The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 22% cheaper than Melbourne.
If you move from Birmingham to Melbourne, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £52,571 in Melbourne.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Melbourne:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Melbourne | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,900 | +£900 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £322 | £-7 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £220 | +£25 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £136 | +£5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £171 | +£13 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £2,749 | +£935 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (22% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,120/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Melbourne to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £39,429 | £9,429 more |
| £40,000 | £52,571 | £12,571 more |
| £50,000 | £65,714 | £15,714 more |
| £60,000 | £78,857 | £18,857 more |
| £80,000 | £105,143 | £25,143 more |
| £100,000 | £131,429 | £31,429 more |
Birmingham vs Melbourne: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 22%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Melbourne has 95.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Melbourne: £3,120/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 5, while Melbourne wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.