (1kg)
$2.64 A$3.72
$1.65 A$2.33
$4.61 A$6.51
Oranges (1kg)
$2.89 A$4.08
$1.82 A$2.56
$5.72 A$8.06
Tomato (1kg)
$4.00 A$5.64
$1.88 A$2.66
$7.07 A$9.97
Potato (1kg)
$2.28 A$3.21
$1.64 A$2.32
$3.93 A$5.55
Onion (1kg)
$2.03 A$2.87
$1.60 A$2.25
$2.89 A$4.08
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.21 A$3.12
$1.32 A$1.87
$6.62 A$9.34
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.27 A$1.79
$0.51 A$0.72
$3.18 A$4.48
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$28.17 A$39.72
$23.04 A$32.49
$41.61 A$58.7
Wine (Bottle)
$10.57 A$14.91
$5.63 A$7.94
$21.14 A$29.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.70 A$6.63
$2.66 A$3.75
$10.00 A$14.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.31 A$7.48
$3.01 A$4.25
$8.02 A$11.31
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.84 A$4.01
$2.84 A$4.01
$7.57 A$10.68
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$51.0 A$71.9
$25.01 A$35.27
$77.0 A$109
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.67 A$5.17
$3.23 A$4.55
$6.66 A$9.39
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.36 A$1.92
$1.14 A$1.60
$1.89 A$2.66
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$25.02 A$35.29
$25.02 A$35.29
$43.04 A$60.7
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19 A$1.68
$1.09 A$1.54
$1.41 A$1.99
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.1K A$32.5K
$16.9K A$23.8K
$29.2K A$41.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$13.3K A$18.7K
$13.3K A$18.7K
$25.9K A$36.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$75.1 A$106
$65.1 A$91.8
$260 A$367
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.28 A$30.01
$12.44 A$17.54
$39.28 A$55.4
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$43.45 A$61.3
$16.22 A$22.87
$64.9 A$91.5
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$45.60 A$64.3
$26.05 A$36.73
$78.2 A$110
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.85 A$25.16
$9.74 A$13.73
$25.94 A$36.58
Cinema Ticket
$11.59 A$16.35
$11.27 A$15.88
$18.03 A$25.42
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,182 A$1,667
$421 A$594
$2,073 A$2,923
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.7K A$16.5K
$11.5K A$16.3K
$28.3K A$40.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$66.7 A$94.1
$31.88 A$44.95
$95.6 A$135
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$54.3 A$76.6
$26.45 A$37.29
$99.2 A$140
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$75.7 A$107
$64.7 A$91.2
$162 A$228
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$102 A$144
$63.9 A$90.1
$160 A$225
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,322 A$1,864
$1,190 A$1,678
$1,455 A$2,051
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,144 A$1,613
$1,046 A$1,475
$1,242 A$1,751
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,924 A$2,712
$1,603 A$2,260
$2,244 A$3,164
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,581 A$2,230
$1,291 A$1,820
$1,872 A$2,639
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$7,019 A$9,896
$6,051 A$8,531
$8,229 A$11.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,597 A$6,482
$3,207 A$4,523
$5,196 A$7,327
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,895 A$8,313
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.19
5.2
6.92

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 3, 2026

Carlton Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

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Upload
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Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
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Cost of Living in Carlton - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlton, Australia a good value for affordability compared with other parts of Melbourne, and who benefits most from living there?
Compared with the Melbourne CBD or other inner neighborhoods, Carlton often offers a friendlier balance of price and proximity for longer stays. You’ll find compact apartments and well-kept share houses that suit walkers and cyclists, with easy access to parks, cafés, and groceries without paying core-city premiums. The Cost of Living in Carlton, Australia reflects this middle ground: convenient amenities, solid transport links, and a lively but less frantic pace than the central business district. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, it’s a practical base for days spent exploring Melbourne’s cultural spots while keeping a reasonable daily outlay. Tip: map a weekly routine that minimizes transit back-and-forth.
What does daily life look like in Carlton for housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Housing search near Lygon Street and Carlton Gardens is common, with a mix of studios and one-bed flats in period buildings. Expect variable layouts, but often good natural light and walkable access to groceries, bakeries, and ethnic eateries. For errands, you’ll rely on local shops and weekend markets; transport is straightforward via tram routes and train connections to the city. For remote work, look for cafés with reliable wifi or nearby coworking spaces. Carlton, Australia living cost snapshots can help you gauge what fits your budget as you plan a smoother arrival. Tip: visit a few spots at different times to gauge noise and crowd levels.
How can you maximize quality of life and budget, and what seasonal considerations or neighborhood fit should you consider?
Quality of life in Carlton blends walkability, cafe culture, and easy access to parks with a sensible budgeting approach. Frame your month with a simple plan: housing, groceries, and transport as primary categories, then set aside a buffer for occasional treats and travel. Seasonal shifts matter: summers are lively but can be hot, winters crisp but mild by coastal standards, so layering helps. Choose a neighborhood vibe that matches your pace – close to university areas for energy and activity, or quieter streets near gardens for focus. Tip: use public markets and seasonal recipes to stretch meals and stay social without overspending.

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