Sydney is the most expensive of Australia's 8 priced cities — $2,738 a month in essentials, 22% above Brisbane at $2,245. The average net salary of $4,218 covers that 1.5×. 105.1 men per 100 women aged 20–39, measured at SA3 (statistical area) level.
Monthly cost breakdown
Rent outside centre plus utilities, groceries, dining and local transport make up the essentials figure. Not a full lifestyle budget.
| Item | Monthly USD |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed outside centre | $1,705 |
| Rent, 1-bed city centre | $2,484 |
| Groceries | $196 |
| Dining out | $406 |
| Utilities | $278 |
| Local transport | $153 |
| Essentials / mo | $2,738 |
| Avg net salary | $4,218 |
| Rent, 3-bed outside centre | $2,932 |
| Rent, 3-bed city centre | $4,950 |
Single person, USD. Data updated July 29, 2026.
Everyday prices
What single items cost in Sydney, in USD. The monthly figures above are built from these.
Eating out
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $17.56 |
| Meal for 2, mid-range, three courses | $95.20 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11.24 |
| Cappuccino, regular | $3.92 |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 L draught | $7.02 |
| Imported beer, 0.33 L bottle | $7.02 |
| Coke/Pepsi, 0.33 L | $2.65 |
| Water, 0.33 L bottle | $2.14 |
Groceries
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1 L | $1.81 |
| White bread, 500 g | $2.56 |
| White rice, 1 kg | $2.32 |
| Eggs, 12 | $5.49 |
| Local cheese, 1 kg | $12.09 |
| Chicken fillets, 1 kg | $9.61 |
| Apples, 1 kg | $3.63 |
| Bananas, 1 kg | $3.04 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | $4.75 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | $2.94 |
| Onions, 1 kg | $2.49 |
| Water, 1.5 L bottle | $1.21 |
Transport & bills
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| One-way ticket, local transport | $3.93 |
| Monthly transit pass | $152.71 |
| Taxi start | $3.51 |
| Taxi, 1 km | $1.61 |
| Gasoline, 1 L | $1.34 |
| Basic utilities, 85 m² flat | $221.56 |
| Internet, 60 Mbps+ | $56.48 |
| Mobile plan, monthly | $24.00 |
Leisure
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| Gym, monthly | $73.06 |
| Cinema, one seat | $17.56 |
Dating-age sex ratio
Sydney has 105.1 men per 100 women aged 20–39 (SA3 (statistical area) level). That is the 2nd-highest of 11 Australia cities we track. Australia's national figure is 102.1, so Sydney runs 3 above the country as a whole.
A supply figure, 20–39. The dating-pool model is in Pro.
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