Skip to content

London vs Sydney

Sydney runs about 11% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 438 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
North Head National Park in Sydney is a perfect location to view the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney
$3,612/month · Australia
Hardlinerr · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Sydney monthly
$3,612
Index 57 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-11%
Sydney relative to London
Rent gap
$500
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonSydney
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Sydney $2,100. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Sydney $836. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Sydney $222. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Sydney $156. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Sydney $26. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Sydney $160. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Sydney $112. Cheaper in London.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonSydney
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD3,612 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6357✓
Housing2,600 USD2,100 USD✓
Utilities267 USD156 USD✓
Food617 USD✓836 USD
Transport282 USD222 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓26 USD
Lifestyle169 USD160 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD6,176 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.6%25.9%✓
Left over each month1,902 USD2,564 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD4,000 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD2,100 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD3,900 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD12,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10076/100✓
Healthcare84/10086/100✓
Air quality60/10084/100✓
Public transport92/100✓74/100
Walkability90/100✓74/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife94/100✓84/100
Family friendliness72/10082/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓18°C
Summer high23°C✓27°C
Winter low3°C8°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,600 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓1200 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access90 min10 min✓
CurrencyGBPAUD
Time zoneEurope/LondonAustralia/Sydney

Sydney runs about 11% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 438 USD a month.

Next

Go deeper

Cost of living in LondonCost of living in SydneyConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
London vs DublinLondon vs ZurichLondon vs Amsterdam
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Sydney cheaper?

Sydney runs about 11% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 438 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Sydney compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $6,176 in Sydney, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Sydney?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Sydney scores 76 and 86. London averages 12°C against 18°C in Sydney.