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Vancouver vs Sydney

Vancouver and Sydney cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

Downtown Eastside, Vancouver during coronavirus pandemic
Vancouver
$3,541/month · Canada
GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada · 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
Vancouver monthly
$3,541
Index 55 (NYC = 100)
Sydney monthly
$3,612
Index 57 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+2%
Sydney relative to Vancouver
Rent gap
$0
Sydney costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

VancouverSydney
  • Housing
    Housing: Vancouver $2,100, Sydney $2,100. Cheaper in Vancouver.
  • Food
    Food: Vancouver $774, Sydney $836. Cheaper in Vancouver.
  • Transport
    Transport: Vancouver $162, Sydney $222. Cheaper in Vancouver.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Vancouver $221, Sydney $156. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Vancouver $9.20, Sydney $26. Cheaper in Vancouver.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Vancouver $168, Sydney $160. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Other
    Other: Vancouver $107, Sydney $112. Cheaper in Vancouver.
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

MetricVancouverSydney
Cost
Total monthly cost3,541 USD✓3,612 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)55✓57
Housing2,100 USD2,100 USD
Utilities221 USD156 USD✓
Food774 USD✓836 USD
Transport162 USD✓222 USD
Healthcare9 USD✓26 USD
Lifestyle168 USD160 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,088 USD6,176 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate26.9%25.9%✓
Left over each month2,547 USD2,564 USD✓
Average local net salary3,300 USD4,000 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,100 USD2,100 USD
3-bed rent, city centre3,700 USD✓3,900 USD
Buy price per m², centre10,500 USD✓12,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety74/10076/100✓
Healthcare84/10086/100✓
Air quality84/10084/100
Public transport70/10074/100✓
Walkability76/100✓74/100
English proficiency96/100100/100✓
Nightlife72/10084/100✓
Family friendliness82/10082/100
Median broadband210 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature11°C✓18°C
Summer high23°C✓27°C
Winter low1°C8°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,930 h2,600 h✓
Annual rainfall1190 mm✓1200 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access15 min10 min✓
CurrencyCADAUD
Time zoneAmerica/VancouverAustralia/Sydney

Vancouver and Sydney cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

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Cost of living in VancouverCost of living in SydneyConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Vancouver vs TorontoVancouver vs SeattleVancouver vs Chicago
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Vancouver or Sydney cheaper?

Vancouver and Sydney cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

What salary do you need in Sydney compared with Vancouver?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,088 a month in Vancouver and $6,176 in Sydney, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Vancouver or Sydney?

Vancouver scores 74/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Sydney scores 76 and 86. Vancouver averages 11°C against 18°C in Sydney.