Australia

Cost of Living in Sydney

Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates

COL+Rent: 69.7Rent: 54.9Groceries: 86.8Restaurant: 78.3

Monthly Budget Estimates

Minimal

$2,545/mo

Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit

Typical

$3,585/mo

City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out

Comfortable

$4,423/mo

Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment

Monthly Costs Breakdown

CategoryCost (USD)
Rent (1BR City Center)$2,442
Rent (1BR Outside Center)$1,822
Groceries (monthly)$483
Restaurant Meal$25
Transit Pass (monthly)$114
Utilities (monthly)$171

Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Can You Afford Sydney?

Compare Sydney with other cities at specific budget levels:

vs Melbourne · $1,000/movs Melbourne · $1,500/movs Melbourne · $2,000/movs Brisbane · $1,000/movs Brisbane · $1,500/movs Brisbane · $2,000/movs Perth · $1,000/movs Perth · $1,500/movs Perth · $2,000/mo

Other Cities in Australia

Sydney vs Melbourne Sydney vs Brisbane Sydney vs Perth

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Sydney?
A minimal monthly budget in Sydney is approximately $2,545, a typical budget is $3,585, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $4,423 per month.
How much is rent in Sydney?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Sydney city center costs approximately $2,442/month. Outside the center, expect around $1,822/month.
Is Sydney expensive compared to New York?
Sydney's COL+Rent Index is 69.7 compared to New York's 100, meaning Sydney is about 30% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Sydney?
Monthly groceries in Sydney cost approximately $483. The city's Groceries Index is 86.8 (NYC = 100).