Kew is inner-east Melbourne with inner-east pricing. It is not the most expensive suburb in the City of Boroondara — that honour belongs to Canterbury and Camberwell in spots — but it is comfortably above the Melbourne median. Here is every dollar you will spend living here in 2026.
Rent: The Big Number
| Property Type | Weekly Rent | Annual Cost | vs Melbourne Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-bed apartment | $420–$480 | $21,840–$24,960 | 10–15% above |
| 2-bed apartment | $550–$620 | $28,600–$32,240 | 10–20% above |
| 3-bed house | $700–$800 | $36,400–$41,600 | 15–25% above |
| Share house (per room) | $230–$280 | $11,960–$14,560 | Around average |
Streets closer to Kew High School and the private school catchments command a premium. The quieter residential pockets south of Cotham Road tend to be slightly cheaper than High Street frontage.
Monthly Living Costs Breakdown
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | $1,820–$2,080 | Biggest line item |
| Groceries | $320–$420 | Coles at Kew Junction, IGA on High St |
| Transport (Myki) | $160–$200 | Zone 1–2, tram-based commute |
| Utilities (1-bed) | $180–$240 | Gas + electricity + water |
| Internet | $70–$90 | NBN |
| Coffee habit | $80–$120 | 1–2 per day at $4.50–$5.20 |
| Eating out | $200–$400 | Hanoi Rose is $60 for two, Centonove is $140+ |
| Entertainment | $100–$200 | Pubs, cinema, weekend activities |
| TOTAL (solo) | $3,200–$4,000 | Before savings or debt |
Where the Money Actually Goes
Groceries: Coles at Kew Junction handles the weekly shop. A smaller IGA on High Street covers the gaps. There is no dedicated fresh market in Kew itself, but the Hawthorn Farmers’ Market is within reach. Budget $80–$120 per week for one person eating mostly at home.
Eating out: A main at Hanoi Rose runs $18–$22. Centonove pasta dishes sit at $28–$36. A pub parma at the Postmaster is $23. A kebab from Kew Kebab House is $16–$18. The mid-range is where Kew dining lives.
Transport: No train station in Kew means trams are your primary public transport. Tram 48 and 109 run along Cotham Road and High Street. A full-price Myki caps at $10 daily, $50 weekly in Zone 1. If you drive, the Eastern Freeway entrance is close but parking near Kew Junction requires a council permit ($50–$150/year).
The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
- School zone premium — If you are renting or buying near Kew High or the private school cluster, you are paying 10–20% above comparable streets elsewhere in the suburb.
- Brunch culture tax — A Saturday brunch for two at Ora runs $50–$65. Weekly, that is $200–$260 per month you did not budget for.
- The tram commute gap — Without a train station, some residents end up driving to Glenferrie station in Hawthorn for faster CBD access. That means parking costs or a second Myki tap.
- Heritage home maintenance — If you are renting an older Kew property, expect higher heating bills (drafty windows, high ceilings) and occasional maintenance issues the landlord may be slow to fix.
Is Kew Worth the Cost?
Kew is premium-priced for premium suburban living. You get genuine tree canopy, Studley Park and Yarra trails at your doorstep, a strong High Street dining strip, and some of Melbourne’s best school catchments. The trade-off is that you pay above median for rent and groceries, and you lack a train station. For families, the value proposition is strong. For solo renters on a budget, neighbouring Hawthorn or Richmond may stretch further.
FAQ
How does Kew compare to Hawthorn for cost? Similar rent for apartments, but Hawthorn has better transport (Glenferrie station) and a more active commercial strip on Glenferrie Road. Kew commands a premium for its school zones and leafier residential streets.
Is Kew affordable for young professionals? On a $70K+ salary, a one-bedroom apartment or share house is manageable. Below that, you will feel the squeeze.
What is the cheapest way to live in Kew? Share houses at $230–$280 per room per week, shopping at Coles over the IGA, and using trams instead of driving.
Prices current as of March 2026. We update quarterly. Got a correction? [email protected]
Explore More of Kew
- Kew History
- Kew Rent Guide
- Kew Kew For Retirees
- Kew Things To Do
- Kew Young Professionals Guide
- Kew Nightlife Guide
- Kew Transport Guide
- Kew Best Cafes
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