Last update: Oct 2026 Australia 19K

Cost of Living in Carlton

For one person, living costs in Carlton are estimated at $2,287 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $33 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Carlton

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Carlton actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $2,287 monthly including rent, or $994 excluding housing.

$2,287 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,321 with rent, or $1,715 without housing.

$3,321 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,355 including rent, or $2,437 for daily expenses alone.

$4,355 /mo

Carlton sits 54–69% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 20% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.71 A$25.48
$11.33 A$16.30
$35.42 A$51.0
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$68.7 A$98.9
$55.0 A$79.1
$137 A$198
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.96 A$14.34
$9.62 A$13.84
$13.75 A$19.78
Cappuccino
$2.92 A$4.21
$2.75 A$3.95
$5.50 A$7.92
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.63 A$3.78
$2.11 A$3.03
$3.51 A$5.05
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.13 A$3.06
$2.13 A$3.06
$3.54 A$5.10
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.76 A$9.73
$4.98 A$7.17
$11.75 A$16.90
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.54 A$9.41
$4.82 A$6.93
$11.70 A$16.84
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.32 A$1.90
$1.06 A$1.52
$2.65 A$3.82
White Bread (500g)
$2.05 A$2.95
$1.40 A$2.02
$4.39 A$6.32
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.32 A$1.90
$0.95 A$1.37
$4.09 A$5.88
Eggs
$3.20 A$4.60
$2.44 A$3.51
$8.12 A$11.68
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.28 A$14.79
$6.14 A$8.83
$27.30 A$39.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.99 A$14.38
$6.40 A$9.20
$17.78 A$25.58
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.28 A$21.98
$12.71 A$18.29
$21.18 A$30.48
Apples (1kg)
$3.32 A$4.78
$2.75 A$3.96
$5.51 A$7.93
Banana (1kg)
$2.81 A$4.05
$1.76 A$2.53
$4.93 A$7.09
Oranges (1kg)
$3.20 A$4.60
$1.40 A$2.02
$6.25 A$8.99
Tomato (1kg)
$4.48 A$6.44
$1.96 A$2.82
$6.69 A$9.63
Potato (1kg)
$2.46 A$3.54
$1.40 A$2.02
$3.72 A$5.35
Onion (1kg)
$2.22 A$3.19
$1.40 A$2.02
$3.47 A$4.99
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.13 A$3.07
$1.69 A$2.43
$3.38 A$4.86
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.90 A$1.29
$0.60 A$0.86
$4.31 A$6.20
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$25.25 A$36.33
$25.25 A$36.33
$45.59 A$65.6
Wine (Bottle)
$10.62 A$15.28
$5.66 A$8.14
$21.24 A$30.57
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.74 A$8.26
$3.57 A$5.13
$8.69 A$12.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.12 A$7.37
$2.75 A$3.96
$8.26 A$11.88
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.05 A$4.38
$3.05 A$4.38
$3.05 A$4.38
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$80.9 A$116
$52.4 A$75.4
$80.9 A$116
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.72 A$5.36
$3.58 A$5.15
$7.16 A$10.30
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.26 A$1.82
$1.26 A$1.82
$1.62 A$2.33
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$26.18 A$37.68
$26.18 A$37.68
$32.03 A$46.10
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.36 A$1.95
$1.22 A$1.76
$1.79 A$2.57
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.4K A$26.5K
$18.4K A$26.5K
$29.8K A$42.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$13.8K A$19.9K
$13.8K A$19.9K
$27.7K A$39.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$89.5 A$129
$89.5 A$129
$342 A$493
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.31 A$39.31
$13.72 A$19.75
$34.30 A$49.36
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$45.80 A$65.9
$17.09 A$24.60
$68.4 A$98.4
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$31.60 A$45.47
$28.09 A$40.42
$35.11 A$50.5
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.32 A$24.92
$7.52 A$10.83
$17.32 A$24.92
Cinema Ticket
$12.96 A$18.64
$12.28 A$17.67
$20.46 A$29.45
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,061 A$2,965
$2,061 A$2,965
$2,748 A$3,954
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.6K A$18.1K
$12.6K A$18.1K
$39.2K A$56.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$79.1 A$114
$48.06 A$69.2
$103 A$148
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$49.37 A$71.1
$27.57 A$39.67
$75.8 A$109
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$70.0 A$101
$70.0 A$101
$175 A$252
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$134 A$193
$106 A$152
$176 A$253
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,391 A$2,001
$1,118 A$1,609
$1,398 A$2,011
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,204 A$1,732
$848 A$1,220
$1,236 A$1,779
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,150 A$3,093
$1,675 A$2,410
$2,652 A$3,816
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,829 A$2,631
$1,408 A$2,026
$1,830 A$2,633
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,647 A$8,126
$3,584 A$5,158
$5,884 A$8,466
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,209 A$7,496
$3,548 A$5,106
$5,209 A$7,496
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,717 A$8,227
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.9
5
6.5

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Carlton $2,287
Accommodation & Living
$1.2K
Groceries & Markets
$338
Eating Out
$273
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$163
Clothing & Footwear
$150
Getting Around
$103
Sport & Entertainment
$58

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,391 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,204 outside the center. At 24% of the average salary ($5,717), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $5,717, while typical expenses reach $2,287. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $338 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $69.0 for two – above the Oceanian average of $57.0.

Public transport is priced at around $80.9 per month – above the Oceanian average of $59.0.

Cost Highlights

Carlton has the 7th highest average monthly net salary in Oceania

Carlton has the 9th cheapest taxi in Oceania

Carlton has the 10th cheapest eggs in Oceania

Good to know
🕒 Local time
23:52 11:52 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
19,001
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to AUD – Australian Dollar Converter

Australian Dollar exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 1.44 AUD (1 AUD = 0.695 USD). 1 EUR = 1.62 AUD (1 AUD = 0.618 EUR).

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Carlton Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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.
Is the cost of living in Carlton reasonable?
At around $2,287 monthly all-in, Carlton offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Carlton affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Carlton is moderately priced at about $2,287 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How does the average salary in Carlton compare to the cost of living?
At $5,717 take-home, most residents in Carlton can cover the $2,287 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,431 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Carlton per month?
Where you live in Carlton makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,391; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,204. Overall, the market runs from $1,204 to $1,391 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Carlton?
A monthly transit pass in Carlton runs about $80.9, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Carlton?
At about $338 monthly, food costs in Carlton sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Carlton?
Living on $3,000 in Carlton means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,287. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Carlton?
Carlton offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,287 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

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