Here is what it actually costs to live in Notting Hill in 2026. Real numbers, real data, no guesswork.
Distance from CBD: 19 km
Housing Costs
| 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 | – |
Estimates based on REIV 2026 Q1 data for Notting Hill’s position as an outer-ring suburb. Actual prices vary by street, condition, and proximity to transport. Check Domain or realestate.com.au for current listings.
Transport Costs
Getting from Notting Hill 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 |
Tip: An annual Myki pass saves money if you commute daily. Many Notting Hill residents run a car for weekends and use PT for the commute.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| 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 | $80–$200 | Cinema, bars, sport, outings |
| TOTAL (single) | $2,590–$3,360 | Before savings or debt |
For couples: sharing a two-bedroom (around $2,056/month) brings the per-person cost down significantly. Budget roughly $4,014–$5,208 combined for two.
Dining Out
Notting Hill has a dense food scene – 71 restaurants and 47 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 | $18–$28 |
| Pub meal | $20–$32 |
| Mid-range dinner | $35–$55 per person |
| Takeaway | $12–$22 |
| Pint of beer | $10–$14 |
| Cocktail | $16–$22 |
For specific recommendations, see our Notting Hill restaurant guide and Notting Hill cafe guide.
Grocery Costs
You have 3 supermarkets in Notting Hill (Woolworths Clayton M City, PINEWOOD MARKET, Pinewood Shopping Village). 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 Notting Hill runs $80–$130 depending on how much you cook versus eat out.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Parking permits – Council parking permits run $50–$200/year. Street parking pressure varies by block.
- Laundry – If your apartment lacks a washing machine, coin laundry runs $8–$12 per load.
- Weekend eating out – The Saturday brunch and Sunday pub meal add $100–$200/month for most people.
- Pet costs – Vet visits, food, and council registration add $100–$200/month for a dog, $50–$80 for a cat.
Is It Worth Living in Notting Hill?
Notting Hill lands in the middle of Melbourne’s cost spectrum. You are not paying inner-city premiums, but you are not getting the deep discounts of the outer growth corridors either. For a single person, $2,590–$3,360 per month covers the essentials with room for a social life.
For the full picture on life in Notting Hill, see our Notting Hill neighbourhood guide and Notting Hill transport guide.
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Notting Hill
- Best Cafes in Notting Hill
- Best Bars in Notting Hill
- Notting Hill Neighbourhood Guide
- Notting Hill Transport Guide
- Is Notting Hill Safe?
- Notting Hill 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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