Lifestyle Intelligence

Cost of Living · Melbourne vs Sydney

Compare rent pressure, discretionary drift, and monthly budgets across two sovereign hubs before you sign the relocation package.

Melbourne

Cost-of-living

Rent index

Estimated median professional income: $96,000

Sydney

Cost-of-living

Rent index

Estimated median professional income: $119,500

Spread

Index delta

+44.4

Melbourne is 44 points more expensive on our deterministic index.

Melbourne

Australia’s cultural capital with a diverse economy spanning tech, arts, and logistics.

Reference monthly net: $7,317

Housing pressure

35% of take-home pay devoted to housing.

Sydney

The financial heart of Oceania. High compensation roles in finance and law are common, matching a premium coastal lifestyle.

Reference monthly net: $7,317

Housing pressure

35% of take-home pay devoted to housing.

Monthly allocation

Budget blueprint

Melbourne

Monthly net $7,317

Housing$2,561

Essentials$2,195

Lifestyle$1,463

Savings$1,098

Sydney

Monthly net $7,317

Housing$2,561

Essentials$2,195

Lifestyle$1,463

Savings$1,098

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Overlay net pay, taxes, and PPP for your exact role in this city pair.

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Frequently asked

Is Melbourne more expensive than Sydney?+

Melbourne posts a cost-of-living score of 96 with rent at 87. Sydney sits at 52 / 72. The spread is driven by housing (15.7 points) and imported services.

What income do I need to maintain lifestyle parity?+

Using a reference salary of $119,500, the take-home pay differs by $0. Adjust offers upward if relocating to the more expensive hub.

How much of my income should go to rent?+

Allocating 30% of monthly net is sustainable in Sydney, while Melbourne may require closer to 35% unless allowances are provided.