Sydney
Melbourne

Sydney

Australia
VS

Melbourne

Australia
Estimated average living costs are ~8% lower in Melbourne

Sydney

$3,350

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,310,000

Safety

65/100

Quality

76/100

Cost
80
Safety
65
Life
76

Melbourne

$3,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,080,000

Safety

63/100

Quality

75/100

Cost
75
Safety
63
Life
75

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~8% lower in Melbourne

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Sydney

$3,350

estimated per month

Melbourne

$3,100

estimated per month

Difference

-7.5%

Monthly savings

$250

Yearly savings

$3,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Sydney
Melbourne
07
Housing-15.2%
$2,463
$2,088
Food & Groceries-5.5%
$14
$13
Transportation-14.8%
$28
$24
Utilities-6.0%
$88
$83
Healthcare-8.3%
$68
$63
Entertainment-7.6%
$22
$20
Clothing-5.0%
$80
$76

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$69,403

-$5,597/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,100.00$1,750.00
-16.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,550.00$1,300.00
-16.1%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,600.00$3,100.00
-13.9%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,600.00$2,200.00
-15.4%
ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00$17.00
-5.6%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$85.00$80.00
-5.9%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$10.00
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.80$1.70
-5.6%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.80$2.60
-7.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.30
-8.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.80$4.50
-6.2%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$10.50$10.00
-4.8%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.80$2.60
-7.1%
ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$130.00$110.00
-15.4%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.20$3.00
-6.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.10$1.90
-9.5%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.35
-3.6%
ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$175.00$165.00
-5.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$35.00$32.00
-8.6%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$55.00$52.00
-5.5%
ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$55.00$50.00
-9.1%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$130.00$120.00
-7.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$20.00$18.00
-10.0%
ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$60.00$55.00
-8.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$16.00$15.00
-6.2%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.00
-4.8%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$8.00$7.50
-6.2%
ItemSydneyMelbourneDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$80.00$75.00
-6.2%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$50.00$48.00
-4.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$110.00$105.00
-4.5%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.