Melbourne

AustraliaGMT+11

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

64.3/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

1,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$2,524/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

75Mbps

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, Australia, is a top destination for digital nomads and expats, blending urban sophistication with cultural richness. Known for its eclectic arts scene, the city offers a dynamic environment with robust infrastructure, including high-speed internet and numerous coworking spaces, making it ideal for remote work. Its multicultural population ensures a welcoming atmosphere, with English as the primary language alongside a tapestry of secondary languages like Mandarin and Vietnamese.

The city’s temperate oceanic climate provides year-round comfort, though its famous 'four seasons in a day' weather adds a unique twist to daily life. From warm summers averaging 19.7°C in January to cool winters dipping to 9.6°C in July, Melbourne’s climate supports an active outdoor lifestyle, complemented by scenic parks and coastal proximity. Its cafe culture is legendary, offering nomads countless spots to work and socialize.

Cost of living is a key consideration, with a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area averaging USD 1,224 monthly. Public transport, including free trams in the CBD, offsets some expenses, while the tech scene and startup ecosystem attract professionals. The expat community thrives here, supported by regular meetups and a vibrant social scene, from food festivals to live music events.

While Melbourne lacks a specific digital nomad visa, its tourist visa allows a 90-day stay, sufficient for short-term remote work. With 5G mobile coverage and reliable internet averaging 75 Mbps in public spaces, connectivity is rarely an issue. Whether drawn by its foodie heaven status, creative vibe, or outdoor activities, nomads and expats find Melbourne a compelling hub despite its high costs.

Demographics

Population5,392,000
LanguagesEnglish, Mandarin, Italian, Vietnamese

Location

CountryAustralia
TimezoneGMT+11
Airport to City25 minutes
TransportUber, Taxi, Bus, Train

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$13
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$2,524
/mo
42.1% higher than average

The total monthly cost of living in Melbourne, Australia is $2,524, which is 42.1% higher than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$1,224
48.5% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$270
10.7% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$384
15.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$122
4.8% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$306
12.1% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$218
8.6% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Melbourne’s internet infrastructure is robust, with a median download speed of 75 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces like libraries and coworking cafes, based on Speedtest by Ookla data. Major providers—Telstra, Optus, and TPG—offer reliable NBN fixed-line services, achieving 101.3% of plan speeds during peak hours per ACCC reports. Public WiFi in places like State Library Victoria can reach 400 Mbps, while 5G mobile coverage ensures connectivity on the go. Reliability is high, with minimal outages, though costs can be steep compared to some regions.

Melbourne’s digital nomad community, estimated at 1,000, thrives with over 25 coworking spaces like CoWork Me and The Commons, offering high-speed internet and community events. Regular meetups, such as those listed on Nomads.com, and cultural festivals foster networking. The social scene, enriched by cafes and expat groups, ensures a supportive environment for remote workers, balancing work and leisure seamlessly.

75Mbps
5G
3providers
1,000
Nomads
25+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Melbourne’s temperate oceanic climate features warm summers and cool winters, with temperatures ranging from 9.6°C in July to 19.7°C in January, per Bureau of Meteorology data. Rainfall averages 40-60 mm monthly, peaking in winter. Its coastal location causes frequent weather shifts—often dubbed 'four seasons in a day'—impacting outdoor plans but adding charm. Summers are ideal for beach trips, while winters suit indoor coworking.
Temperature Range
10°C - 20°C
Avg: 15°C
Annual Rainfall
590mm
Monthly Avg: 49mm
Jan
01
20°C
☀️
40 mm
Feb
02
19°C
☀️
40 mm
Mar
03
18°C
☀️
50 mm
Apr
04
15°C
☀️
50 mm
May
05
12°C
50 mm
Jun
06
10°C
50 mm
Jul
07
10°C
60 mm
Aug
08
11°C
50 mm
Sep
09
13°C
50 mm
Oct
10
15°C
☀️
50 mm
Nov
11
17°C
☀️
50 mm
Dec
12
18°C
☀️
50 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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