I spent two years living in Sydney, and loved every minute of it.
From catching the ferry to work every day, to discovering hidden bars and restaurants. My weekends were filled with coastal walks, day trips to the Blue Mountains, beach days and festivals.
But after a few years, the novelty wore off. I wanted less traffic, more living space, and a slower pace of life.
That’s when Gary and I decided to pack our bags and move north to sunny Queensland.
But I still visit Sydney often, and after every trip, I consider moving back.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about living in Sydney (and the reasons I don’t see myself moving back).
What it’s like living in Sydney
Sydney was my first taste of Australia as an expat. And I loved it!
The city is impressive on so many fronts. The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are just the start.
The Asian food scene is out of this world, the parks are stunning, and the public transport is fantastic (compared to South Africa, where I’m from).
There’s just so much that makes this city shine.
For someone who loves exploring new cultures, cuisine, and attractions, I was in my element.
Cost of living in Sydney
Here’s the part everyone wants to know about: the cost of living.
Sydney consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Salaries are higher here than elsewhere in Australia, but so are everyday expenses — especially housing.
There are also lots of job opportunities in Sydney, which gives you more flexibility in finding roles that offer better pay and benefits.
Here’s a breakdown with costs for 2025
Salaries | The average annual salary is around $ 84,000 AUD. If you’re coming over as a single person, you’ll get by on this. But if you’re relocating with a family, you’ll need dual incomes. Even then, it will be tight (especially without the benefits of PR).
Rental | In high-demand areas like the CBD, Northern Beaches (Manly, Freshwater), and Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee), expect to pay at least $900/week for a one-bedroom and $1,200/week for a two-bedroom. Move further out, and you can find a one-bedroom for $600/week and a two-bedroom for $800/week.
Groceries | A weekly grocery shop can cost $100 for a single person, but this is dependent on your spending habits. You can easily spend $300 per week on a 2-person grocery shop. Aldi is the cheapest, followed by Coles and Woolworths.
Eating out | One of my biggest expenses when living in Sydney was eating out. The food scene is addictive but expensive. A simple brunch can set you back $28 for avo toast. While dinner with drinks can easily hit $100 per person.
Transport | The ferry was my daily commute – $20 return. Trains, buses, and light rail are cheaper, but add up quickly.
The pros of living in Sydney
Now that you’ve got your head wrapped around how much it will cost to live in Sydney, let’s look at all the pros.
The beaches | I lived in Manly on the Northern Beaches, and I loved it here. Freshwater, Curl Curl, and Palm Beach are my other favourites. The southern beaches have a very different vibe, but they’re equally as beautiful. We walked from Coogee to Bondi and discovered so many gems along the way. Bondi is overrated, btw!
The food scene | From fine dining to hole-in-the-wall dumpling spots, Sydney delivers. Ramen, Yum Cha, Korean BBQ’s, Laksa – my mouth is watering! It can get expensive, but you’ll also find cheap eats, especially in the CBD.
The energy | There’s an energy and vibe in Sydney that I can’t explain. It’s always buzzing, especially in summer.
The Sydney Harbour | I’m not usually one to harp on about “touristy” things (as I prefer hidden gems), but the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are way better in person. The entire area around Circular Quay is stunning, including The Rocks and Botanical Gardens.
Things to do | There is always something exciting happening in Sydney, whether it’s live events or outdoor markets, you will never get bored. Plus there are so many places to visit nearby (like the Hunter Valley wine region).
Living in Sydney with kids
If you’re moving to Sydney with your family, this part is for you.
Gary and I lived in Sydney before we were married and before we had kids. So we made the most of the city’s nightlife, beaches, and restaurants.
Fast forward to now: we have a toddler and another baby on the way. That changes things!
If you’re coming over with Permanent Residency, you’ll have access to various benefits, including childcare subsidy and Medicare. If not, both of these can be a huge additional expense, especially if you have kids under 5 years old.
If you’re moving to Sydney with a family, here are a few things to consider.
Childcare fees | Without subsidies (which you only get with permanent residency), daycare costs are $160–$200 per day, per child.
Housing | For a three-bedroom apartment near the CBD, expect to pay $1,800 per week. A three-bedroom house? $2,200+. Move further out, and you’ll find options from $900–$1,500, but commutes can be long.
Family-Friendly Suburbs | Suburbs further inland are more affordable and leafy, with good schools and parks – but less of that beachside lifestyle.
Why I left Sydney
After living in Sydney for two years, Gary and I got itchy feet and wanted to explore more of Australia. We got so caught up in the rat race of the city, and wanted to slow down a bit.
Moving to the Gold Coast gave us that and Queensland is the perfect lifestyle to raise a family.
We rent a three-bedroom house with a garden, just five minutes from Burleigh Beach, for $1,100/week. In Sydney, the same money would barely get us a small two-bedroom apartment.
So every time I consider moving back to Sydney, I’m faced with a dilemma.
I want that beach lifestyle I had in Manly – but I don’t want to (and cannot afford) to pay $2000 per week for a 3-bedroom house on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The alternative is living further inland and dealing with long commutes, which defeats the purpose of the Sydney lifestyle I loved so much.
Is living in Sydney worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Living in Sydney was the best introduction to Australia I could have asked for. It’s vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity.
But is it forever? For me, no. The cost of living, long commutes, and lack of space eventually pushed me to look elsewhere.
If you’re moving to Australia, I recommend starting in Sydney. It’s the perfect place to land, find your feet, and soak up everything city life has to offer. Just don’t be surprised if, after a few years, you’re tempted to trade it in for more space and a slower pace somewhere else.
Planning on moving to Australia? Check out my other posts!
