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Why five beers cost A$160 in Melbourne but only A$78 in New York
The same five beers and two cigarette packs cost 89% more in Melbourne now than they did a decade ago.
Deutsche Bank tracks the cost of five beers and two cigarette packs across 69 cities in its "Oasis index," named after the band's song referencing both. Melbourne tops the 2026 list at US$111.20 (A$160), nearly double New York's US$54.10.
Australia's heavy and rising excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco explain the gap. That same basket cost A$84 in Melbourne ten years ago, an 89% rise.
- US$111.20 (A$160)
- Melbourne cost
- 89% increase
- Decade rise
- 69 cities tracked
- Global scope
- Nearly double New York's cost
- Comparison
Why it mattersEvery time alcohol and tobacco excise rises, Australians pay more to go out, even if their wages stay the same.
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