✦ Cost of living
Sydney
Sydney, Australia
US = 100
In plain terms: Sydney is about 28% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $2,200/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing162+62%
- Food & groceries115+15%
- Transport105+5%
- Utilities110+10%
- Healthcare95−5%
- Goods & services120+20%
About
“The Harbour City”
Beaches, sunshine and a high quality of life — for a price, with housing among the least affordable in the developed world.
- Currency
- Australian dollar · AUD
- Languages
- English
- Coordinates
- -33.87, 151.21
- Emergency
- 000
What things cost
Taxes
45%
Income tax
progressive
10%
VAT / sales
30%
Corporate
$3,900
Avg net salary
per month
Plus 2% Medicare levy.
Visas & residency
Points-tested skilled migration; employer-sponsored visas.
✈ ETA/eVisitor for short visits from many countries.
Citizenship after ~4 yrs.
Quality of life
Safety
74/100
Healthcare
85/100
Pollution
30/100
Internet
90 Mbps
Jan avg
+23 °C
Jul avg
+13 °C
Sunny days
236/yr
Walkability
78/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Sydney, AU?
Sydney, AU's cost-of-living index is 128 (US average = 100) — about 28% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $2,200 per month.
What is the average rent in Sydney, AU?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $2,200 per month, and around $1,650 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in Australia?
Australia has a top income-tax rate of 45% and a VAT or sales tax of 10%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Sydney, AU?
Sydney, AU averages around +23 °C in January and +13 °C in July, with roughly 236 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Sydney with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.