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Cost of Living in Sydney (2025) – Calculator Included
Sydney’s cost of living has always been a hot topic, and in 2025 it’s more relevant than ever. Hi, I’m Joaquin Trapero, the owner of North Removals. After over twenty years in the moving industry, I’ve seen first-hand how the cost of living in Sydney shapes people’s decisions to move, stay, or adjust their lifestyles. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to help you navigate Sydney’s expenses confidently.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from housing and rent to groceries, transport, and entertainment in Sydney. My aim is to keep it conversational and practical, sharing insights I’ve gained from helping countless families and individuals move interstate in Sydney. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the cost of living in Sydney – and some expert tips to prepare for your move and make it more manageable.
Sydney Living Cost: Table of Content
» Average Salaries in Sydney (2025)
» Sydney Rent Expenses : Breaking Down Housing Costs
» How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Sydney?
» Sydney Suburbs : Rental Costs and Crime Rates
» Tips to Lower Rent in Sydney
» Basic Product Prices in Sydney : A Living Cost Guide
» Sydney Entertainment Costs : Your Complete Overview
» Sydney Gym Costs: Membership Options Explained
» Cost of Living in Sydney vs. Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane
» Cost of Living in Sydney: FAQs
» Cost of Living in Sydney: Final Recap by North Removals
Sydney Monthly Living Cost Calculator
The biggest and most developed city in Australia, which has expensive living costs, also provides salaries that match those costs effectively. Professionals and international students find Sydney appealing because its diverse economy includes technology, healthcare, education, and tourism sectors.
Living expenses in this city remain high, but residents benefit from exceptional life quality through its top-notch facilities, dynamic cultural offerings, and beautiful natural surroundings. This section presents salary statistics and local cost data about Sydney to assist future residents in their financial planning.
Average Salaries in Sydney (2025)
The Sydney labour market shows strong demand for skilled personnel who work in technology, healthcare, and finance sectors. The Sydney salary structure is influenced by three main factors: work experience, specialisation, and market conditions. The following table shows standard wages across different sectors within Sydney.
Common Salaries by Sector
| Sector | Monthly Salary (AUD) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | $8,000 – $12,000 | Developers, IT engineers |
| Healthcare | $6,000 – $10,000 | Nurses, general practitioners |
| Manufacturing | $5,500 – $8,000 | Industrial technicians, factory workers |
| Services | $4,500 – $7,000 | Sales staff, administrative roles |
| Finance | $7,000 – $12,000 | Financial analysts, investment managers |
| Education | $5,000–$9,000 | Teachers, university professors |
| Construction | $6,500 – $10,000 | Civil engineers, site supervisors |
Sydney Rent Expenses: Breaking Down Housing Costs
In Sydney, the cost of living is significantly high, and rent is one of the most important expenses for residents. The amount of money people spend on rent varies widely according to their professional field and earnings. To better plan your move, you might find our Interstate Moving Cost Calculator helpful. Below are some examples of how rent expenses affect different professions in Sydney:
| Profession | Monthly Salary | Monthly Rent | % of Salary on Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Worker | $5,600 (40h/week at $35/hour) | $3,350 ($775/week) | 60% |
| Traffic Controller | $5,200 (40h/week at $32.5/hour) | $3,350 ($775/week) | 64% |
| Waiter | $4,800 (40h/week at $30/hour) | $3,350 ($775/week) | 70% |
| Nurse | $6,400 (40h/week at $40/hour) | $3,350 ($775/week) | 52% |
| Mining Engineer | $12,000 (120k/year / 12 months) | $3,900 ($950/week) | 33% |
| Engineering Manager | $12,500 (133k/year / 12 months) | $3,900 ($950/week) | 31% |
How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Sydney?
The housing market of Sydney operates as one of the most demanding and costly worldwide. Sydney provides its residents with premium lifestyle quality, first-rate service accessibility, and a variety of appealing employment options alongside an active cultural environment. The high living expenses in Sydney become more manageable when you grasp monthly costs so you can maximise your time in the city. The estimated costs for living in Sydney are as follows:
| Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 3 | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $2,500–$3,900 | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,500–$7,000 | $5,500–$8,000 |
| Groceries | $400–$600 | $800–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| Entertainment | $400–$800 | $800–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| Transportation | $150–$250 | $250–$350 | $350–$450 | $450–$550 |
| Utilities | $350–$500 | $450–$600 | $550–$700 | $650–$800 |
Sydney Living Cost for a Single Person
Living in Sydney as a single person is exciting, but also expensive. Rent can cost between $2,500–$3,900 per month. Groceries cost around $400–$600 monthly, and public transportation is efficient, at $150–$250 per month. Utilities add another $350–$500 monthly. Entertainment expenses range from $400–$800 each month. Visit our guide of how to prepare for your first move if you are moving anytime soon!
Sydney Living Cost for a Couple
For a couple, the cost of living in Sydney is manageable, thanks to high salaries. Rent ranges from $3,500–$5,500 per month. Groceries cost between $800–$1,200 monthly. Public transportation is a good option, at $250–$350 per month for both. Utilities cost between $450–$600 monthly. Entertainment for couples can vary between $800–$1,200 per month.
Sydney Living Cost for a Family of Three
The expenses required to support a family of three are considerable. Monthly rental prices in Australia range from $4,500–$7,000. Spending on household groceries ranges from $1,200–$1,800 per month, while monthly spending on public transport ranges from $350–$450, and monthly spending on utilities ranges from $550–$700.
Sydney Living Cost for a Family of Four
For a family of four, the cost of living is one of the highest. Rent ranges from $5,500–$8,000 per month. Groceries cost between $1,600–$2,400 monthly. Public transportation is a good option, at $450–$550 per month. Utilities cost between $650–$800 monthly. Family entertainment can vary between $1,600–$2,400 per month.
Sydney Suburbs: Rental Costs and Crime Rates
The suburbs of Sydney combine affordable housing opportunities with secure environments and a pleasant way of life. This list presents the 10 most densely populated suburbs while showing their verified rental rates together with crime rates.
And if you want to learn more about the worst suburbs in Sydney, read our blog!
| Suburb | Rent (AUD/week) | Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Penrith | $450–$600 | 8,328 (Vandalism, Petty Theft) |
| Blacktown | $460–$650 | 12,912 (Car Break-ins, Assaults) |
| Liverpool | $500–$700 | 5,100 (Vehicle Break-ins, Assaults) |
| Ashfield | $500–$700 | 500 (Petty Theft, Vandalism) |
| Parramatta | $550–$750 | 1,125 (Petty Theft, Vandalism) |
| Marrickville | $600–$900 | 400 (Vandalism, Petty Theft) |
| Sydney CBD | $650–$950 | 2950 (Theft, Assaults, Riots) |
| Strathfield | $650–$850 | 1086 (Vehicle Break-ins, Vandalism) |
| Hunter's Hill | $850–$1200 | 455 (Petty Theft) |
| Mosman | $800–$1500 | 613 (Petty Theft, Vandalism) |
Tips to Lower Rent in Sydney
Strategic planning makes it possible to maintain a high quality of life in Sydney while controlling costs. Consider affordable suburbs like Parramatta or Liverpool, and make your relocation easier by checking out our Canberra to Sydney Removalists service for a seamless move.
The following practical advice will help you lower your monthly expenses in Sydney.
- Opt for accessible suburbs: Residents should choose neighbourhoods in Parramatta, Liverpool and Bankstown to access affordable housing expenses because these locations provide better access to transport services and shopping facilities and educational institutions. The rental rates in these suburbs start at $450/week and extend up to $650/week but CBD prices range from $700 to $1,000/week.
- Share housing: Students and young professionals along with those seeking cost savings can divide housing expenses with roommates to pay $300–$500 per month.
- Shop smart: The cost of groceries decreases when people shop at local markets including Paddy’s Markets and Flemington Markets because fresh produce has lower prices than supermarkets.
Basic Product Prices in Sydney: A Living Cost Guide
The prices in Sydney represent both the elevated living costs and the superior quality of things as well as services which are available. The following guide presents vital prices for daily budgeting purposes:
- Pint of Beer: $9–$14 for domestic, while imported pints start at $12 and can reach $17.
- Coca-Cola: Restaurants and bars charge $4.50–$6.
- Bread: Fresh bread costs $4.50–$6.
- Restaurant Meal: $30–$60 per person at a mid-range restaurant. A light café meal is $20–$35.
- Coffee: $4–$7, though some options are around $4.50.
- Bottled Water: 600 ml bottles range $3–$4.50 at Woolworths.
- Pizza: $28–$50, depending on size and toppings.
- Sushi: $5–$8 per roll, depending on quality and location.
- Wine: Mid-range bottles cost $20–$50, with entry-level starting at $16 in supermarkets.
Sydney Entertainment Costs: Your Complete Overview
Entertainment prices in Sydney vary according to personal choices, but there are options for all budgets. A dinner out followed by an event typically ranges from $100–$300, depending on individual preferences.
- Dining at Restaurants: $25–$50 for a main course at mid-range eateries.
- Live Events: Tickets at the Sydney Entertainment Centre begin at $50 and can exceed $250 for international artists.
- Cinema: Movie theatre tickets are $20–$25 each.
- Cocktails and Drinks: Trendy bars charge $20–$25 for cocktails, and domestic beer prices range $9–$14.
Sydney Gym Costs: Membership Options Explained
Gym membership costs in Sydney depend on the features and services provided. Basic gym access (24-hour facilities and essential equipment) ranges between $10–$20 per week.
Users can access group classes and pools starting from $20–$35 weekly. Premium gyms that include saunas and personalised training can exceed $50 each week. Pricing also depends on location, as CBD gyms often charge more than suburban ones.
The right gym choice depends on your needs and budget. Basic plans offer essential memberships, while higher tiers include more services. Finding the perfect fit often involves comparing prices and taking advantage of trial periods.
Factors Influencing Sydney Gym Membership Prices in Sydney
- Location: The CBD or central locations of gyms require higher expenses because rental and operational costs are elevated. The cost of gyms remains lower in suburban locations.
- Services: Gyms that provide swimming pools in combination with saunas along with group fitness classes or personal training services typically charge elevated membership fees. The basic gym membership options that provide essential equipment within 24-hour access come with lower prices.
- Membership type: The price of annual memberships tends to be lower than flexible or no-commitment memberships and results in a 20–30% extra expense.
Cost of Living in Sydney vs. Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane
Individuals planning to move from Melbourne to Sydney or other Australian cities like Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane need to understand how rental costs, food expenses, transportation, and utility bills differ before making a budget.
| Category | Sydney | Adelaide | Melbourne | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $3,300/month | $2,500/month | $2,600/month | $2,800/month |
| Utilities | $300/month | $272/month | $250/month | $206/month |
| Food | $500/month | $400/month | $450/month | $420/month |
| Transportation | $200/month | $130/month | $180/month | $180/month |
Sydney Living Cost FAQs
Cost of Living in Sydney Recap: North Removals Keeps Your Interstate Move on Track
After exploring Sydney’s living expenses in detail, one thing is clear: this city’s costs add up quickly. Housing will likely be your biggest expense, followed by essentials like transport, food, and utilities. On the bright side, Sydney’s higher salaries and amazing opportunities can help offset the costs, and many people find the lifestyle worth the price. With careful budgeting and comparing, moving to Sydney can still be an exciting adventure.
For example, one of my recent clients was a young family relocating to Sydney. They were anxious about the high expenses, so we strategised by choosing an affordable suburb, downsizing their load, and estimating the right amount of boxes using our packing calculator. They settled in happily, enjoying the city within their means. It was incredibly rewarding to see, and it proved that with the right planning, Sydney’s cost-of-living challenges can be overcome.
If you’re thinking about a move, remember you don’t have to do it alone. At North Removals, we’ve helped countless people start new chapters in Sydney, and we’d be delighted to help you too. Whether you’re moving from Adelaide to Sydney or any other location, feel free to reach out anytime. When you’re ready, contact the best rated removalists company in Australia – let’s make your next move your best move yet!