Cost of Living in Sydney 2026
Full breakdown of living costs in Sydney, NSW — rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and property prices.
Quick Summary
Monthly cost (single, 1br)
$3,887
Annual cost
$46,640
Salary needed
$80,000
Cost index
100 (Syd = 100)
Full Cost Breakdown — Sydney 2026
| Expense | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br apartment) | $620 | $2,687 | $32,240 |
| Rent (2br apartment) | $850 | $3,683 | $44,200 |
| Groceries (single) | $135 | $585 | $7,020 |
| Utilities | $65 | $280 | $3,360 |
| Transport | $51 | $220 | $2,640 |
| Internet & Phone | $27 | $115 | $1,380 |
| Total (with 1br rent) | $897 | $3,887 | $46,640 |
Salary Needed to Live Comfortably in Sydney
Based on a single person renting a 1-bedroom apartment. Assumes ~30% effective tax rate at this income level. Use our take-home pay calculator for an exact after-tax breakdown.
Sydney vs National Average
| Category | Sydney | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $620 | $490 | +26.5% |
| Groceries/week | $135 | $123 | +9.8% |
| Utilities/month | $280 | $255 | +9.8% |
| Transport/month | $220 | $182 | +20.9% |
| Petrol/litre | $2.05 | $1.98 | +3.5% |
| Median house | $1,420,000 | $880,000 | +61.4% |
Property Prices in Sydney 2026
Median House Price
$1,420,000
Median Unit Price
$830,000
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Compare Sydney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Sydney in 2026?
The estimated cost of living in Sydney for a single person renting a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,886.67/month or $46,640/year, covering rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and internet/phone.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Sydney?
To live comfortably in Sydney in 2026, you need a gross salary of approximately $80,000 per year. This covers essential expenses plus a 20% buffer for discretionary spending and accounts for income tax.
Is Sydney expensive compared to other Australian cities?
Sydney has a cost of living index of 100 (Sydney = 100). It is one of the more expensive cities in Australia.
How much is rent in Sydney in 2026?
Average weekly rent in Sydney is $620 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $850 for a 2-bedroom apartment (2026 estimates).
What is the median house price in Sydney?
The median house price in Sydney is approximately $1,420,000, while the median unit price is $830,000 (2026 estimates).
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.