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Sydney vs Melbourne

Australia vs Australia · 714 km apart

Sydney

Australia

$2,213 ($1,456)

single / month

Melbourne

Australia

$2,175 ($1,431)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

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

Verdict

Melbourne is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Sydney runs about $1,456 versus $1,431 in Melbourne — 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 Sydney · Full cost of living in Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sydney cheaper than Melbourne?

No. Sydney costs an estimated $1,456 per month for a single person, about 2% more than Melbourne at $1,431.

How far is Sydney from Melbourne?

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

Which city has better salaries, Sydney or Melbourne?

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