Melbourne budget calculator
Estimate your daily costs based on travel style, duration and planned activities. All prices in AUD (Australian dollars).
Estimated budget
How much does a Melbourne trip cost?
Melbourne is generally cheaper than Sydney but on par with — or slightly above — many European capitals. Backpackers sharing a hostel dorm and eating at food courts, bakeries or Queen Victoria Market stalls can get by on roughly AUD 90–130 per person per day. Mid-range travelers — a 3-star hotel, café breakfasts, restaurant dinners and a paid activity — should budget around AUD 200–320 per person per day. Luxe travel (4–5 star hotels, fine dining, private tours) runs AUD 450 and up per day.
Key costs to plan for: a Myki tram/train/bus fare is capped around AUD 10.60/day (and trams are entirely free within the Free Tram Zone in the CBD); a coffee is AUD 4.50–5.50; a pub meal is AUD 20–30; the Eureka Skydeck is around AUD 25–35; an MCG stadium or AFL match ticket ranges from AUD 30 for general admission to AUD 100+ for premium seating.
Regional day trips add cost: a full-day Great Ocean Road tour runs AUD 100–180; the Phillip Island Penguin Parade ticket is around AUD 30–35 plus transport; renting a car for a self-drive day trip (fuel included) is roughly AUD 70–100/day. Remember Australia drives on the left and many regional roads are single-lane — factor in extra time.