Is Melbourne an expensive city compared to others globally?

Yes, Melbourne is an expensive city compared to many global cities, but it offers a better value proposition within Australia. While it ranks high on global cost-of-living indexes, it's about 10% cheaper than the national average for major Australian cities, making it more accessible than Sydney or Canberra. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne’s city center typically rents for around AUD $2,200 per month, compared to AUD $2,800 in Sydney. Groceries and dining out also show a similar trend; a meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost AUD $25 in Melbourne versus AUD $30 in Sydney. Australia's income tax rates are progressive, with a top marginal rate of 45% for incomes over AUD $180,000. However, Melbourne consistently ranks high for liveability, offering a strong quality of life that offsets some of the higher costs. If you're considering Australia, Melbourne provides a good balance between urban amenities and relative affordability compared to its major counterparts.