San Francisco vs Sydney

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Sydney is roughly 4% more affordable than San Francisco (index 85 vs 89, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Sydney
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than San Francisco · Cost index: 85 vs 89

Head-to-Head Stats

89Cost Index85
8,160Median Income /mo7,920
45Safety Index75
37Income Tax %32.5
150Internet (Mbps)92
450Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

San FranciscoCategorySydney
$3,024/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
31% ← cheaper
$2,100/month
$5.11/liter
Meal for One
69% ← cheaper
$1.6/liter
$25/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
28% ← cheaper
$18/meal
$98/month
Monthly Transit Pass
13% cheaper →
$112/month
$389/month
Utilities (Monthly)
43% ← cheaper
$220/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
57% ← cheaper
$65/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Francisco

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability87/100

Sydney

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Sydney?

Sydney is cheaper than San Francisco. Sydney has a cost of living index of 85/100 compared to 89/100 for San Francisco, making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Sydney than San Francisco?

Sydney is approximately 4% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (85 vs 89, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,865/month in Sydney.

What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Sydney?

In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,024/month. In Sydney, the equivalent is around $2,100/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Sydney?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Sydney offers 92 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Sydney has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in San Francisco vs Sydney?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD, compared to $7,920 USD in Sydney.

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