Austin vs Melbourne: cost of living for digital nomads
Austin, United States and Melbourne, Australia, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Austin and Melbourne cost about the same per month ($2,950).
- Melbourne scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Austin: 250 Mbps typical against 220 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Austin wins 1 of the measured lines; Melbourne wins 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Austin or Melbourne?
Austin and Melbourne cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $2,950.
Which city is safer, Austin or Melbourne?
Melbourne scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Austin.
Which has faster internet, Austin or Melbourne?
Austin has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 220 Mbps in Melbourne.
| Line | Austin | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,950 | $2,950 |
| Rent | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Food | $620 | $620 |
| Transport | $90 | $90 |
| Coworking | $200 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 250 | 220 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Austin September 11, 2026, Melbourne September 11, 2026.