Living in Burnside will cost you somewhere between $2,570 and $3,310 per month in 2026. That covers rent for a one-bedroom, groceries, transport, and the basics of actually having a life here. Whether that number makes you wince or shrug depends on where you’re coming from – but here is exactly where every dollar goes.
Distance from CBD: 20 km
Where the Money Goes Each Month
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | $1,430 | Biggest line item |
| Groceries | $300–$400 | Weekly shop for one person |
| Transport | $200–$350 | Car likely needed – Myki + fuel costs |
| Utilities (1-bed) | $180–$260 | Gas + electricity + water |
| Internet | $70–$90 | NBN, standard speed |
| Coffee | $80–$130 | 1-2 per day at local cafes |
| Eating out | $250–$500 | Varies with local venue density |
| Entertainment | $60–$150 | Cinema, bars, sport, outings |
| TOTAL (single) | $2,570–$3,310 | Before savings or debt |
For couples: sharing a two-bedroom (around $2,056/month) brings the per-person cost down significantly. Budget roughly $3,983–$5,130 combined for two.
What You Will Pay in Rent
| Property Type | Weekly Rent | Monthly Estimate | vs Melbourne Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | $280–$380 | $1,212–$1,645 | ~21% below average |
| 2-bed apartment | $400–$550 | $1,732–$2,381 | Slightly below average |
| 3-bed house | $520–$750 | $2,251–$3,247 | – |
| Share house (per room) | $160–$230 | $692–$995 | – |
Rental data sourced from REIV quarterly reports. Burnside pricing reflects its classification as an outer-ring suburb. Vacancy rates, building age, and proximity to train stations all shift prices within these bands.
Transport Costs
Getting from Burnside to the CBD takes roughly 30-50 min by train or 30-50 min by car depending on traffic. Most residents here use a combination of driving and public transport.
| Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| Myki daily cap (Zone 1-2) | $10.60 |
| Myki monthly estimate | ~$165 |
| Car registration | ~$350/quarter |
| Petrol (avg) | $1.85–$2.10/L |
| Car insurance | $800–$1,400/year |
| Train to CBD | 30-50 min |
| Drive to CBD (off-peak) | 30-50 min |
Car costs note: Full car ownership in Burnside runs roughly $4,000–$7,000 per year in registration, insurance, servicing, and fuel – on top of the vehicle itself. This is a real cost that inner-suburb renters who rely on Myki do not face.
Grocery Costs
There is one supermarket serving Burnside (Pizza Speciale Caroline Springs). You may need to travel to neighbouring suburbs for a full weekly shop at competitive prices.
Melbourne metro grocery averages (2026):
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (2L) | $2.70–$3.50 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.50–$5.00 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $6.50–$9.00 |
| Chicken breast (1kg) | $10–$14 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.50–$4.00 |
| Bananas (1kg) | $3.50–$5.00 |
| Coffee (cafe flat white) | $4.50–$6.00 |
Weekly grocery spending in Burnside averages $80–$125 for a single person. Buying in bulk at Costco or ALDI can shave 15-20% off these figures.
Dining Out
Burnside has a dense food scene – 65 restaurants and 28 cafes at last count. That level of competition generally keeps prices reasonable relative to quality, but it also means more temptation to eat out.
| Meal Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cafe brunch | $16–$26 |
| Pub meal | $18–$30 |
| Mid-range dinner | $30–$50 per person |
| Takeaway | $10–$20 |
| Pint of beer | $10–$14 |
| Cocktail | $16–$22 |
For specific recommendations, see our Burnside restaurant guide and Burnside cafe guide.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Parking permits – Council parking permits run $50–$200/year. Street parking pressure varies by block.
- Pet costs – Vet visits, food, and council registration add $100–$200/month for a dog, $50–$80 for a cat.
- Weekend eating out – The Saturday brunch and Sunday pub meal add $100–$200/month for most people.
- Delivery surcharges – Food delivery apps often charge higher fees for suburbs further from restaurant clusters.
Is It Worth Living in Burnside?
Rent in Burnside is genuinely lower than the Melbourne average, and that saving is real. But transport costs – particularly car ownership – eat into the gap. The net monthly cost of $2,570–$3,310 is lower than inner Melbourne, but not by as much as the rent alone suggests. The car costs are the factor that levels the playing field with inner suburbs – budget for them.
For the full picture on life in Burnside, see our Burnside neighbourhood guide and Burnside transport guide.
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Burnside
- Best Cafes in Burnside
- Best Bars in Burnside
- Burnside Neighbourhood Guide
- Burnside Transport Guide
- Is Burnside Safe?
- Burnside Property Market
Nearby suburbs:
Prices current as of April 2026. We update this guide quarterly. Got a correction? [email protected]
Sources
- REIV Quarterly Median Prices – reiv.com.au – accessed April 2026
- ABS Census 2021 – abs.gov.au/census
- Google Places API – venue data verified April 2026
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