The Verdict
Living in New York is 23% more expensive than Sydney.
If you move from New York to Sydney, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in New York, you would need to earn about £32,640 in Sydney.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love New York:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | New York | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,600 | £2,400 | £-1,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £368 | £333 | £-35 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £288 | £230 | £-58 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £144 | £-8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £176 | £-22 |
| Total Monthly | £4,605 | £3,283 | £-1,322 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£4,345/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (23% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Sydney to match a New York salary
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £24,480 | £5,520 less |
| £40,000 | £32,640 | £7,360 less |
| £50,000 | £40,800 | £9,200 less |
| £60,000 | £48,960 | £11,040 less |
| £80,000 | £65,280 | £14,720 less |
| £100,000 | £81,600 | £18,400 less |
New York vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 23%. Sydney is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York has a rent index of 180, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: New York: £4,345/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, New York wins 0, while Sydney wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.