The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 28% more expensive than Sydney.
If you move from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, you would need to earn about £31,385 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 San Francisco:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,900 | £2,400 | £-1,500 |
| Monthly groceries | £378 | £333 | £-45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £275 | £230 | £-45 |
| Public transport pass | £144 | £144 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £189 | £176 | £-13 |
| Total Monthly | £4,886 | £3,283 | £-1,603 |
* 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 (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (28% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Sydney to match a San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £23,538 | £6,462 less |
| £40,000 | £31,385 | £8,615 less |
| £50,000 | £39,231 | £10,769 less |
| £60,000 | £47,077 | £12,923 less |
| £80,000 | £62,769 | £17,231 less |
| £100,000 | £78,462 | £21,538 less |
San Francisco vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 28%. Sydney is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 195, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: £5,530/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 0, while Sydney wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.