Cost of Living in Sydney, Australia
Australia · Oceania
$3,300
Monthly Cost
avg/person
84
Cost Index
NYC=100
82
Rent Index
NYC=100
88
Quality of Life
Excellent
76
Safety Index
Good
5.3M
Population
AUD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $18 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $80 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $12 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $9 |
| Cappuccino | $4.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $9 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $4 |
| Monthly Pass | $180 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $33000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $27000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $200 |
| Mobile Plan | $40 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $65 |
| Fitness Club/month | $65 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,200/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,500/mo |
| 3BR Center | $4,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $14,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $9,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.1% |
View Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in Sydney — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Sydney, Australia is approximately $3,300 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Sydney has a cost index of 84, making it around 16% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Sydney costs around $1,500/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,200/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $4,500/month. The rent index is 82 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Sydney scores 88/100 on the quality of life index and 76/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 84/100. The climate index is 80/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Sydney is approximately $4,400/month. With a purchasing power index of 86/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AUD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Sydney
The average monthly salary in Sydney is approximately $4,400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,300, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 86/100.
Healthcare Costs in Sydney
Healthcare quality in Sydney is rated 84/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Sydney
Sydney has a quality of life score of 88/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Sydney
Students living in Sydney should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Sydney
Expats moving to Sydney often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Sydney, Australia is approximately $3,300 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 84 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Sydney
Living in Sydney offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 84 and a quality of life score of 88/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $4,400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Sydney provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Australia and around the world.
Key Facts About Sydney
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,300
- Cost Index: 84
- Rent Index: 82
- Average Salary: $4,400
- Quality of Life: 88/100
- Safety Score: 76/100
- Country: Australia
- Currency: AUD
Is Sydney Expensive?
Sydney has a cost index of 84 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Sydney compare to other cities?
Sydney is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 5.3M. At a cost index of 84 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Sydney stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sydney?
The average cost of living in Sydney, Australia is approximately $3,300 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 84 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Sydney?
Rent in Sydney varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 82 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Sydney alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Sydney expensive to live in?
Sydney has a cost index of 84 compared to New York City (100). At 84, Sydney is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,300.
What is the quality of life in Sydney?
Sydney has a quality of life index of 88/100 and a safety index of 76/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Sydney compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Sydney with any city worldwide. Sydney's cost index is 84 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Sydney?
Many residents live comfortably in Sydney with a monthly budget of around $3,300 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Sydney good for expats?
Sydney is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Sydney?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,300 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Sydney.
Is Sydney cheaper than New York?
Yes, Sydney has a cost index of 84 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Sydney?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Sydney.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Sydney
Cheapest Ways to Live in Sydney
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Sydney typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,500/month compared to $2,200/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Sydney, Australia.
Is Sydney Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 86/100 and a quality of life score of 88/100, Sydney is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 84 relative to New York City, Sydney remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Australia has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Sydney Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Sydney", "Sydney monthly expenses 2026", and "is Sydney affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,300, a safety score of 76/100, and healthcare rated 84/100, Sydney offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Australia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026