Is Melbourne Expensive?

Is Melbourne expensive to visit?

Melbourne is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $192. If we compare it to the rest of the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a somewhat more expensive place to visit. It ranks in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its overall travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Auckland and Sydney.



Melbourne, Australia

How expensive is Melbourne?

Travelers spend an average of $192 per day when visiting Melbourne (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Melbourne here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Melbourne?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Melbourne costs around $575 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,149.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Melbourne?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Melbourne will cost around $1,341 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $2,682.

Is it expensive to backpack in Melbourne?

Melbourne is a popular backpacker destination with more than 30 hostels. Dorm beds in hostels cost, on average, $24 per night. (See hostel prices in Melbourne here.) You'll find quite a range in prices here, too. The most expensive beds are priced around $39 and the cheapest around $13 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Melbourne.

  • $21 for a dorm bed at Flinders Backpackers Melbourne
  • $30 for a dorm bed at Nomads St Kilda
  • $34 for a dorm bed at Space Hotel

Are hotels expensive in Melbourne?

If you're considering hotel prices in Melbourne, you'll find them to be slightly more budget-friendly in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, a night in a hotel room here will set you back approximately $111. In Melbourne, there are about 73 five-star hotels with an average nightly rate of $147. For a more affordable option, three-star hotels come in at an average of $106 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more economical choice at $46 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Melbourne
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 73 $147
4 stars 225 $126
3 stars 146 $106
2 stars 19 $46
1 star 11 $97
No rating 1 $83

182 - 182 Falls Road, Melbourne
Overall Rating 9.6
75 De Lancey Road, Melbourne
Overall Rating 9.4

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $27 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $29.

  • Mornington Peninsula Hike and Hot Springs Day Tour - 8 people max: $182
  • Mornington Peninsula Wine Region Tour: $228
  • Guided Chocolate Walking Tour in Melbourne City: $52
  • Yarra River Waterbike Tour: $65
  • 3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour: $218
  • Full-Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne: $110
  • Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne: $110
  • Melbourne City Laneways, Bays and Suburbs Small Group Bus Tour : $55

Is food expensive in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $52 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $55.

  • Indian Cooking Master Class: $129
  • Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $129
  • Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North: $71
  • Secret Food Tours Melbourne: $104
  • Night Bites — A Progressive Dinner of Melbourne's best food: $130
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $83

Is transportation expensive in Melbourne?

The prices of local transportation in Melbourne can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $19 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $29. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Melbourne

If you're planning a trip to Melbourne, Australia, check out these other informative travel guides.



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.



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