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Sydney vs Canberra

Compare cost of living, salaries, and purchasing power between Sydney (New South Wales) and Canberra (Australian Capital Territory).

Cost of Living
8% cheaper
Canberra vs Sydney
$100k Purchasing Power
$108,696
equivalent in Canberra
Population
5.3 million vs 460,000
residents

Salary Equivalents: SydneyCanberra

To maintain the same standard of living, here's what you'd need to earn in Canberra compared to Sydney:

Salary in SydneyEquivalent in Canberra
$60,000$55,200
$80,000$73,600
$100,000$92,000
$120,000$110,400
$150,000$138,000
$200,000$184,000

Based on cost of living index: Sydney (100) vs Canberra (92), where Sydney = 100.

Sydney

State
New South Wales
Population
5.3 million
Cost of Living Index
100
View all salaries in Sydney

Canberra

State
Australian Capital Territory
Population
460,000
Cost of Living Index
92
View all salaries in Canberra

Moving from Sydney to Canberra?

If you're considering relocating from Sydney to Canberra, understanding the cost of living difference is crucial for salary negotiations. Canberra has a 8% lower cost of living than Sydney, meaning your money will go further.

A $100,000 salary in Sydney has the same purchasing power as $108,696 in Canberra. When negotiating a job offer or relocation package, use this as your baseline for salary expectations.

Key Differences

  • Housing: Typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
  • Transport: Consider commute times and public transport availability.
  • Job Market: Sydney has a population of 5.3 million while Canberra has 460,000.

Cost of living comparisons are based on aggregate data and may not reflect individual circumstances. Always research specific costs like rent, utilities, and transport for your situation.