Aged care in Victoria
This page is for Victorian families comparing room prices and regions: metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and rural Victoria. The state has one of Australia's largest residential aged care sectors, from inner-city Melbourne homes to community-owned facilities in regional towns.
Melbourne's property market shows up in some of the highest RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) asking prices in the country. The government daily fee and means-test rules are national: the same in Victoria as everywhere else. For that national explanation, use what you pay in aged care.
National fees vs Victoria RAD
Your parent or partner still faces the same three fee types in Victoria: the basic daily fee, the means-tested care fee, and accommodation (RAD or DAP). Government rates for the first two are identical in every state. What this page covers is Victoria's room-price market.
For rates, caps, and worked examples of the national fees, read what you pay in aged care. For how the means test itself is calculated, see the means-tested care fee guide. The quick reference below is only so you can see how the national numbers sit beside a Victorian RAD.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays it? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic daily fee | $66.80/day ($24,398.70/yr) | Everyone |
| Means-tested care fee (MTCF) | $0–$35,910.43/yr (annual cap) | Those with assessable income/assets above thresholds |
| Accommodation (RAD or DAP) | Facility-set price; pay as lump sum, daily fee, or both | Those assessed as not low-means |
Accommodation costs (RAD/DAP) in Victoria
Accommodation in aged care can be paid as a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) — a lump sum that is fully refunded when the resident leaves — or as a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), which is a non-refundable daily rental-style fee calculated at the current MPIR of 8.43% per year.
Victoria RAD price ranges (2026)
| Location | Typical RAD range | Equivalent DAP (daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Melbourne | $350,000–$900,000 | $81–$208/day |
| Regional cities (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo) | $200,000–$480,000 | $46–$111/day |
| Rural Victoria (Wimmera, Mallee, Gippsland) | $100,000–$320,000 | $23–$74/day |
These ranges are indicative. Every facility publishes its exact RAD price on theMy Aged Care website before you commit to anything.
Regional breakdown
Metropolitan Melbourne
Melbourne accounts for the majority of Victoria's residential places. Inner-city, bayside, and eastern-suburbs facilities typically command the highest RADs ($500,000–$900,000+). Western and northern suburbs tend to be more affordable ($350,000–$550,000).
Geelong
As Victoria's second-largest city, Geelong has a well-established aged care sector with facilities across central Geelong, Newtown, and surrounding suburbs. RADs typically range from $250,000 to $450,000.
Ballarat and Bendigo
Both cities have strong not-for-profit providers and community-owned facilities. RADs are generally lower ($200,000–$380,000), reflecting regional property values. Wait times can be shorter than metro Melbourne.
Rural Victoria
Rural facilities in areas like the Wimmera, Mallee, and Gippsland typically have the lowest RADs in the state ($100,000–$250,000). Some rural facilities operate as low-means providers, meaning eligible residents pay a government-set accommodation contribution rather than a facility RAD.
Finding a provider in Victoria
Victoria's sector is a mix of not-for-profit, faith-based, and for-profit providers. Prominent providers include Estia Health, Arcare, Benetas, Calvary, and Baptcare.
To find and compare Victorian facilities:
- Go to myagedcare.gov.au and use the “Find a provider” search — you can filter by suburb, care type, and available places.
- Each facility listing shows its published RAD price, star ratings, and any reported compliance actions.
- Contact facilities directly to ask about current availability and fee letters (which outline your estimated personal contribution).
Tips for Victorian families
- Get the ACAT assessment early. Wait lists for assessments and for preferred facilities can be long in metropolitan Melbourne. Register with My Aged Care before a crisis occurs.
- Compare total cost, not just RAD. A facility with a $700,000 RAD but low means-tested fees may cost less overall than one with a $400,000 RAD and high care fees — use our calculator to compare.
- Consider the family home carefully. If your parent owns a Melbourne property, its value significantly affects the means-tested assessment. Read our family home guide before making any decisions about selling or renting.
- Seek independent financial advice. An accredited aged care financial adviser (find one at financialplanningassociation.com.au) can model your specific situation and identify strategies to reduce fees.