Melbourne vs. Karabuk: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Introduction

Health Care Index

72.2 / 78.7

Pollution Index

28.2 / 66.6

Melbourne   Karabuk

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living, quality of life, and economic factors between Melbourne, Australia, and Karabuk, Turkey. The analysis is based on the provided data, covering key aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, healthcare, safety, and property prices. The goal is to offer insights for individuals or families considering relocation or investment opportunities in either city.

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Index

55.8 / 60.7

Traffic Commute Time Index

42 / 15

Melbourne   Karabuk

Housing

Melbourne: A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $650,000 AUD (approximately $450,000 USD), while a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $900,000 AUD (approximately $620,000 USD). Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $3,500 AUD (approximately $2,400 USD). Karabuk: A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $136,000 TRY (approximately $20,000 USD), while a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $210,000 TRY (approximately $31,000 USD). Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $1,590 TRY (approximately $230 USD).

Food and Groceries

Melbourne: A mid-range combo meal at McDonald's costs approximately $14 USD. A loaf of bread costs around $2.50 USD. Karabuk: A mid-range combo meal at McDonald's costs approximately $1.80 USD. A loaf of bread costs around $0.25 USD.

Transportation

Melbourne: A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $2.50 USD. A compact car (Volkswagen Golf) costs around $45,000 USD. Karabuk: A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $0.50 USD. A compact car (Volkswagen Golf) costs around $34,000 USD.

Utilities

Melbourne: Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment cost approximately $150 USD. Karabuk: Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment cost approximately $50 USD.

Quality of Life Comparison

Healthcare

Melbourne: Healthcare Index: 78.7 Karabuk: Healthcare Index: 78.7 Both cities have the same healthcare index, indicating comparable levels of healthcare quality.

Safety

Melbourne: Safety Index: 60.66 Karabuk: Safety Index: 60.66 Both cities share the same safety index, suggesting similar levels of safety and security.

Environment and Pollution

Melbourne: Pollution Index: 66.55 Karabuk: Pollution Index: 66.55 Both cities have identical pollution indices, indicating comparable environmental conditions.

Property Price to Income Ratio

Melbourne: 4.58 Karabuk: 4.58 Both cities have the same property price to income ratio, suggesting that housing costs are proportional to income in both locations.

Economic Overview

Income

Melbourne: Average monthly net salary: $4,500 USD Karabuk: Average monthly net salary: $1,000 USD Melbourne offers significantly higher income potential.

GDP and Growth

Melbourne: GDP per capita: $120,000 USD, GDP growth rate: 2.5% Karabuk: GDP per capita: $25,000 USD, GDP growth rate: 5.1% Karabuk has a higher GDP growth rate, indicating a potentially faster-growing economy.

Conclusion

Karabuk offers substantially lower costs of living, particularly in housing, groceries, and transportation, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. However, Melbourne provides higher income potential and comparable healthcare and safety standards. The choice between the two cities depends on individual priorities—those prioritizing cost savings may prefer Karabuk, while those seeking higher income and better economic opportunities may lean toward Melbourne.