Cost of Living in Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s largest city and a global hub for finance, business, and culture. It offers world-class beaches, lifestyle, and career opportunities — but also comes with some of the highest living costs in the country.
Rent
1-bed apartment (city centre)
$3,000
1-bed apartment (outside centre)
$2,200
3-bed family flat
$4,800
Food & Groceries
Monthly groceries (per person)
$600–$700
Meal in inexpensive restaurant
$25–$30
Fast food combo
$14
Transportation
Monthly public transport pass
$220
Taxi (per km)
$2.00
Petrol (per litre)
$2.10
Utilities
Electricity, water, heating, cooling
$250
Internet
$75
Mobile plan
$40
Healthcare
Medicare
Free or subsidised for residents
Private GP visit
$70–$120
Private health insurance (single)
$150–$250/month
Entertainment & Leisure
Gym membership
$70/month
Cinema ticket
$20
Dining out (for two)
$80–$120
Childcare & Education
Childcare (preschool, per month)
$1,600–$2,000
International schools (per year)
$15,000–$30,000
Universities (international fees, per year)
$25,000–$45,000
Total Estimated Monthly Cost
Single Person
~ $3,500/month
Family of Four
~ $7,000–$8,000/month
Comparison Note
Sydney is about 30–40% more expensive than the national Australian average, mainly due to high rent and dining costs.
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Sydney Living Cost Snapshot
A quick comparison of typical monthly rent for a 1-bed flat in major Sydney areas.
Sydney CBD & Inner East
$3,200+
Very High Cost
Bondi & Eastern Suburbs
$2,800+
Very High Cost
Lower North Shore
$2,600+
High Cost
Manly & Northern Beaches
$2,400+
High Cost
Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville)
$2,300+
Medium-High Cost
Chatswood & Upper North Shore
$2,200+
Medium-High Cost
Parramatta & Western Sydney
$1,900+
Medium Cost
Sutherland Shire (Cronulla)
$1,800+
Medium-Low Cost
Note: Costs are estimates in AUD ($) and for illustrative purposes only.