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Melbourne vs Sydney

Compare cost of living, salaries, and purchasing power between Melbourne (Victoria) and Sydney (New South Wales).

Cost of Living
5% more expensive
Sydney vs Melbourne
$100k Purchasing Power
$95,000
equivalent in Sydney
Population
5.1 million vs 5.3 million
residents

Salary Equivalents: MelbourneSydney

To maintain the same standard of living, here's what you'd need to earn in Sydney compared to Melbourne:

Salary in MelbourneEquivalent in Sydney
$60,000$63,158
$80,000$84,211
$100,000$105,263
$120,000$126,316
$150,000$157,895
$200,000$210,526

Based on cost of living index: Melbourne (95) vs Sydney (100), where Sydney = 100.

Melbourne

State
Victoria
Population
5.1 million
Cost of Living Index
95
View all salaries in Melbourne

Sydney

State
New South Wales
Population
5.3 million
Cost of Living Index
100
View all salaries in Sydney

Moving from Melbourne to Sydney?

If you're considering relocating from Melbourne to Sydney, understanding the cost of living difference is crucial for salary negotiations. Sydney has a 5% higher cost of living than Melbourne, so you may need a higher salary to maintain your lifestyle.

A $100,000 salary in Melbourne has the same purchasing power as $95,000 in Sydney. When negotiating a job offer or relocation package, use this as your baseline for salary expectations.

Key Differences

  • Housing: Typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
  • Transport: Consider commute times and public transport availability.
  • Job Market: Melbourne has a population of 5.1 million while Sydney has 5.3 million.

Cost of living comparisons are based on aggregate data and may not reflect individual circumstances. Always research specific costs like rent, utilities, and transport for your situation.