Cost of Living: Sydney vs Newcastle (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Sydney and Newcastle, Australia.
The Verdict
Newcastle is $10,640/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $18,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Sydney compared to Newcastle.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Newcastle | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $620 | $450 | Newcastle |
| Rent (2br/week) | $850 | $580 | Newcastle |
| Groceries/week | $135 | $120 | Newcastle |
| Utilities/month | $280 | $250 | Newcastle |
| Transport/month | $220 | $175 | Newcastle |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Newcastle |
| Petrol/litre | $2.05 | $1.98 | Newcastle |
| Median house price | $1,420,000 | $850,000 | Newcastle |
| Median unit price | $830,000 | $620,000 | Newcastle |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 82 | Newcastle |
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 Newcastle saves you $10,640 per year compared to Sydney. That is $887/month or $205/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Newcastle cheaper to live in?
Newcastle is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $10,640 per year. Newcastle has a cost of living index of 82 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Newcastle?
You need to earn approximately $18,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Newcastle.
Is rent cheaper in Sydney or Newcastle?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $620/week in Sydney and $450/week in Newcastle. Newcastle is cheaper for rent by $170/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Sydney or Newcastle?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $135 in Sydney and $120 in Newcastle. Newcastle is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Sydney or Newcastle?
The median house price in Sydney is $1,420,000 compared to $850,000 in Newcastle. Newcastle has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.