Los Angeles vs Sydney

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Sydney is roughly 49% more affordable than Los Angeles (index 85 vs 166, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Sydney
More affordable overall
49% cheaper than Los Angeles · Cost index: 85 vs 166

Head-to-Head Stats

166Cost Index85
3,834Median Income /mo7,920
40Safety Index75
25Income Tax %32.5
242Internet (Mbps)92
300Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

Los AngelesCategorySydney
$2,839/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
26% ← cheaper
$2,100/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
$1.6/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
11% cheaper →
$18/meal
$122/month
Monthly Transit Pass
8% ← cheaper
$112/month
$245/month
Utilities (Monthly)
10% ← cheaper
$220/month
$164/visit
Doctor Visit
60% ← cheaper
$65/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Los Angeles

Internet242 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability69/100

Sydney

Internet92 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles cheaper than Sydney?

Sydney is cheaper than Los Angeles. Sydney has a cost of living index of 85/100 compared to 166/100 for Los Angeles, making it roughly 49% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Sydney than Los Angeles?

Sydney is approximately 49% cheaper than Los Angeles based on cost index scores (85 vs 166, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Los Angeles could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,536/month in Sydney.

What is the rent comparison between Los Angeles and Sydney?

In Los Angeles, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,839/month. In Sydney, the equivalent is around $2,100/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Los Angeles or Sydney?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Los Angeles offers 242 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Sydney offers 92 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Sydney has a cost advantage of 49%.

What is the average income in Los Angeles vs Sydney?

The median net monthly salary in Los Angeles is approximately $3,834 USD, compared to $7,920 USD in Sydney.

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