Sydney, Australia
Australia's iconic harbour city with world-class beaches, a vibrant economy, and stunning natural beauty.
Overview
Sydney is a city in New South Wales with a population of 5,367,206. Australia’s iconic harbour city with world-class beaches, a vibrant economy, and stunning natural beauty. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Below Average vs Australia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Sydney vs Australia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: A$82,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 5,367,206
Climate
- Sunny Days: 236/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 47°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 80 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: A$1,200,000
- 1BR Rent: A$2500/mo
Cost of Living
Sydney's cost of living index is 100 (Australia average = 100).
| Category | Sydney | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | A$1,200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | A$2500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | A$3,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | A$800 |
Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sydney:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | A$150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | A$7 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | A$60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | A$70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | A$287 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Remote Work Score
Sydney scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Sydney has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F | 47°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 62°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 65°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Sydney faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Bushfire-prone region with frequent fire seasons.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Frequent drought conditions.
Significant cyclone risk.
Severe storms and hailstorms.
Eastern Australia experiences tornadoes.
Dust storms in interior regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Sydney per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
NSW Department of Education sets the calendar.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Sydney is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2021 (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sydney, Australia?
The cost of living index in Sydney is 100, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Sydney?
The median home price in Sydney is A$1,200,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sydney is approximately A$2500/mo.
Does Sydney, NSW have income tax?
Sydney is in NSW, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.
What is the climate like in Sydney?
Sydney enjoys approximately 236 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 47°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
- Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Data last updated: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.