🇦🇺 Melbourne vs 🇦🇺 Sydney

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇺

Melbourne

Australia

$2,646–$4,190/mo

A$4,071 – A$6,446 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Sydney

Australia

$2,831–$4,482/mo

A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)

Sydney is 7% more expensive

Melbourne wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMelbourne (USD)Sydney (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,985–$3,087$2,123–$3,303🟢 Melbourne
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,047–$1,654$1,121–$1,769🟢 Melbourne
Utilities$83–$160$88–$171🟢 Melbourne
Groceries$419–$628$448–$672🟢 Melbourne
Eating out (mid-range meal)$55–$99$59–$106🟢 Melbourne
Public transport (monthly)$105–$127$112–$136🟢 Melbourne
Internet & Mobile$33–$55$35–$59🟢 Melbourne
Gym membership$39–$72$41–$77🟢 Melbourne
Cinema ticket$15–$20$17–$21🟢 Melbourne
Monthly total (single)$2,646–$4,190$2,831–$4,482🟢 Melbourne

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing3.5 / 10 · 3.5 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Melbourne▲ better
Sydney
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Melbourne
Sydney▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Melbourne if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Sydney
  • ✓Coffee
  • ✓Sports
  • ✓Arts
  • ✓Creative

Choose Sydney if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Sydney offers vs Melbourne
  • ✓Harbor
  • ✓Beaches
  • ✓Jobs
  • ✓Finance

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Full Melbourne guide

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Full Sydney guide

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Explore Sydney →