Cost Comparison 2025

ParisvsMelbourne

France
Australia

Overall

💰

0.0%

Paris is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

-7.1%

Housing is 7.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

🛒

-11.1%

Food shopping 11.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Paris, France and Melbourne, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Paris is similarly priced than Melbourne. 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 Paris are higher than in Melbourne by 8%. A one-bedroom apartment in Paris's city center costs around €1,800, while the same in Melbourne is approximately A$2,200.

Dining out in Paris costs about the same compared to Melbourne. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Paris versus A$20 in Melbourne.

Public transportation in Paris is more affordable, with monthly passes at €86 compared to A$170 in Melbourne.

Purchasing power in Melbourne is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Paris.

Grocery shopping in Paris is more expensive by approximately 13%. 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 Paris can expect to spend approximately €558 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 €1,952 monthly in Paris 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
Paris, France
Melbourne, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,800
A$2,200
1BR Outside Center
€1,200
A$1,700
3BR City Center
€4,000
A$4,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€70
A$110
Cappuccino
€4
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€7
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
A$2
Bread (500g)
€2
A$3
Eggs (12)
€4
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
€18
A$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
A$5
Monthly Pass
€86
A$170
Taxi Start
€5
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
€2
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€170
A$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
A$75
Mobile Minute
€0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Melbourne to Paris, 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 Paris to Melbourne 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

Paris

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Melbourne

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris more expensive than Melbourne?

The cost of living in Paris and Melbourne is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Paris compared to Melbourne?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Melbourne salary when living in Paris. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Melbourne, you'd need about $50,000 in Paris for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Paris and Melbourne?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 13%, 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 Paris if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Melbourne for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Paris vs Melbourne?

In Paris, a single person needs approximately €1,758 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,452. 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 Paris and Melbourne in 2025 shows moderate 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 Paris

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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