Cost of Living: Sydney vs Canberra (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Sydney and Canberra, Australia.
The Verdict
Canberra is $5,720/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $10,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Sydney compared to Canberra.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Canberra | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $620 | $530 | Canberra |
| Rent (2br/week) | $850 | $680 | Canberra |
| Groceries/week | $135 | $130 | Canberra |
| Utilities/month | $280 | $270 | Canberra |
| Transport/month | $220 | $170 | Canberra |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $110 | Canberra |
| Petrol/litre | $2.05 | $1.95 | Canberra |
| Median house price | $1,420,000 | $1,000,000 | Canberra |
| Median unit price | $830,000 | $580,000 | Canberra |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 88 | Canberra |
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 Canberra saves you $5,720 per year compared to Sydney. That is $477/month or $110/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Canberra cheaper to live in?
Canberra is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $5,720 per year. Canberra has a cost of living index of 88 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Canberra?
You need to earn approximately $10,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Canberra.
Is rent cheaper in Sydney or Canberra?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $620/week in Sydney and $530/week in Canberra. Canberra is cheaper for rent by $90/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Sydney or Canberra?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $135 in Sydney and $130 in Canberra. Canberra is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Sydney or Canberra?
The median house price in Sydney is $1,420,000 compared to $1,000,000 in Canberra. Canberra has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.