🇦🇺 Sydney vs 🇨🇦 Vancouver

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇺

Sydney

Australia

$2,831–$4,482/mo

A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Vancouver

Canada

$2,769–$4,385/mo

C$3,846 – C$6,090 / month (local)

Sydney is 2% more expensive

Vancouver wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategorySydney (USD)Vancouver (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,123–$3,303$2,077–$3,231🟢 Vancouver
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,121–$1,769$1,096–$1,731🟢 Vancouver
Utilities$88–$171$87–$167🟢 Vancouver
Groceries$448–$672$438–$658🟢 Vancouver
Eating out (mid-range meal)$59–$106$58–$104🟢 Vancouver
Public transport (monthly)$112–$136$110–$133🟢 Vancouver
Internet & Mobile$35–$59$35–$58🟢 Vancouver
Gym membership$41–$77$40–$75🟢 Vancouver
Cinema ticket$17–$21$16–$21🟢 Vancouver
Monthly total (single)$2,831–$4,482$2,769–$4,385🟢 Vancouver

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 · 4.7 / 10
Sydney
Vancouver▲ better
Safety8.4 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Sydney
Vancouver▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Sydney▲ better
Vancouver
Education8.0 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Sydney▲ better
Vancouver
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Sydney▲ better
Vancouver
Economy7.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Sydney
Vancouver▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Sydney
Vancouver▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Sydney
Vancouver▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Sydney if…

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

Choose Vancouver if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Sydney
  • ✓Nature
  • ✓Mild climate
  • ✓Quality of life
  • ✓Outdoor lifestyle

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Full Sydney guide

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Full Vancouver guide

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Explore Vancouver →