Cost Comparison 2025

MelbournevsKuwait City

Australia
Kuwait

Overall

💰

-29.4%

Melbourne is 29.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-30.8%

Housing is 30.8% lower

Dining

🍽️

-29.4%

Restaurants 29.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-31.3%

Food shopping 31.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Melbourne, Australia and Kuwait City, Kuwait reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Melbourne is more affordable than Kuwait City by approximately 29.4%. 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 Melbourne are higher than in Kuwait City by 44%. A one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne's city center costs around A$2,200, while the same in Kuwait City is approximately KWD 450.

Dining out in Melbourne is notably more expensive compared to Kuwait City. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$20 in Melbourne versus KWD 3 in Kuwait City.

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

Grocery shopping in Melbourne is more expensive by approximately 45%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Melbourne can expect to spend approximately A$786 per month (excluding rent), while in Kuwait City, the same lifestyle would cost around KWD 170. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about A$2,750 monthly in Melbourne versus KWD 595 in Kuwait City. 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
Melbourne, Australia
Kuwait City, Kuwait

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

Melbourne

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index100

Kuwait City

Cost of Living Index60
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne more expensive than Kuwait City?

No, Melbourne is approximately 29.4% cheaper than Kuwait City. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 77% of your Kuwait City salary when living in Melbourne. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Kuwait City, you'd need about $38,636 in Melbourne for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 45%, 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 Melbourne if you prioritize earning potential, or Kuwait City for affordability.

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

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

The cost of living comparison between Melbourne and Kuwait City 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 Kuwait City to maintain your lifestyle from Melbourne

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers