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Sydney vs Melbourne

Melbourne runs about 14% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 493 USD a month.

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 from shrine of rememberance
Melbourne
$3,119/month · Australia
Melbpal · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sydney monthly
$3,612
Index 57 (NYC = 100)
Melbourne monthly
$3,119
Index 49 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-14%
Melbourne relative to Sydney
Rent gap
$400
Sydney costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

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

MetricSydneyMelbourne
Cost
Total monthly cost3,612 USD3,119 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)5749✓
Housing2,100 USD1,700 USD✓
Utilities156 USD153 USD✓
Food836 USD804 USD✓
Transport222 USD180 USD✓
Healthcare26 USD26 USD✓
Lifestyle160 USD152 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,176 USD6,176 USD
Effective tax + social rate25.9%25.9%
Left over each month2,564 USD3,057 USD✓
Average local net salary4,000 USD✓3,700 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,100 USD1,700 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre3,900 USD3,200 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre12,000 USD8,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety76/100✓74/100
Healthcare86/10088/100✓
Air quality84/10086/100✓
Public transport74/10084/100✓
Walkability74/10082/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife84/10092/100✓
Family friendliness82/10084/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature18°C15°C✓
Summer high27°C26°C✓
Winter low8°C✓6°C
Sunshine hours per year2,600 h✓2,200 h
Annual rainfall1200 mm650 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access10 min✓25 min
CurrencyAUDAUD
Time zoneAustralia/SydneyAustralia/Melbourne

Melbourne runs about 14% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 493 USD a month.

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Cost of living in SydneyCost of living in MelbourneConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Sydney or Melbourne cheaper?

Melbourne runs about 14% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 493 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Melbourne compared with Sydney?

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

Which has better quality of life, Sydney or Melbourne?

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