Home › Compare

Melbourne vs Sydney

Australia vs Australia · 714 km apart

Melbourne

Australia

$2,175 ($1,431)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Sydney

Australia

$2,213 ($1,456)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

Expense	Melbourne	Sydney	Cheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	$12.48	$12.68	Melbourne
Three-course meal for two, mid-range	$49.92	$50.70	Melbourne
Cappuccino	$3.74	$3.80	Melbourne
Monthly groceries (single person)	$283	$287	Melbourne
Monthly public transport pass	$45.76	$46.48	Melbourne
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment	$121	$123	Melbourne
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)	$34.94	$35.49	Melbourne
Fitness club membership	$34.94	$35.49	Melbourne
Cinema ticket	$9.15	$9.30	Melbourne
One-bedroom apartment in city centre	$861	$878	Melbourne
One-bedroom apartment outside centre	$599	$611	Melbourne
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre	$1,797	$1,832	Melbourne
Total single-person budget	$1,431	$1,456	Melbourne
Average net salary	$4,352	$4,420

Verdict

Melbourne is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Melbourne runs about $1,431 versus $1,456 in Sydney — a difference of roughly 2%.

Salary-adjusted, Sydney leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Melbourne · Full cost of living in Sydney

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?

Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,431 per month in Melbourne versus $1,456 in Sydney — about 2% less.

How far is Melbourne from Sydney?

The straight-line distance between Melbourne and Sydney is approximately 714 km (443 miles).

Which city has better salaries, Melbourne or Sydney?

The estimated average net salary is $4,352 in Melbourne and $4,420 in Sydney. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,921 in Melbourne versus $2,964 in Sydney per month.