Cost of Living in Richmond - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,527 monthly including rent, or $938 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,567 with rent, or $1,719 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,608 including rent, or $2,500 for daily expenses alone.

Richmond sits 57–84% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 30% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.68 A$14.94
$10.68 A$14.94
$35.60 A$49.79
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$86.8 A$121
$57.9 A$80.9
$141 A$197
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.33 A$17.25
$10.89 A$15.23
$21.76 A$30.44
Cappuccino
$3.67 A$5.14
$2.93 A$4.11
$5.87 A$8.21
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.14 A$4.40
$2.12 A$2.96
$3.54 A$4.95
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.58 A$3.61
$2.12 A$2.96
$3.54 A$4.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.50 A$4.89
$3.50 A$4.89
$11.53 A$16.13
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.63 A$12.07
$6.47 A$9.06
$12.23 A$17.11
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.72 A$2.40
$1.21 A$1.70
$3.69 A$5.16
White Bread (500g)
$3.34 A$4.67
$2.17 A$3.03
$4.63 A$6.48
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.94 A$4.11
$1.46 A$2.05
$4.40 A$6.15
Eggs
$5.90 A$8.26
$3.64 A$5.09
$8.72 A$12.20
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.30 A$10.21
$6.79 A$9.50
$29.20 A$40.84
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.06 A$9.87
$5.65 A$7.90
$12.35 A$17.28
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.03 A$9.84
$7.03 A$9.84
$21.10 A$29.52
Apples (1kg)
$4.34 A$6.06
$2.89 A$4.04
$10.82 A$15.14
Banana (1kg)
$3.18 A$4.45
$2.49 A$3.49
$5.13 A$7.18
Oranges (1kg)
$3.21 A$4.48
$2.11 A$2.96
$8.46 A$11.83
Tomato (1kg)
$4.98 A$6.96
$2.88 A$4.03
$10.09 A$14.11
Potato (1kg)
$3.20 A$4.47
$2.13 A$2.99
$3.77 A$5.28
Onion (1kg)
$2.57 A$3.60
$1.78 A$2.49
$3.52 A$4.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.53 A$3.54
$2.18 A$3.04
$3.63 A$5.08
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.64 A$2.30
$0.59 A$0.83
$7.09 A$9.92
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$35.83 A$50.1
$35.83 A$50.1
$50.2 A$70.2
Wine (Bottle)
$7.31 A$10.22
$7.31 A$10.22
$21.93 A$30.67
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.54 A$7.75
$3.64 A$5.10
$8.86 A$12.40
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.22 A$7.30
$2.95 A$4.13
$8.12 A$11.36
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.80 A$3.91
$1.81 A$2.53
$3.23 A$4.52
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$96.9 A$136
$64.6 A$90.4
$96.9 A$136
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.36 A$6.10
$3.68 A$5.15
$7.36 A$10.29
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.42 A$1.98
$1.34 A$1.87
$1.57 A$2.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$30.50 A$42.67
$29.33 A$41.02
$32.58 A$45.57
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39 A$1.95
$1.20 A$1.67
$1.74 A$2.44
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.5K A$41.2K
$29.1K A$40.7K
$30.6K A$42.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.2K A$38.1K
$26.0K A$36.3K
$28.5K A$39.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$240 A$336
$154 A$215
$361 A$505
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.51 A$38.48
$14.16 A$19.80
$35.40 A$49.51
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$57.0 A$79.7
$49.30 A$69.0
$66.9 A$93.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.88 A$69.8
$18.18 A$25.43
$62.4 A$87.2
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.37 A$28.50
$9.52 A$13.32
$20.37 A$28.50
Cinema Ticket
$17.78 A$24.88
$13.51 A$18.90
$21.33 A$29.84
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,379 A$3,328
$2,168 A$3,032
$2,674 A$3,741
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$32.7K A$45.7K
$21.2K A$29.7K
$39.7K A$55.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$82.7 A$116
$50.7 A$70.9
$109 A$152
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$50.5 A$70.7
$28.17 A$39.40
$77.5 A$108
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$125 A$175
$71.1 A$99.4
$178 A$249
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$139 A$194
$109 A$153
$182 A$255
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,565 A$2,189
$1,229 A$1,719
$1,613 A$2,256
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,224 A$1,712
$852 A$1,191
$1,284 A$1,796
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,364 A$3,306
$1,773 A$2,480
$2,807 A$3,926
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,985 A$2,777
$1,517 A$2,122
$2,206 A$3,086
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,350 A$8,883
$4,806 A$6,722
$6,350 A$8,883
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,348 A$7,480
$3,678 A$5,145
$5,922 A$8,283
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.85
5
6.44

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

Last update: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $340 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $87.0 for two – above the Oceanian average of $58.0.

Public transport is priced at around $96.9 per month – above the Oceanian average of $60.0.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 95% of cities in Oceania

Local beer is cheaper than 93% of cities in Oceania

Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 92% of cities in Oceania

Richmond Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Richmond - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Richmond, Australia compare in terms of affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads – who finds it good value, and how does it contrast with bigger cities?
Richmond offers urban convenience with a distinctly livable vibe, making it a favorable pick for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want easy access to Melbourne while staying mindful of costs. The Cost of Living in Richmond, Australia hinges on housing choice, proximity to public transport, and dining-out frequency – not as cheap as regional towns, but often more affordable than inner-city pockets. Expect a mix of modern apartments, renovated terrace homes, and short-term rental options that suit flexible schedules. Local cafes, supermarket options, and parklands support a comfortable routine without long commutes. Tip: Use transport cards on multiple trip types to optimize savings when exploring the city and beyond.
What does a typical day look like in Richmond, Australia in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Searching for a place here starts with a clear neighborhood map – near the riverfront for a breezy vibe, or closer to Church Street for cafes and bars. Expect rental options from compact apartments to light-filled townhomes; conduct a thorough walk-through and confirm lease terms. For daily sustenance, you’ll enjoy varied dining scenes, fresh markets, and reliable grocery stores that keep cooking costs sensible without sacrificing quality. Transport is commuter-friendly: tram and bus routes connect to the CBD, with bike lanes and ride-sharing as backups. Richmond, Australia living cost varies by location and building type, so compare a few neighborhoods before committing. Tip: Build a flexible 2–3 week housing search window and track recurring expenses to refine choices.
What are practical budgeting approaches, seasonality, and neighborhood fit that enhance life quality in Richmond, Australia?
Quality of life in Richmond comes from picking a neighborhood that matches your pace and work style. Choose hideaways near the Yarra's edge for easy outdoor breaks or closer to Chapel Street-like corridors for dining and networking. A simple budgeting framework helps: allocate shelter, essentials, and a flexible pot for experiences. Be mindful of seasonality in events and rentals, which can shift evenings and weekend plans. Save by using public transport, cooking at home, and trying flexible coworking passes to avoid long-term commitments. Tip: Build a monthly review ritual to adjust your plan as you settle into the city.
Is Richmond expensive to live in?
Budget at least $2,527 per month to live in Richmond once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
What is the average cost of living in Richmond?
A single person in Richmond typically spends $2,527 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $938. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is a good salary in Richmond?
Earning $3,790 monthly in Richmond means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Richmond?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Richmond range from $1,224 to $1,565, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Richmond?
At around $49.88 monthly, gym costs in Richmond are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is food expensive in Richmond?
Richmond isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $340 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Richmond?
At $2,527 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Richmond. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Richmond a good place to live?
Living in Richmond means access to fast internet, low crime rates, clean air at about $2,527 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.

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