Cost of Living: Geelong vs Sydney (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Geelong and Sydney, Australia.
The Verdict
Geelong is $13,620/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $23,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Geelong compared to Sydney.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Geelong | Sydney | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $400 | $620 | Geelong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $510 | $850 | Geelong |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $135 | Geelong |
| Utilities/month | $245 | $280 | Geelong |
| Transport/month | $170 | $220 | Geelong |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $115 | Geelong |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $2.05 | Geelong |
| Median house price | $750,000 | $1,420,000 | Geelong |
| Median unit price | $520,000 | $830,000 | Geelong |
| Cost of living index | 78 | 100 | Geelong |
How Much More Do You Need to Earn?
Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.
Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category
Net Difference in Annual Costs
Living in Geelong saves you $13,620 per year compared to Sydney. That is $1,135/month or $262/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Geelong or Sydney cheaper to live in?
Geelong is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $13,620 per year. Geelong has a cost of living index of 78 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Geelong?
You need to earn approximately $23,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Geelong.
Is rent cheaper in Geelong or Sydney?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $400/week in Geelong and $620/week in Sydney. Geelong is cheaper for rent by $220/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Geelong or Sydney?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Geelong and $135 in Sydney. Geelong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Geelong or Sydney?
The median house price in Geelong is $750,000 compared to $1,420,000 in Sydney. Geelong has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.