Sydney is one of the most exciting places to live in Australia. It’s got the beaches, the skyline, and more coffee shops than anyone could reasonably visit in a lifetime. But with all that comes a price. The cost of living in Sydney is no joke, and if you’re not keeping track, your wallet might feel lighter than you’d like. Housing, electricity, transport it all adds up. Whether you’re thinking about moving or just wondering where your money goes every month, here’s the real breakdown of Sydney’s living costs.
Is Sydney Really That Expensive?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It depends on what you compare it to.
Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia. It regularly ranks in the top 60 priciest cities worldwide, making it more expensive than Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. But compared to cities like New York or London? It’s still a bargain.
Of course, rankings don’t mean much when you’re the one paying the bills. What matters is how much you’ll actually be spending so let’s get into the numbers.
Housing Costs in Sydney
Rent is the biggest expense for most people, and in Sydney, it can feel like half your paycheck disappears the moment it hits your bank account. The closer you are to the city, the higher the price tag. If you want more space (or just don’t want to hear your neighbors sneeze), the suburbs are the way to go.
Average Rent in Sydney, Australia
| Property Type | Price Details |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (CBD) | Around $2,800 per month |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (CBD) | Over $5,700 per month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | About $2,000 per month |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | Roughly $3,500 per month |
If you’re looking to buy, the average cost of a house in Sydney is enough to make anyone’s head spin. In the CBD, prices often top $20,000 per square metre, while suburban homes average $12,500 per square metre.
Where to Live in Sydney: Choosing the Right Suburb
Sydney is a sprawling city, and where you live can make a huge difference in your cost of living. If you want to save money, living a little further out might be a good idea.
| Suburb Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Inner City (CBD, Surry Hills, Newtown, Darlinghurst) | Close to everything but expensive. Expect higher rent, busy streets, and plenty of entertainment. |
| Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Randwick) | Beachside living comes at a price, but if you love the ocean, it might be worth it. |
| Western Sydney (Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown) | More affordable housing, but you’ll spend more on transport if you work in the city. |
| North Shore (Chatswood, Manly, Hornsby) | A mix of leafy suburbs and beachside spots, generally more family-friendly but still pricey. |
| South Sydney (Kogarah, Hurstville, Sutherland Shire) | More space for your money and a quieter lifestyle, but a longer commute. |
Cost of Electricity in Sydney and Other Utilities
Once you’ve got a place, you have to keep the lights on. The cost of electricity in Sydney is on the high side compared to other Australian cities, and utilities can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
| Utility | Average Cost per Month |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $104 |
| Gas | $60 |
| Water | $67 |
| Internet | $71 |
The average electricity bill in Sydney fluctuates depending on the provider, household size, and how often you blast the air con in summer. If you’re moving, setting up power early is a good idea—some providers offer same-day connections, so you’re not stuck in the dark when you move in.
Transport Costs: Getting Around Sydney
Sydney’s transport system is decent but not cheap. Whether you’re catching the train, driving through toll roads, or getting stuck in traffic, getting from A to B comes at a cost.
| Transport Mode | Cost Details |
|---|---|
| Public Transport (Opal card, unlimited pass) | Around $177 per month |
| Fuel (monthly average) | About $198 |
| Tolls | Up to $100 per month if you drive regularly |
If you live close to the city, public transport is usually the better option. If you’re further out, driving is more convenient but petrol, insurance, and parking fees can add up fast.
Food Costs in Sydney
Groceries and eating out take up a good chunk of most people’s budgets. On average, a single person spends about $373 per month on groceries, and that’s if you’re cooking most of your meals at home.
Eating out? That’s where things get expensive.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Coffee | $5–$6 |
| Breakfast at a café | $20–$30 |
| Dinner at a mid-range restaurant | $30–$50 per person |
| Fast food meal | $12–$15 |
If you’re eating out a lot, you’ll feel the Sydney Australia living cost creeping up fast. The upside? There are plenty of markets and budget-friendly spots if you know where to look.
Healthcare Costs in Sydney
Australia’s Medicare system covers basic healthcare, but many people take out private health insurance for extra coverage. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Healthcare Expense | Cost Details |
|---|---|
| Medicare Levy | 2% of taxable income |
| Private Health Insurance | $150–$300 per month |
| Doctor Visits | $80–$100 (Medicare may cover some of it) |
| Prescription Medications | $6–$40 per script |
If you’re moving from overseas, private health insurance is usually required, as international residents don’t qualify for Medicare.
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Sydney
Sydney isn’t just about work and bills—there’s plenty to do, but it’s not always cheap. Here’s what a few fun activities might cost:
| Activity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cinema Ticket | $20–$25 per person |
| Gym Membership | $50–$100 per month |
| Live Concerts | $80–$250 for major acts |
| Sydney Harbour Cruise | $50–$100 per ticket |
| Sporting Events | $25–$80 for AFL, NRL, or cricket |
| Nightlife (Cocktail) | $18–$25 |
| Nightlife (Beer) | $10–$14 |
For nightlife, expect to pay around $18–$25 for a cocktail and $10–$14 for a beer. If you’re on a budget, Sydney still has plenty of free things to do—beaches, hiking trails, and public events won’t cost you a cent.
Total Monthly Cost of Living in Sydney
Living expenses in Sydney aren’t the same for everyone, but here’s a rough estimate for a single person:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $2,737 |
| Electricity | $104 |
| Gas | $60 |
| Water | $67 |
| Internet | $71 |
| Groceries | $373 |
| Transport | $198 (Fuel) / $177 (Public Transport) |
| Total | $3,610 – $3,787 per month |
If you’ve got kids, pets, or a taste for fancy dinners, your Sydney Australia living cost will be even higher.
Is Sydney Affordable?
That depends on how you live. Sydney is expensive, but it’s also full of opportunities, culture, and some of the best beaches in the world. If you budget wisely and choose where you live carefully, it’s possible to make it work.
If you’re moving to Sydney, don’t forget to set up your utilities before you arrive. If you’re on the move in Sydney, Move-In Connect can sort out your power, gas, internet, and water so you can settle in without the stress.
At the end of the day, Sydney’s price tag is what you make of it. Whether you’re living in a penthouse or a shared apartment, knowing your costs upfront helps you plan better. Just don’t forget to budget for your morning coffee—it’s practically a Sydney essential.
