Aged care in Victoria
Victoria has one of Australia's largest aged care sectors, with over 800 residential facilities ranging from inner-city Melbourne boutique homes to community-owned facilities in regional towns like Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
The government regulates and subsidises aged care nationally — so the rules, fees, and assessment processes are the same in Victoria as in every other state. What differs is the accommodation market: Melbourne's property prices are reflected in some of the highest RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) asking prices in the country.
What fees will I pay?
Every Victorian resident in aged care pays three potential fees:
| Fee | Amount | Who pays it? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic daily fee | $63.57/day ($23,203/yr) | Everyone |
| Means-tested care fee (MTCF) | $0–$32,719/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 |
The basic daily fee and MTCF are set by the federal government and are identical across all Victorian facilities. The accommodation price is set by each facility within government rules.
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 8.38% per year.
Victoria RAD price ranges (2026)
| Location | Typical RAD range | Equivalent DAP (daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Melbourne | $350,000–$900,000 | $80–$207/day |
| Regional cities (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo) | $200,000–$480,000 | $46–$110/day |
| Rural Victoria (Wimmera, Mallee, Gippsland) | $100,000–$320,000 | $23–$73/day |
These ranges are indicative. Every facility publishes its exact RAD price on the My 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.