The Verdict
Living in Sydney is 43% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Sydney to Zurich, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Sydney, you would need to earn about £56,863 in Zurich.
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 Sydney:
Why people love Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Sydney | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,400 | £3,300 | +£900 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £473 | +£140 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £230 | £375 | +£145 |
| Public transport pass | £144 | £208 | +£64 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £176 | £216 | +£40 |
| Total Monthly | £3,283 | £4,572 | +£1,289 |
* 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 lower overall living costs (43% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Zurich to match a Sydney salary
| Salary in Sydney | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £42,647 | £12,647 more |
| £40,000 | £56,863 | £16,863 more |
| £50,000 | £71,078 | £21,078 more |
| £60,000 | £85,294 | £25,294 more |
| £80,000 | £113,725 | £33,725 more |
| £100,000 | £142,157 | £42,157 more |
Sydney vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 43%. Sydney is the more affordable option.
Rent: Sydney has a rent index of 120, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Sydney: £3,380/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Sydney wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.