City Comparison
Sydney vs Perth
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Perth is ~20% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Sydney
Australia
COL+Rent
69.7
Rent Index
54.9
Groceries
86.8
Restaurant
78.3
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Perth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,442 | $1,758 | +$684 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,311 | +$511 |
| Groceries | $483 | $412 | +$71 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $22 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $114 | $97 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $171 | $146 | +$25 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Sydney | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,545/mo | $1,930/mo |
| Typical | $3,585/mo | $2,743/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,423/mo | $3,419/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Sydney | ≈ in Perth | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,199/mo | -$301 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,598/mo | -$402 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,397/mo | -$603 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Perth cheaper to live in?
Perth is approximately 20% cheaper overall. Sydney's COL+Rent Index is 69.7 vs Perth's 55.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Sydney vs Perth?
A 1BR in Sydney city center costs ~$2,442/mo vs $1,758/mo in Perth. Outside the center: $1,822 vs $1,311.
What is $2,000/month in Sydney worth in Perth?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Sydney has the purchasing power of approximately $1,598/month in Perth.
Are groceries cheaper in Sydney or Perth?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $483 in Sydney vs $412 in Perth. Groceries Index: 86.8 vs 74 (NYC = 100).