Data updated Oct 9, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 82)
Richmond sits in a temperate climate zone, roughly 10 m above sea level, and runs on Australia/Melbourne time. The city holds a population of 29 thousand, and its expat community is large and active. Newcomers often settle around Victoria Street and Burnley, two popular expat neighborhoods where English is widely spoken and daily life feels easy to navigate.
Rents vary by location and size. A one-bedroom in the city centre runs $1,750/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $1,400/mo. Three-bedroom apartments go for $2,352/mo in the centre and $2,192/mo outside it. Beyond rent, a single adult spends about $1,350/mo, and a family of four about $4,750/mo. Utilities average $231/mo, internet $56/mo, and a mobile plan $28/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $60/mo, a gym membership $51/mo, an inexpensive restaurant meal $10 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two $84, and a cappuccino $3. The average monthly net salary is $4,323/mo, and the cost of living index sits at 70/100 against New York City at 100. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult, rent included, come to $1,462/mo, $2,176/mo, and $2,692/mo respectively.
Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 82/100 and a crime index of 18/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is moderate at 45 on an index where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, giving residents solid medical support without the stress of a strained system.
For longer stays, the Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405) is available, and remote workers can look to the Australia Digital Nomad Visa. The nearest airport is MEB, 15 km away. With an overall expat score of 82/100, a digital nomad score of 82/100, a retiree score of 73/100, and a FIRE score of 69/100, Richmond suits expats, remote professionals, and retirees who want a calm, well-connected base with manageable costs and a welcoming community.
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Richmond at the budget tier comes to about $2,005 a month for one adult, with $1,400 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $145 on groceries, $42.00 on dining out, $43.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $315 on utilities and connectivity and $60.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,400/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$145/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$42.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$43.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$315/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$60.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Richmond at the mid-range tier comes to about $2,195 a month for one adult, with $1,400 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $193 on groceries, $104 on dining out, $123 on entertainment and lifestyle, $315 on utilities and connectivity and $60.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,400/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$193/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$104/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$123/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$315/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$60.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Richmond at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,891 a month for one adult, with $1,750 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $271 on groceries, $313 on dining out, $182 on entertainment and lifestyle, $315 on utilities and connectivity and $60.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,750/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$271/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$313/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$182/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$315/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$60.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1750/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Richmond's cost of living compares with Bega NSW
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Richmond is a very safe suburb with a strong community feel and low violent crime rates, making it genuinely comfortable for expats. Property crime and petty theft occur at typical Australian suburban levels but aren't major concerns. The main risks are standard urban awareness issues—secure valuables in vehicles, avoid isolated areas late at night, and stay alert in the small commercial precinct. No significant scams or geopolitical risks. For Americans accustomed to major U.S. cities, Richmond will feel noticeably safer and more walkable.
See how Richmond's healthcare compares with Bega NSW
Richmond experiences a temperate oceanic climate with warm, humid summers (December-February, peaking at 39°C) and mild winters (June-August, dropping to 2°C), offering four distinct seasons ideal for those seeking moderate weather variability.
Richmond, near Melbourne, offers robust amenities for digital nomads.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Creative Cubes Co. | While technically in Cremorne (adjacent to Richmond), Creative Cubes Co. offers a vibrant, design-focused workspace with excellent amenities like a gym, podcast studio, and multiple event spaces. Its proximity to Richmond's Swan Street makes it a convenient and attractive option for expats. |
| The Hive Richmond | Located right in the heart of Richmond, The Hive offers a range of coworking options, from hot desks to private offices. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and convenient location near shops, cafes, and public transport, making it ideal for digital nomads. |
| Work Club Melbourne Central | While not directly in Richmond, Work Club Melbourne Central is easily accessible and offers a premium coworking experience. It's a good option for those seeking a more upscale environment with high-end amenities and a professional atmosphere, and is a short train ride away. |
| Regus Richmond | A reliable option in Richmond, Regus provides a standard coworking experience with various membership options. It's a practical choice for those seeking a straightforward and professional workspace with flexible terms and is located centrally. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Richmond long-term? Australia Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Richmond? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Richmond's digital nomad life compares with Bega NSW
Trendy inner-city suburb of Melbourne. Highly trendy and international.
Areas of Richmond that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Vibrant, diverse, inner-city living
Richmond is the main hub and offers a mix of everything. It's known for its diverse dining options, including Vietnamese cuisine on Victoria Street, and its proximity to the city. While lively, it can be noisy and parking can be challenging.
Trendy, industrial-chic, up-and-coming
Cremorne is a rapidly developing area with converted warehouses and modern apartments. It's popular with young professionals and has a growing number of cafes and bars. Public transport is good, but it's less residential than other areas.
Quiet, residential, family-friendly
Burnley is a more suburban and quieter area compared to Richmond's central hub. It's well-connected by public transport and offers a more relaxed lifestyle. It's less geared towards expats, but still accessible and safe.
Leafy, upscale, historic charm
While technically a separate suburb bordering Richmond, East Melbourne is highly desirable due to its beautiful parks, grand Victorian architecture, and proximity to the city. It's more expensive but offers a very high quality of life. It's popular with retirees and professionals.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1750/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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