Cost Comparison 2025

Kuwait CityvsMelbourne

Kuwait
Australia

Overall

💰

+41.7%

Kuwait City is 41.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+44.4%

Housing is 44.4% higher

Dining

🍽️

+41.7%

Restaurants 41.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+45.5%

Food shopping 45.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Kuwait City, Kuwait and Melbourne, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Kuwait City is more expensive than Melbourne by approximately 41.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Kuwait City are lower than in Melbourne by 31%. A one-bedroom apartment in Kuwait City's city center costs around KWD 450, while the same in Melbourne is approximately A$2,200.

Dining out in Kuwait City offers significant savings compared to Melbourne. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs KWD 3 in Kuwait City versus A$20 in Melbourne.

Public transportation in Kuwait City is more affordable, with monthly passes at KWD 15 compared to A$170 in Melbourne.

Grocery shopping in Kuwait City is more affordable by approximately 31%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Kuwait City can expect to spend approximately KWD 170 per month (excluding rent), while in Melbourne, the same lifestyle would cost around A$786. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about KWD 595 monthly in Kuwait City versus A$2,750 in Melbourne. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Melbourne, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
KWD 450
A$2,200
1BR Outside Center
KWD 300
A$1,700
3BR City Center
KWD 900
A$4,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
KWD 3
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
KWD 15
A$110
Cappuccino
KWD 2
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
KWD 4
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
KWD 1
A$2
Bread (500g)
KWD 0
A$3
Eggs (12)
KWD 1
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
KWD 3
A$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
KWD 0
A$5
Monthly Pass
KWD 15
A$170
Taxi Start
KWD 1
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
KWD 0
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
KWD 25
A$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
KWD 25
A$75
Mobile Minute
KWD 0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Kuwait City to Melbourne, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Melbourne to Kuwait City requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Kuwait City

Cost of Living Index60
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Melbourne

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kuwait City more expensive than Melbourne?

Yes, Kuwait City is approximately 41.7% more expensive than Melbourne overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Kuwait City compared to Melbourne?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your Melbourne salary when living in Kuwait City. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Melbourne, you'd need about $70,833 in Kuwait City for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Kuwait City and Melbourne?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 31%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Melbourne offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Melbourne provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Kuwait City if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Melbourne for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Kuwait City vs Melbourne?

In Kuwait City, a single person needs approximately KWD 470 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about KWD 1,195. In Melbourne, these figures are A$2,486 for singles and A$5,550 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Kuwait City and Melbourne in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Melbourne to maintain your lifestyle from Kuwait City

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers