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Australia is a premier destination for international students, offering a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural diversity. Among its stunning cities, Sydney and Melbourne stand out as top choices for students. Sydney, known for its iconic landmarks and cosmopolitan vibe, attracts thousands of students each year. Melbourne, on the other hand, is celebrated for its cultural scene and liveability.
This blog on the cost of living in Sydney Vs Melbourne is for you to decide regarding the right lifestyle choice in terms of educational institutions and a rich student life, making it either ideal for those seeking a fulfilling study abroad experience.
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
Sydney vs Melbourne: City Comparison
The cost of living in Sydney Vs Melbourne differs as both have their own unique charms to offer. Sydney’s magnificent Opera House, gorgeous harbour, and thriving ethnic scene are what make it so alluring. It acts as Australia’s financial centre and is renowned for hosting prestigious sporting events. International students may experience a vibrant employment market with excellent colleges while exploring the charming Blue Mountains.
Melbourne, in comparison, emerges with a sense of cultural sophistication because of its art festivals, passion for sports, and varied dining options. The city is renowned worldwide for its picturesque lanes and coffee culture. Melbourne and Sydney both offer a vibrant and exciting student life.
Cost Of Living In Sydney Vs Melbourne: An Overview
Sydney and Melbourne are Australia’s most prominent cities for international students, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural experiences. However, they present distinct financial landscapes.
Sydney, known for its iconic landmarks and cosmopolitan lifestyle, tends to be more expensive, with higher costs for accommodation and living expenses. In contrast, Melbourne offers a slightly more affordable environment, with lower rent prices and a vibrant cultural scene. The cost of living in Sydney vs Melbourne comparison can be seen in the tables below:
Cost Of Living In Sydney
| Monthly Expense Category | AUD Range | INR Range |
| On-Campus Accommodation | 383 – 685 | 21,142 – 37,675 |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 1,900 – 2,950 | 104,500 – 162,350 |
| Food | 160 – 480 | 8,800 – 26,400 |
| Groceries | 220 – 800 | 12,100 – 44,000 |
| Transportation | 220 – 400 | 12,100 – 22,000 |
| Entertainment | 75 – 600 | 4,125 – 33,000 |
| Total On-Campus Costs | 1,500 – 2,500 | 82,500 – 137,500 |
| Total Off-Campus Costs | 2,500 – 3,600 | 137,500 – 198,000 |
Cost of Living In Melbourne
| Monthly Expense Category | AUD Range | INR Range |
| On-Campus Accommodation | 250 – 450 | 13,750 – 24,750 |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 1,200 – 2,000 | 66,000 – 110,000 |
| Food (Eating Out) | 150 – 350 | 8,250 – 19,250 |
| Groceries | 200 – 600 | 11,000 – 33,000 |
| Transportation | 150 – 300 | 8,250 – 16,500 |
| Entertainment | 50 – 400 | 2,750 – 22,000 |
| Total On-Campus Costs | 1,200 – 2,000 | 66,000 – 110,000 |
| Total Off-Campus Costs | 1,800 – 2,800 | 99,000 – 154,000 |
Cost Of Food In Sydney Vs Melbourne
The cost of food in Sydney and Melbourne ranges between 14 to 190 AUD, which converts to INR 770 to 10,450, offering distinct experiences for your tastebuds. Sydney is known for its seafood and multicultural dining options, reflecting its cosmopolitan vibe. Melbourne, on the other hand, is known for its hustling culinary scene focused more on fine dining and cultural diversity, and is often highlighted by its numerous food festivals and markets.
While Sydney’s dining scene is often associated with its iconic views and outdoor lifestyle, Melbourne’s culinary culture is deeply embedded in its laneways and cultural events, making both cities unique destinations for food enthusiasts.
Cost Of Groceries In Sydney Vs Melbourne
When comparing the cost of living in Sydney vs Melbourne, both cities offer similar shopping experiences with major supermarket chains like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. However, Melbourne tends to be slightly budget-friendly for staples. For instance, a liter of milk costs approximately AUD 2.61 in Sydney compared to AUD 2.13 in Melbourne. Similarly, a loaf of fresh white bread is priced at around AUD 4.16 in Sydney versus AUD 3.73 in Melbourne. These small differences can add up over time, making Melbourne a more budget-friendly option for grocery shopping.
In terms of specific grocery items, Melbourne often offers better deals on fresh produce. For example, a kilogram of tomatoes costs about AUD 6.45 in Sydney but only AUD 5.79 in Melbourne. Melbourne’s local markets, such as the Queen Victoria Market, also provide affordable and fresh produce, which can further reduce grocery bills.
Overall, while both cities offer a wide range of grocery options, Melbourne’s slightly lower prices and vibrant market scene give it a slight edge in terms of grocery shopping affordability.
Cost Of Transportation In Sydney Vs Melbourne
Both of these Australian cities offer comprehensive public transport networks, including trains, buses, and trams, but they differ in terms of pricing and efficiency. Sydney’s Opal card system provides a convenient way to travel across various modes, while Melbourne’s Myki card offers integrated fares with free transfers between buses and trains. However, recent changes have made Melbourne’s fares slightly more expensive than Sydney’s for some trips.
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Cost Of Transportation In Sydney
| Transportation Type | AUD Range | INR Range |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4 – 9 | 220 – 482 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 195 – 233 | 10,760 – 12,815 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5 – 10 | 275 – 550 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3 – 8 | 165 – 440 |
Cost Of Transportation In Melbourne
| Transportation Type | AUD Range | INR Range |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 5 – 10 | 286 – 550 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 160 – 256 | 8,800 – 14,128 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4 – 10 | 267 – 550 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1 – 3 | 103 – 165 |
Cost Of Utilities In Sydney Vs Melbourne
When it comes to utility costs, the cost of living in Sydney vs Melbourne presents distinct financial landscapes for you. Sydney tends to have higher utility bills, particularly for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services. In contrast, Melbourne offers more affordable options for similar services. However, if you choose to stay with any UniAcco property, these utilities come inclusive with the accommodation price, which means you’re saving on a lot.
Cost Of Utilities In Sydney
| Utility Type | AUD Range | INR Range |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 184 – 600 | 10,161 – 33,000 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 20 – 80 | 1,100 – 4,400 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 60 – 98 | 3,300 – 5,390 |
Cost Of Utilities In Melbourne
| Utility Type | AUD Range | INR Range |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 156 – 400 | 8,630 – 22,000 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 19 – 65 | 1,045 – 3,575 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 70 – 100 | 3,850 – 5,500 |
Cost Of Sports and Leisure In Sydney Vs Melbourne
Sydney and Melbourne offer a range of sports and leisure activities, catering to different interests and budgets. Here’s a comparison of some popular activities in both cities:
Cost Of Leisure and Fitness In Sydney
| Activity Type | AUD Range | INR Range |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 40 – 150 | 2,200 – 8,250 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 20 – 50 | 1,100 – 2,750 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 20 – 30 | 1,100 – 1,650 |
Cost Of Leisure and Fitness In Melbourne
| Activity Type | AUD Range | INR Range |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 45 – 110 | 2,475 – 6,050 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 16 – 30 | 880 – 1,650 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 20 – 30 | 1,100 – 1,650 |
Cost Of Education In Sydney Vs Melbourne
Sydney and Melbourne are renowned for their high-quality education systems, attracting students worldwide. Both cities are home to some of Australia’s top universities, offering a wide range of academic programmes that cater to diverse interests and career goals. These universities are not only highly ranked globally but also provide students with access to cutting-edge facilities, innovative research opportunities, and a rich cultural environment that fosters personal growth and academic excellence.
The cost of living in Sydney v/s Melbourne is influenced by many factors. The cost of living in Sydney is often greater than in Melbourne. Melbourne has a sophisticated culture and more inexpensive housing alternatives, while Sydney offers famous monuments and a thriving employment sector. Individual objectives, lifestyle choices, and financial factors ultimately determine which of the two locations will be chosen. We hope this blog helped you to get clear insights into the cost of living in Sydney vs Melbourne.
Once you’ve decided to settle in any one of these beautiful Australian cities, the accommodation significantly elevates your complete student experience. UniAcco, a friendly student accommodation provider, is nestled in the top spots of Sydney and Melbourne, so that you can only focus on leveling up your grades and lifestyle.
FAQs
1. Is Sydney or Melbourne more expensive?
Sydney is generally more expensive than Melbourne, particularly in terms of housing costs, with rent prices being about 44.9% higher in Sydney. However, the difference is minimal for some expenses like food and dining. Overall, Sydney’s cost of living is about 19.9% higher than Melbourne’s when including rent.
2. Are salaries higher in Sydney or Melbourne?
Salaries in Sydney are generally higher than in Melbourne, with an average monthly salary of AUD 9,000 in Sydney compared to AUD 8,833 in Melbourne. However, the cost of living in Sydney is also higher, which can offset the wage advantage.
3. Which Australian city is cheaper?
Hobart is often considered the cheapest among major Australian cities, offering affordable housing and living costs significantly lower than mainland cities. Adelaide is another affordable option, known for its lower housing costs and rich cultural scene.
4. Is food cheaper in Sydney or Melbourne?
Food is generally slightly inexpensive in Melbourne as compared to Sydney. Groceries in Melbourne are about 1.1% to 1.2% lower in price than in Sydney. However, restaurant prices are marginally cheaper in Sydney.
5. What state has the best cost of living?
South Australia is often considered to have one of the best cost-of-living scenarios in Australia, with Adelaide being about 20% less expensive than Sydney. It offers lower housing costs and a more affordable lifestyle compared to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
With this, we hope to give you clarity on which city you can choose to live in. While Sydney and Melbourne are both stunning cities to live in, we believe you’ll make the right decision regarding your life. If you want to read more such articles, we recommend you check out the links below:
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