How much can you afford to spend in Sydney?

bondi beach sydney

What to expect in Sydney

We’re not going to lie to you, especially as you may have heard, but Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Here, the cost of living is a little higher than in Europe, but the price of transport and activities becomes immediately important.Australia ‘s largest city is by far the most expensive in the country.



How high is the cost of living in Sydney?

Budget voyage Sydney

Wikimedia – Merbabu

Yes, it’s high. But there’s a « but »: the city is full of backpackers, or Australian youth hostels. If you want to save a lot of money on accommodation, don’t hesitate to take a bed in a dormitory room (4 to 10 beds). You can also cook in these hostels. The rest of your local budget will be spent on activities: if you’re going to be in Australia, you might as well visit as much of this faraway country as possible. However, you can also visit the city for 0€ by choosing free museums or simply exploring the city on foot (Harbour Bridge, Opera House, emblematic districts, beaches, etc.). If you’re planning a trip to Australia, you’ll need to factor in a substantial air ticket budget. To find the cheapest flight to Sydney, visit Skyscanner.

What’s your budget for accommodation in Sydney?

As mentioned above, backpackers are the best choice if you want to save money on your accommodation budget. Prices are very affordable in dormitories, and these hostels even offer lower-priced double rooms for couples and those who want more comfort. The prices given below are « as from » and so, depending on the period, can go through the roof (New Year, events, etc…). Just remember to book in advance to stay ahead of hotel occupancy rates and promotional offers.

Youth hostels: from €18-20 per night

Hotel **: from €30 per night

Hotel ***: from €50 per night

Hotel ****: from €80 per night

Hotel *****: from €120 per night

Don’t forget to follow the offers in advance to get the best price for the period.

Find a hotel in Sydney


bondi beach sydney

Flickr – penreyes

How much can you afford to eat in Sydney?

The price of food is quite high compared with Europe, for example, at least in restaurants. If you choose to cook at the hotel, it won’t cost you much: Coles and Woolworths are the big chains. However, if you go for fish and chips at Bondi Beach, the price will be immediately higher. Try Asian food, which is good, cheaper and very present in Sydney.

Sydney dining prices:

Street food (kebab, pizza, etc.): from €4 to €6

Fast Food: €5.70

Economy restaurant: approx. €10

Standard restaurant: approx. €20-25

Chic restaurant: approx. €40-50

Some price ideas in Sydney

Single public transport ticket: €2.60

Can of Coke: €1.95 (in-store)

Beer (pint ): €4.10

Pack of cigarettes: €13.60

Cab (1 km): €2

Bus route 555 in the CBD: free from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends

Visit to Sydney’s Opera House: €22 adult admission

Sydney Tower Eye: €17 admission for an adult

Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so you’ll need to budget accordingly. But, as is often the case everywhere, there are always ways to save money: youth hostels, free activities, etc. It’s perfectly possible to stay in Sydney while keeping your expenses to a minimum. To calculate your travel budget more precisely for 10 days, 20 days, 1 month, etc., you can use our budget calculator.