Sydney vs Melbourne
Compare cost of living, salaries, and purchasing power between Sydney (New South Wales) and Melbourne (Victoria).
Salary Equivalents: Sydney → Melbourne
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what you'd need to earn in Melbourne compared to Sydney:
| Salary in Sydney | Equivalent in Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $57,000 | |
| $80,000 | $76,000 | |
| $100,000 | $95,000 | |
| $120,000 | $114,000 | |
| $150,000 | $142,500 | |
| $200,000 | $190,000 |
Based on cost of living index: Sydney (100) vs Melbourne (95), where Sydney = 100.
Salary Comparison by Role
How average salaries compare between Sydney and Melbourne for popular roles:
Moving from Sydney to Melbourne?
If you're considering relocating from Sydney to Melbourne, understanding the cost of living difference is crucial for salary negotiations. Melbourne has a 5% lower cost of living than Sydney, meaning your money will go further.
A $100,000 salary in Sydney has the same purchasing power as $105,263 in Melbourne. 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: Sydney has a population of 5.3 million while Melbourne has 5.1 million.
Other City Comparisons
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.