Living in Sydney costs money. A lot of it. If you’re thinking about moving here or already living in the city, you should know where your money goes. Sydney looks good on postcards, but behind the beaches and skyline is a real price tag. This guide breaks down the cost of living in Sydney:
Rent and Housing
Rent is the big one. It always is. The average rent in Sydney Australia is now around $750 a week for a house. That’s about $3,000 a month. If you’re renting a unit, it’s not much better — expect to pay $700 a week on average.
The suburb you pick will change this. Inner-city spots cost more. Go further out, and prices drop a bit, but then transport becomes a factor.
Buying? The average cost of a house in Sydney is above $1.3 million. If you’re looking to buy, you’re either saving hard or borrowing big. Houses in Sydney Australia aren’t cheap, and they probably won’t be anytime soon.
Electricity and Utilities
Power bills in Sydney aren’t small. The average electricity bill in Sydney is around $590 a quarter. That’s nearly $200 a month, just for electricity. Add gas, water, and waste, and you’re looking at $250 to $300 per month for a standard home.
This is one of those things you can actually control. CheapBills helps you compare providers for better deals. You get the same power for less money. If you’re not comparing electricity rates in Sydney, you’re probably paying too much.
The cost of electricity in Sydney can vary based on your provider and how much energy you use, but switching plans can take a real load off your budget.
Food and Groceries
Groceries cost about the same here as in other cities. A solo person can expect to spend $500 to $600 a month. If you have a family, that doubles or triples.
Eating out? That’s where it adds up. Lunch at a café is $20 easy. A basic dinner for two? Closer to $60 – $80. Do that a few times a week, and your cost of life in Sydney starts looking a lot heavier.
Internet and Phone
Internet plans are around $70 a month for a decent speed. Mobile plans range from $30 for prepaid basics to $60 or more for full data and calls. Don’t forget about these — they’re often left out of budget plans.
CheapBills can help here too. You can compare internet plans and mobile deals based on where you live in Sydney.
Transport
Public transport works well in Sydney, but it’s not free. A monthly Opal pass for most zones is about $160. Ferries cost more. If you drive, you’ll be spending more on petrol, tolls, parking, and rego.
Parking in the city? It can cost $40 a day or more. Living further out might save you rent, but it’ll cost more in fuel and time.
Healthcare
If you’ve got Medicare, most doctor visits are covered. But private health insurance is still common. Basic hospital cover is around $100 a month. Add extras and that figure grows. If you don’t have insurance, expect to pay $80 to $100 for a GP visit unless they bulk bill.
Childcare and School
Childcare is pricey. Expect to pay $120 to $150 a day without subsidies. That’s a big hit if both parents work full‑time.
Public schools are free, but you’ll still pay a few thousand a year in fees, uniforms, and other costs. Private schools? $10,000 to $30,000 a year, easily.
If you’ve got kids, your living expenses in Sydney go up fast.
Entertainment and Daily Life
Going to the movies costs $20. A beer at the pub is around $11. A haircut can be $60 depending on where you go.
Streaming services, gym memberships, weekend stuff — all these sit quietly in your budget and slowly stack up.
Average Monthly Cost in Sydney (Solo)
Let’s say you live in a one‑bedroom apartment and don’t overspend:
- Rent: $3,000
- Utilities (power, gas, water): $250
- Internet and mobile: $90
- Groceries: $550
- Transport: $160
- Healthcare and insurance: $100
- Everything else (gym, food out, extras): $400
- Total: About $4,550/month
Change any one of those — more housemates, more eating out, longer commute — and it shifts fast.
Sydney vs Other Cities
The Australia Sydney cost of living is higher than Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth. Even Melbourne, which isn’t cheap, often comes in below Sydney on rent and housing.
But Sydney gives you the beaches, the harbour, the weather. You’re paying for the lifestyle. The trick is keeping it from eating your entire pay.
Cut Down Expenses in Sydney
The cost to live in Sydney Australia is real. Rent hits hard. Power bills stack up. Groceries and transport chip away at what’s left. But you’ve got tools to manage it.
Start with your utilities. Compare energy plans, compare gas, and compare internet plans. Don’t just let bills sit there — CheapBills helps you switch and save without the hassle from our panel of providers. Same services and smaller bills.
Whether you’re just arriving or already here, the Sydney Australia living cost is something you can’t ignore. However, by shopping around you can cut down on expenses significantly.
