Sydney Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
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: July 2026
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% |
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. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Sydney costs around $1,500/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $2,200/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $4,500/month. The rent index for Sydney is 82 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Sydney play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Sydney are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 52/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
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, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
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.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Sydney.
Is Sydney Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Sydney should weigh the 84 cost index against the 88/100 quality of life score and 76/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Sydney fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Sydney
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $1,500 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $2,200 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $4,500 |
| Average Net Salary | $4,400 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $3,300 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Sydney
Families relocating to Sydney typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $4,500/month, and with a healthcare index of 84/100 and safety index of 76/100, Sydney is generally considered a solid option for raising children. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $3,300/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Sydney
Students in Sydney generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 84 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 82, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $3,300 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $1,500/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Sydney is $3,300 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $1,500for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 88/100 for quality of life and 76/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Sydney has a cost index of 84, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sydney
Pros
- Strong safety rating (76/100)
- Good healthcare access and quality (84/100)
- Solid purchasing power for residents (86/100)
- Favorable climate year-round (80/100)
Cons
- Higher overall cost of living (index 84, NYC = 100)
- Traffic and commute can be a challenge (52/100)
How does Sydney compare to other countries?
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 country in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Sydney stacks up against any other city or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney
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). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $1,500/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $2,200/month.
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. Located in Oceania, it offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Sydney?
The average net salary in Sydney is approximately $4,400/month, with a purchasing power index of 86/100.
Is Sydney good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Sydney has a cost index of 84 and a quality of life score of 88/100, making it worth evaluating against your specific budget and lifestyle needs. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Sydney?
Check the individual city pages for Sydney to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Sydney compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Sydney with any city or country 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 at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare