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Melbourne vs Sydney

Melbourne runs about 16% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 493 USD a month.

melbourne from shrine of rememberance
Melbourne
$3,119/month · Australia
Melbpal · CC BY-SA 4.0
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
Melbourne monthly
$3,119
Index 49 (NYC = 100)
Sydney monthly
$3,612
Index 57 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+16%
Sydney relative to Melbourne
Rent gap
$400
Sydney costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MelbourneSydney
  • Housing
    Housing: Melbourne $1,700, Sydney $2,100. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Food
    Food: Melbourne $804, Sydney $836. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Transport
    Transport: Melbourne $180, Sydney $222. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Melbourne $153, Sydney $156. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Melbourne $26, Sydney $26. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Melbourne $152, Sydney $160. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Other
    Other: Melbourne $105, Sydney $112. Cheaper in Melbourne.
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

MetricMelbourneSydney
Cost
Total monthly cost3,119 USD✓3,612 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)49✓57
Housing1,700 USD✓2,100 USD
Utilities153 USD✓156 USD
Food804 USD✓836 USD
Transport180 USD✓222 USD
Healthcare26 USD✓26 USD
Lifestyle152 USD✓160 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,176 USD6,176 USD
Effective tax + social rate25.9%25.9%
Left over each month3,057 USD✓2,564 USD
Average local net salary3,700 USD4,000 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,700 USD✓2,100 USD
3-bed rent, city centre3,200 USD✓3,900 USD
Buy price per m², centre8,500 USD✓12,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety74/10076/100✓
Healthcare88/100✓86/100
Air quality86/100✓84/100
Public transport84/100✓74/100
Walkability82/100✓74/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife92/100✓84/100
Family friendliness84/100✓82/100
Median broadband90 Mbps90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature15°C✓18°C
Summer high26°C✓27°C
Winter low6°C8°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,200 h2,600 h✓
Annual rainfall650 mm✓1200 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access25 min10 min✓
CurrencyAUDAUD
Time zoneAustralia/MelbourneAustralia/Sydney

Melbourne runs about 16% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 493 USD a month.

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Cost of living in MelbourneCost of living in SydneyConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Melbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs AucklandMelbourne vs Stockholm
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Melbourne or Sydney cheaper?

Melbourne runs about 16% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 493 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Sydney compared with Melbourne?

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

Which has better quality of life, Melbourne or Sydney?

Melbourne scores 74/100 on safety and 88/100 on healthcare; Sydney scores 76 and 86. Melbourne averages 15°C against 18°C in Sydney.