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Melbourne vs Sydney: cost of living

Compare published cost figures for Melbourne, VIC and Sydney, NSW.

At least one place is missing published figures for essential expenses.

Australia

Melbourne

A$3,990monthly reference subtotal

Reference periods: 2021 Census, July 2015–June 2016.

Missing essentials: Utilities, Groceries, Internet and mobile.

Existing tenancies A$1,694 per month · 2021 Census · Local

Median household income A$8,259 per month · 2021 Census

Sources for Melbourne →

Australia

Sydney

A$4,459monthly reference subtotal

Reference periods: 2021 Census, July 2015–June 2016.

Missing essentials: Utilities, Groceries, Internet and mobile.

Existing tenancies A$2,058 per month · 2021 Census · Local

Median household income A$9,195 per month · 2021 Census

Sources for Sydney →

Published monthly costs side by side

Category Melbourne Sydney Difference
Rent
A$1,694 Local · 2021 Census · Existing tenancies
A$2,058 Local · 2021 Census · Existing tenancies
Melbourne 18% lower
Utilities
No published figure
No published figure
Not comparable
Groceries
No published figure
No published figure
Not comparable
Transport
A$946 State / province · July 2015–June 2016 Includes vehicle purchases
A$944 State / province · July 2015–June 2016 Includes vehicle purchases
Wider-area figures shown for context
Fuel
Included in transport
Included in transport
Not comparable
Internet and mobile
No published figure
No published figure
Not comparable
Healthcare and insurance
A$340 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
A$378 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
Wider-area figures shown for context
Childcare
A$64 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
A$99 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
Wider-area figures shown for context
Education
A$214 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
A$193 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
Wider-area figures shown for context
Leisure
A$731 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
A$786 State / province · July 2015–June 2016
Wider-area figures shown for context
Reference subtotal
A$3,990
A$4,459
Not comparable

Subtotals add the available figures for each place. National or regional figures may be used where city data is limited. Use the reference periods and areas to decide how relevant the figures are to your move.

Common questions about Melbourne and Sydney

Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?
Compare published cost figures for Melbourne, VIC and Sydney, NSW. At least one place is missing published figures for essential expenses.
MelbourneSydney