Here is what it actually costs to live in Health in 2026. Real numbers, real data, no guesswork.
Distance from CBD: 0 km
The Full Monthly Picture
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | $2,160 | Biggest line item |
| Groceries | $360–$480 | Weekly shop for one person |
| Transport | $100–$160 | Myki Zone 1 – walk/cycle supplements most trips |
| 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 | $120–$250 | Cinema, bars, sport, outings |
| TOTAL (single) | $3,320–$4,030 | Before savings or debt |
For couples: sharing a two-bedroom (around $3,247/month) brings the per-person cost down significantly. Budget roughly $5,146–$6,246 combined for two.
Rent Prices in Health (2026)
| Property Type | Weekly Rent | Monthly Estimate | vs Melbourne Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | $450–$550 | $1,948–$2,381 | ~19% above average |
| 2-bed apartment | $650–$850 | $2,814–$3,680 | ~44% above average |
| 3-bed house | $850–$1200 | $3,680–$5,196 | – |
| Share house (per room) | $250–$340 | $1,082–$1,472 | – |
Estimates based on REIV 2026 Q1 data for Health’s position as an inner-city suburb. Actual prices vary by street, condition, and proximity to transport. Check Domain or realestate.com.au for current listings.
Grocery Costs
You have 3 supermarkets in Health (Woolworths Qv, Il Gambero - Italian Restaurant in Carlton, Woolworths Metro Southbank). Standard metro pricing applies.
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 |
A typical weekly grocery shop for one person in Health runs $80–$130 depending on how much you cook versus eat out.
Dining Out
Health has a dense food scene – 201 restaurants and 78 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 | $20–$32 |
| Pub meal | $22–$35 |
| Mid-range dinner | $40–$60 per person |
| Takeaway | $14–$24 |
| Pint of beer | $12–$15 |
| Cocktail | $18–$25 |
For specific recommendations, see our Health restaurant guide and Health cafe guide.
Transport Costs
Health is close enough to the CBD that walking and cycling are genuine options for daily commuting. Tram and train access is frequent, and most errands can be done on foot.
| Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| Myki daily cap (Zone 1-2) | $10.60 |
| Myki monthly estimate | ~$165 |
| Train to CBD | 5-10 min |
| Tram to CBD | 10-20 min |
| Drive to CBD (off-peak) | 10-15 min |
Tip: Living in Health means you can realistically go car-free. The annual saving of $4,000–$7,000 in car costs offsets some of the higher rent.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Laundry – If your apartment lacks a washing machine, coin laundry runs $8–$12 per load.
- 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.
- Quick drinks after work – A pint averages $12–$15 in Health. Two after-work sessions per week adds $120+ per month.
The Verdict
Health is on the pricier side for Melbourne, but the walkability, food scene, and short commute offset a lot of that premium. If you value proximity and lifestyle over square metres, the maths works. Budget $3,320–$4,030 per month as a single person.
For the full picture on life in Health, see our Health neighbourhood guide and Health transport guide.
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Health
- Best Cafes in Health
- Best Bars in Health
- Health Neighbourhood Guide
- Health Transport Guide
- Is Health Safe?
- Health Property Market
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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