Sydney, Australia
Cost of living · 2026 · Oceania · Rent +2.8% vs 2025
Rent trend in Sydney (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Sydney (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Sydney
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Australia (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Sydney |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 3,100 | AUD 663 | AUD 225 | AUD 278 | — |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,818 | AUD 583 | AUD 123 | AUD 225 | -41.4% |
| Brisbane | AUD 2,245 | AUD 599 | AUD 198 | AUD 235 | -27.6% |
| Canberra | AUD 2,138 | AUD 599 | AUD 80 | AUD 235 | -31% |
| Gold Coast | AUD 2,031 | AUD 593 | AUD 75 | AUD 230 | -34.5% |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,566 | AUD 615 | AUD 176 | AUD 246 | -17.2% |
| Perth | AUD 2,085 | AUD 588 | AUD 171 | AUD 230 | -32.8% |
Other Oceania cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Sydney in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Sydney needs approximately AUD 4,488/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AUD 8,147/month. Sydney is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Sydney in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Sydney costs approximately AUD 3,100/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AUD 5,346/month. Rent has changed +2.8% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Sydney?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Sydney are approximately AUD 663 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Sydney?
A monthly public transport pass in Sydney costs AUD 225 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Sydney?
Monthly utility costs in Sydney average AUD 278 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Sydney expensive to live in?
Sydney is located in Australia (Oceania). With a 1-bed rent of AUD 3,100/month and total single-person expenses around AUD 4,488/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Sydney?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Sydney costs approximately AUD 28 in 2026. Budget around AUD 222/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Sydney changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Sydney from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 21.5% over this period (from AUD 2,552 in 2022 to AUD 3,100 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Sydney?
To live comfortably in Sydney in 2026, a single person needs approximately AUD 4,488/month. This covers rent (AUD 3,100), groceries (AUD 663), transport (AUD 225), utilities (AUD 278) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AUD 8,147/month.