With 30 restaurants and cafes within walking distance, Selby is not the kind of suburb that drains your wallet on dining alone. But food is only part of the equation. Here is what every major expense actually looks like in Selby right now.
Distance from CBD: 38 km
Rent Prices in Selby (2026)
| Property Type | Weekly Rent | Monthly Estimate | vs Melbourne Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | $220–$320 | $952–$1,385 | ~36% below average |
| 2-bed apartment | $350–$480 | $1,515–$2,078 | ~20% below average |
| 3-bed house | $450–$650 | $1,948–$2,814 | – |
| Share house (per room) | $140–$200 | $606–$866 | – |
Estimates based on REIV 2026 Q1 data for Selby’s position as an outer-growth suburb. Actual prices vary by street, condition, and proximity to transport. Check Domain or realestate.com.au for current listings.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | $1,170 | Biggest line item |
| Groceries | $280–$380 | Weekly shop for one person |
| Transport | $280–$450 | Car essential – limited public transport |
| Utilities (1-bed) | $180–$260 | Gas + electricity + water |
| Internet | $70–$90 | NBN, standard speed |
| Coffee | $60–$100 | 1-2 per day at local cafes |
| Eating out | $120–$300 | Varies with local venue density |
| Entertainment | $60–$150 | Cinema, bars, sport, outings |
| TOTAL (single) | $2,220–$2,900 | Before savings or debt |
For couples: sharing a two-bedroom (around $1,796/month) brings the per-person cost down significantly. Budget roughly $3,441–$4,495 combined for two.
Grocery Costs
Supermarket options within Selby proper are limited. Most residents drive to a nearby suburb for their weekly grocery run, which adds fuel and time to the true cost.
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 Selby runs $80–$130 depending on how much you cook versus eat out.
Transport Costs
At 38 km from the CBD, Selby is car-dependent for most daily needs. Train commute is 40-60 min when available, and driving takes 40-60 min outside peak hours.
| 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 | 40-60 min |
| Drive to CBD (off-peak) | 40-60 min |
Car costs note: Full car ownership in Selby 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.
Dining Out
Selby has 20 restaurants and 10 cafes – enough for regular rotation without repeating. For more variety, neighbouring suburbs are a short drive.
| 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 Selby restaurant guide and Selby cafe guide.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Delivery surcharges – Food delivery apps often charge higher fees for suburbs further from restaurant clusters.
- Parking permits – Council parking permits run $50–$200/year. Street parking pressure varies by block.
- Second car costs – Many outer-suburb households need two vehicles. That doubles registration, insurance, and servicing.
- Pet costs – Vet visits, food, and council registration add $100–$200/month for a dog, $50–$80 for a cat.
So, Can You Afford Selby?
Rent in Selby 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 $2,220–$2,900 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 Selby, see our Selby neighbourhood guide and Selby transport guide.
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Selby
- Best Cafes in Selby
- Best Bars in Selby
- Selby Neighbourhood Guide
- Selby Transport Guide
- Is Selby Safe?
- Selby 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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