Cost of Living in Sydney, Australia

Sydney has a cost of living index of 85/100 (New York = 100). It is 15% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

85/100
Cost Index
$7,920/mo
Median Income
75/100
Safety Index
temperate oceanic
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 88/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,100/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,400/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,800/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 72/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.6/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$3.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.1/kg
Dining OutScore: 70/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$18/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$80/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10/meal
TransportationScore: 65/100
Monthly Transit Pass$112/month
One-Way Ticket$2.8/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2/km
UtilitiesScore: 58/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$220/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$57/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$45/month
HealthcareScore: 75/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$65/visit
Dentist Visit$120/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$20/course
EntertainmentScore: 62/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$19/ticket
Theater Ticket$60/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 60/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$68/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$30/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 62/100
Haircut (Men)$28/cut
Haircut (Women)$55/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 68/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$85/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$55/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$120/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

92 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
78/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Surry Hills, Barangaroo, Newtown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sydney cheap to live in?

Sydney has a cost of living index of 85/100, where New York = 100. It is 15% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,700–$2,380 per month.

How much does rent cost in Sydney?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Sydney costs approximately $2,100/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,400/month.

Is Sydney good for digital nomads?

Sydney has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 92 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Sydney?

The median net monthly salary in Sydney is approximately $7,920 USD. The income tax rate is around 32.5%.

How does Sydney compare to New York for cost of living?

Sydney (cost index 85) is 15% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $375/month by moving from New York to Sydney.

Compare Sydney with another city

See exactly how Sydney stacks up against your current city or next destination.

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