Cost of Living in Melbourne, AR - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $962 (excluding rent), and $2,641 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,536 (excluding rent), and $5,117 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$21.94 $21.94

$14.96 $14.96

$29.91 $29.91

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$85.9 $85.9

$52.5 $52.5

$121 $121

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.07 $11.07

$10.06 $10.06

$13.08 $13.08

Cappuccino

$5.38 $5.38

$4.89 $4.89

$6.85 $6.85

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.6 $2.6

$1.95 $1.95

$2.92 $2.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.54 $1.54

$3.08 $3.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.11 $6.11

$4.59 $4.59

$8.15 $8.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.49 $6.49

$4.99 $4.99

$7.99 $7.99

Milk (1 liter)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.9 $0.9

$1.56 $1.56

White Bread (500g)

$3.15 $3.15

$1.55 $1.55

$6.53 $6.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.32 $6.32

$1.98 $1.98

$10.73 $10.73

Eggs

$4.85 $4.85

$1.91 $1.91

$7.12 $7.12

Local Cheese (1kg)

$18.42 $18.42

$5.49 $5.49

$44.26 $44.26

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$16.17 $16.17

$6.52 $6.52

$30.53 $30.53

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.63 $16.63

$11.98 $11.98

$18.5 $18.5

Apples (1kg)

$4.48 $4.48

$2.74 $2.74

$6.55 $6.55

Banana (1kg)

$1.3 $1.3

$1.09 $1.09

$4.36 $4.36

Oranges (1kg)

$3.52 $3.52

$2.71 $2.71

$4.34 $4.34

Tomato (1kg)

$2.76 $2.76

$2.2 $2.2

$4.5 $4.5

Potato (1kg)

$2.4 $2.4

$1.53 $1.53

$3.83 $3.83

Onion (1kg)

$2.66 $2.66

$1.48 $1.48

$3.13 $3.13

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.9 $1.9

$1.49 $1.49

$2 $2

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.67 $2.67

$2.45 $2.45

$2.94 $2.94

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.05 $10.05

$7.04 $7.04

$13.07 $13.07

Wine (Bottle)

$26.28 $26.28

$19.21 $19.21

$40.44 $40.44

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.87 $1.87

$1.31 $1.31

$2.74 $2.74

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.04 $3.04

$1.3 $1.3

$3.91 $3.91

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.27 $1.27

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.45 $3.45

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.4 $1.4

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.63 $28.63

$25.9 $25.9

$34.33 $34.33

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.71 $0.71

$0.66 $0.66

$0.79 $0.79

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.1K $31.1K

$30.1K $30.1K

$32.1K $32.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$33.3K $33.3K

$38.4K $38.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$193 $193

$178 $178

$281 $281

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$48.02 $48.02

$39.6 $39.6

$74.3 $74.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.5 $65.5

$49.2 $49.2

$123 $123

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.23 $42.23

$17.19 $17.19

$49.11 $49.11

Cinema Ticket

$14.71 $14.71

$13.72 $13.72

$19.61 $19.61

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,324 $1,324

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.7K $23.7K

$17K $17K

$27.5K $27.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.7 $46.7

$19.72 $19.72

$59.2 $59.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.59 $38.59

$24.74 $24.74

$59.4 $59.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.7 $68.7

$60 $60

$76 $76

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$70.1 $70.1

$55.1 $55.1

$100 $100

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,593 $1,593

$1,193 $1,193

$1,846 $1,846

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,365 $1,365

$1,008 $1,008

$1,512 $1,512

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,613 $2,613

$1,987 $1,987

$2,981 $2,981

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,206 $2,206

$1,687 $1,687

$2,481 $2,481

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,303 $2,303

$1,689 $1,689

$2,303 $2,303

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,089 $2,089

$1,707 $1,707

$2,089 $2,089

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.56

6.2

6.88

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Melbourne, AR - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Melbourne, AR, United States generally sits on the lower end of the U.S. spectrum compared with coastal cities and large metros. You will find more affordable housing options, modest utility bills, and cheaper groceries, though a smaller town can limit entertainment offerings. The area rewards travelers, families, and remote workers who value space, a slower pace, and access to outdoor recreation. It is easy to balance work and downtime here, with practical options like reasonable commutes and nearby nature trips. Tip: map out how you will balance occasional trips with local conveniences to maximize savings.

Daily life here revolves around a car for most errands, with a handful of grocery stores, diners, and local markets within reach. Housing search centers on older single-family homes and modest apartments in quiet neighborhoods, with rental options that feel roomy for the price. Food ranges from home cooking with fresh ingredients to family-run eateries that highlight Southern flavors. For remote work or co-working, quiet spots exist in libraries or small shared offices in nearby towns. Melbourne, AR, United States living cost helps you set expectations as you choose a neighborhood. Tip: scout weekday mornings for calmer shopping and parking.

Quality of life here blends small-town charm with outdoor access and regional services. A budgeting framework like 50/30/20 keeps essentials, wants, and savings clear while leaving room for repairs or trips. Neighborhood fit matters: look for shaded streets, safe sidewalks, and proximity to parks for daytime recreation, or opt for newer developments with modern amenities. Seasonal swings: hot, humid summers and cool winters shape energy use and planning. Tip: build a recurring savings habit and align your moves with neighborhood rhythms and market timing to stretch your dollars without sacrificing lifestyle.