Most tourists that travel to Australia do so in order to see Melbourne, which is a lovely and diverse metropolis. This place is a must-see due to its fascinating past, top-notch museums, cool bars, and wide variety of exciting cultural experiences.
Sporting events such as the Australian Open, Australian Formula One Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup, and AFL Grand Final are all held in this city, making it a fantastic vacation spot for sports fans.
Melbourne is more than just the centre of Australian athletics; it also serves as the country's cultural epicentre, home to illustrious museums, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
After all, it consistently ranks as one of the world's top choices for quality of life. What Melbourne isn't known for, however, is cheapness.
Most budget-conscious travellers would quickly go broke in this Australian playground. Yet, with some careful planning, you can still enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer without breaking the bank.
We have included our budget breakdown below; we hope it helps shed light on the relative costs of travel in Melbourne!
FAQs About Melbourne
Melbourne is ranked as the world's 99th most expensive city out of the 209 cities surveyed for Mercer's 2020 Cost of Living Survey. Though ranked below Sydney, it's more expensive than Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra.
It depends. Some travel pros say around 50 Australian dollars a day, while others say upwards of $80. The best place to look is at yourself, right now. Observing your daily expenses now will help give you a ballpark estimate, as well as assess whether or not you can limit your budget.
The most obvious is that production costs are much higher in Australia than in France. But official statistics tell us otherwise. So, it is very unlikely that production costs can explain the difference in retail food prices between these two countries.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Australia is $1,955 for a solo traveller, $3,357 for a couple, and $1,725 for a family of 4. Australian hotels range from $55 to $238 per night with an average of $92, while most vacation rentals will cost $180 to $510 per night for the entire home.
Does it lead many who plan to know how much it costs to go to Australia for two weeks? On average, American travellers should expect to budget approximately $1,250 per person, per week, or $2,500 for two visitors. For a couple choosing to stay for two weeks, look for costs of at least around $5,000.
Cost Of A Trip To Melbourne
Typically, a vacation that lasts a week costs Melbourne is $1,735 for a solo traveller, $3,116 for a couple, and $5,842 for a family of 4.
Melbourne hotels range from $38 to $143 per night when a typical home rental for a family of four would cost between $210 and $420 per night.
International economy airfare to Melbourne Air Base (MEL) costs an average of $1,003, with first-class tickets costing $3,147 to $5,874.
You should allot $31-$61 each day, per person, to cover transportation costs and food, based on your itinerary.
Getting To Melbourne On A Budget
The cost of transportation in Australia is significant, including airfare and public transportation within cities.
However, using Skyscanner is an excellent method to cut costs on a flight to Melbourne.
Being flexible with your departure and arrival dates will increase your chances of finding a cheap flight, especially on low-cost carriers like Tiger.
It's true that if you book your flight well in advance, you can save money.
When you land at one of Melbourne's airports, you have a number of transportation alternatives for getting into the city.
The prevalence of low-cost airlines like Jetstar and Tigerair has helped keep the cost of flying within Australia at a more manageable level than in other nations.
The airport shuttle bus, known as SkyBus, is the most affordable option.
The Central Business District's Southern Cross Station is conveniently connected to the airport through the frequent SkyBus service from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. It takes between 20 and 35 minutes and is available around the clock, every day of the week.
If you want to be sure you make your flight, SkyBus suggests giving yourself 1.5 hours when traveling to the airport.
One-way tickets for adults cost AUD 19, while round-trip tickets cost AUD 38. Free tickets are available for kids under the age of 4.
There is a bus leaving every 10 minutes, so you don't have to worry about booking your ticket in advance, but you can if you want to.
Uber is also widely available in the city, and rides can be had for cheap if you're having a group trip.
Getting Around Melbourne On A Budget
Taking the bus or train in Melbourne requires some planning and time. If you have a tight budget, you should go for it because the price is reasonable.
Trams
In particular, Melbourne's trams are convenient, and rides on the Inner Circle Tram are free.
You can ride the City Circuit Tram all day if you like; however, I recommend treating it more like a hop-on, hop-off bus service that that you can see as much as possible enjoy the major attractions in central Melbourne.
To board the tram on route 35, you must be in one of the designated areas along the route.
Trams operate in both ends every 12 minutes, and it takes 48 hours to complete the entire circuit.
The Victorian Circle Line is yet another excellent tram line due to its proximity to several of the city's most famous landmarks.
To use it anywhere else besides the Central Business District will cost you.
Myki Explorer
When travelling on trams, trains, and buses in Melbourne, purchasing a Myki Explorer pack is the best option for saving money.
You can buy the pack at the Melbourne Visitor Information Centre at Federation Square, SkyBus Stops, or any of Melbourne's PTV Hubs.
The Myki Explorer pack allows you limitless travel across the greater Melbourne area. There are discounts and public transportation guides for 16 local hotspots Melbourne Museum, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Star Observation View and the Immigration Museum.
It costs AUD 15.
Myki Card
If you aren't interested in the myki explorer pack's reduced attractions, the normal Myki card is a good alternative.
Myki cards are sold in a variety of retail locations, including all 7-Elevens and on the web.
For AUD 6, you can buy a card that can be loaded at any metro train station, certain bus interchanges , tram stops, and onboard buses.
A Myki pass can be purchased for seven days, 28 days, or 365 days, and can be loaded with either Myki currency or a pass.
Myki is the best alternative for short-term visits because a 2-hour price only costs AUD 4.10 when used in Zone 1 and Zone 1+2, and a daily fare only AUD 8.20 and AUD 6.00 on holidays.
Keep in mind that you must tap on your Myki at the entrance of each railway station.
Only if you're in Zone 2 should you turn off your tap.
Bike
You can also get around by bike in Melbourne, a city with exceptional bicycle friendliness.
You can choose between the dockless Yellow oBikes and the traditional Yellow Melbourne Bikes. Interact with a docking station to share.
You can use your membership key to unlock a bike at the nearest station.
The signup kiosk is for those who only need occasional access.
The light will become amber while the key is verified, and as it turns green, you can take possession of the bike.
Make sure the bike is roadworthy and that the seat is set correctly before you ride.
You can bring it back to any docking station when you're done.
Simply dock the bike by pushing its front tyre into the designated slot.
The day permits available are great for travellers because they just cost 3 Australian dollars. Take as many rides as you like for a full 30 minutes each with this.
And there's a ten dollar deposit that'll be returned to you after you bring the bike back.
Keep in mind that it is mandatory by law in Australia that cyclists wear helmets at all times.
Daily Expenses Budget
The cost of a daily vacation varies even more according to the activities you plan to partake in.
A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Melbourne can easily cost $260 whereas a decent normal supper can cost around $17 per person, if not more.
Guided tours can cost up to $524 per day, but exploring the outdoor displays on your own is completely free.
Due to the wide range of prices, our suggestions are grounded on both the general price of living and the averages we've observed for this form of vacation.
Eating on a Budget in Melbourne
The average food price for one day in Melbourne is AUD 34, and bottled water for a day costs AUD 1.50.
Thus, it's clear that dining out in this metropolis isn't inexpensive.
To save money, you could want to prepare at least one thing a day in your lodging. The best places to look in this situation are grocery stores like Coles.
That being said, a visit to Melbourne would be incomplete without trying some of the city's world-famous cuisine.
Beatbox Kitchen is a great budget venue in Melbourne, where a burger costs AUD 6.
At 682 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Melbourne, on Wing It Wednesdays, chicken wings are for AUD 1 apiece.
Soi 38 is a restaurant at 38 McIlwraith Place, and it serves hot food. The 10 Australian Dollar noodle bowls are consistently delicious. You can get pig, tom yum, or duck, but the beef is always a safe bet.
Jimmy Grants and Bimbo Deluxe, both in the Fitzroy neighbourhood, provide you tasty meals at low prices. Taco Tuesday at Hotel Jesus costs just 2 Australian dollars.
Additionally, Lentil as Anything is a possibility. It's a top-notch vegetarian eatery where donations are accepted. Yet, if you're going with a friend, you should expect to spend around $25 AUD.
One can find Lentil as Anything at 1-3 St. Heliers Street in Abbotsford, while another can be found at 41 Blessington Street in St. Kilda, both in Melbourne.
And if you want to learn more about the diversity of Melbourne's food This Multicultural Markets Culinary Culture Tour is a great way to learn about the local food scene and the factors that have shaped it.
Accommodation
Melbourne has a great range of accommodation, from hostels to luxurious hotels. Melbourne's central business district (CBD), Fitzroy, and St. Kilda are home to a plethora of excellent hostels for budget travellers.
Watch out for Melbourne's big events such as the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix, Australian Open, and other global events, as many hotels will be full and charge more rates than usual.
Finding Cheap Accommodation In Melbourne
Making early reservations when visiting Melbourne will aid with cost control, as inexpensive lodgings like hostels and inexpensive apartments rent out quickly.
If you want to keep your expenses down, I recommend choose a place to stay that offers free amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, and use of a communal kitchen and laundry machines.
The Hub Hostel, which consistently ranks as the best in Melbourne, is a popular option for budget travellers because of its convenient location and reasonable rates for both shared and private rooms.
Another great Melbourne hostel, Landing Pads is found in my prefered neighbourhood. It has a beautiful modern common area with a kitchen and a porch for relaxing in the sun.
Vacationing with a large group of people? You can get a better bang for your buck if you rent an apartment instead of staying in hotels. trip to Melbourne.
Drinking On A Budget In Melbourne
If you're a travelling on a budget, The Joint Bar could be an excellent option. With its prime location on Elizabeth Street and affordable drink rates, this bar is a must-visit.
Backpackers love the Red Eye Bar in St. Kilda's beachside location because of the wonderful vibes and low prices.
Finally, there is the pontoon bar Ponyfish Island, which is tucked away under a bridge on the Yarra. This bar has great happy hours, cheap drinks, and a breathtaking vista. Really, what more could one want?
Best Things To Do In Melbourne
It's great to know that Melbourne has several galleries and museums you can visit free of charge. The Old Treasury, Federation Square, and the State Library of Victoria are the outstanding examples. Try them out if you're into that sort of thing.
It would help if you didn't miss going to Half Moon Bay, located South East of Melbourne in the Black Rock suburb. Trains leave frequently from Middle Shoreham Railway Station and take about 35 minutes to reach their destination.
Paradise Beach & Park is a top attraction for both locals and visitors. Getting to the beach is simple, and once you're there, you'll find a great dining scene.
Walking the laneways of Centre Place or Degraves Street is another excellent free activity in Melbourne, not to mention the coffee here, which is some of the best in Australia. Albert Park Lake is another great place to explore for free in Melbourne – A parking fee is all that you'll have to fork out cash for.
It will cost you AUD 19 to enter the garden as a pedestrian, however you can watch a film at the Moonlight Cinema while you're there!
The MSAC pool is the place to go if you desire to take a dip. For only AUD 8.20, it's well worth it to gain in. It's an excellent choice for winding down the day.
Arcades And Laneways
Cities are plenty of arcades and alleyways where you can get away from it all. The laneways that are characteristic of Melbourne are tiny streets that are home to many of the city's famed pubs and cafés as well as some truly amazing works of street art. Architecturally stunning, the arcades house a variety of high-end restaurants, art galleries, and speciality stores. These are some things we think you should look into:
- The Royal Arcade
- The Block Arcade
- AC/DC Lane
- Hosier Lane
- Blender Lane
- Guildford Lane
National Gallery Of Victoria
It is Australia's oldest, largest, and most popular art museum. They have an Australian collection at the Ian Potter Centre and an international collection in the main NGV building.
State Library Of Victoria
A wonderful library in both design and art. They have a fantastic reading room that you should visit.
Queen Victoria Market
Southern Hemisphere's Largest Outdoor Market, Where You Can Find Almost Anything! Don't forget to pick up a box of doughnuts!
Shrine Of Remembrance
An original memorial to Victorians for served in WWI has been expanded to honour all Australians who already have served in any conflict. You can pay your respects you learn more about Brazil's participation in recent wars at this memorial. You can see all of Melbourne from this shrine because it is perched on a hill.
Royal Exhibition Building
Once the seat of Australian government, this World Heritage Site is currently used for a variety of events. We went inside to have a look around while at the Finders Keepers flea market.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Ten thousand species, both local and foreign, have found refuge in this protected area plant species is a great place to chill and take a break.
Federation Square
Downtown's focal point and hub of activity. We happened to visit during a Diwali celebration.
Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
Instagram-worthy scenery with brightly coloured beach shacks from the early 20th century.
Melbourne Museum
The largest museum of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this institution features exhibits spanning both natural and cultural history.
Scienceworks
Entry to any science museum will cost you a pretty penny. In any case, it was a pleasant way of spending a dreary morning, even if it isn't the largest or best.
Conclusion
The Australian Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the AFL Grand Final are all held in Melbourne. A visit to this Australian amusement park would soon drain the bank accounts of most frugal tourists. In spite of this, there is no need to spend a fortune in order to take advantage of everything Melbourne has to offer if you prepare beforehand. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport's SkyBus service is convenient for getting about the city. In essence, the City Circuit Tram is a transportation service that allows riders to get on and off at their convenience.
The greatest way to save money on public transportation is to get a Myki Explorer pack. With a 2-hour journey costing only AUD 4.10 in Zone 1 and Zone 1+2, a daily fare costing only AUD 8.20, and a fare on holidays of only AUD 6.00, Myki is the greatest option for short-term visits. Day permits are available for only three Australian dollars, making them a wonderful deal for tourists. A day's worth of food in Melbourne will set you back about AUD 34, while a bottle of water will set you back about AUD 1.50. One way to cut costs is to eat at your lodgings at least once each day and cook a meal there.
Look in a supermarket store like Coles. The Joint Bar is an absolute necessity for any budget-minded traveller. Another great option is to explore the back alleys of Centre Place or Degraves Street on foot. It's well worth your time to check out Albert Park Lake, another free attraction in Melbourne (a parking fee is all that's required). If you're looking for a place to cool off, the MSAC pool is the place to be.
The arcades are home to a wide range of upscale eateries, galleries, and boutiques. The initial memorial was dedicated to Victorians who served in World War I, but it has now been enlarged to recognise all Australians who have served in any fight.
Content Summary
- After all, it is frequently voted among the best places to live.
- However, Skyscanner is a great tool for saving money on a flight to Melbourne.
- It's true that you can save money on airfare if you book in advance.
- SkyBus service runs frequently between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and Southern Cross Station in the CBD.
- Explore the world with Myki
- In order to save money on Melbourne's trams, trains, and buses, buying a Myki Explorer pack is your best bet.
- Melbourne is a very bike-friendly city, so you can use your bike as a mode of transportation.
- Your membership key will allow you to borrow a bicycle at the closest station.
- A day's worth of food in Melbourne will set you back about AUD 34, while a day's worth of bottled water will set you back about AUD 1.50.
- In light of this, it's obvious that eating out in this city may be quite pricey.
- And if you're interested in finding out more about Melbourne's gastronomic variety, The local culinary scene and the elements that have shaped it can be better understood by taking our Multicultural Markets Culinary Culture Tour.
- There is a wide variety of places to stay in Melbourne, from inexpensive hostels to five-star hotels.
- Apartment rentals are more cost-effective than hotel stays of the same length.
- Saving Money While Binge Drinking in Melbourne
- The Joint Bar can be a good choice if you're trying to save money on your trip.
- If you're looking for a place to cool off, the MSAC pool is the place to be.
- There are lots of places to hide out in the cities, such as arcades and laneways.
