What is the cost of living in Sydney?

The cost of living in Sydney is 32.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 67.1). Groceries are 9.3% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 23.8% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately AUD 3,635 per month. Local purchasing power index is 111.3 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Australia?

In Australia, a gross salary of AUD 80,841 per year results in approximately AUD 5,398 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 19.9%). Use our Australia tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇦🇺 Australia · #33 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Sydney?

Q: Should I move to Sydney?

Sydney, Australia has a cost of living 32.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 67.1). It is ranked #33 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 111.3 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Australia earning AUD 80,841 gross take home approximately AUD 5,398/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

32.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-32.9%

vs NYC

AUD 3,635

1-BR, city centre

AUD 5,398

Net take-home

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Sydney?

Example: AUD 80,841 gross/year in Australia → AUD 5,398/month net after tax (19.9% effective rate). Full Australia tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Sydney

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

67.1 Very expensive

Rent

56.4 Moderate

Groceries

90.7 Above average

Restaurants

76.2 Above average

Purchasing Power

111.3 Strong

Rent in Sydney

1-BR, city centre AUD 3,635/mo

1-BR, outside centre AUD 2,505/mo

3-BR, city centre AUD 7,142/mo

3-BR, outside centre AUD 4,364/mo

Save by going outside centre 31% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Australia take-home pay

AUD 80,841 → AUD 5,398/Net take-home (19.9% effective rate, single filer)

Full Australia tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇦🇺 Melbourne

Australia

CoL index 61.2

Compare Melbourne vs Sydney →

🇦🇺 Gold Coast

Australia

CoL index 60.4

Compare Gold Coast vs Sydney →

🇦🇺 Perth

Australia

CoL index 59.1

Compare Perth vs Sydney →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Sydney after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

Relocation Toolkit

Trusted services for your move

Health insurance for living abroad

Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing: medical cover designed for people working and living outside their home country. Flexible monthly subscription, cancel any time.

Get covered with SafetyWing

Secure your connection in your new city

NordVPN keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi, lets you access content from home, and is a must-have for remote workers abroad.

Get NordVPN

We may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.