The Verdict
Living in Austin is 37% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Austin to Sydney, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about $117,692 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 Austin:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,100 | $4,200 | +$2,100 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $428 | +$32 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $298 | $322 | +$24 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $117 | $-13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $210 | $196 | $-14 |
| Total Monthly | $3,134 | $5,263 | +$2,129 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 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 (37% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Sydney to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $78,462 | $28,462 more |
| $75,000 | $117,692 | $42,692 more |
| $100,000 | $156,923 | $56,923 more |
| $125,000 | $196,154 | $71,154 more |
| $150,000 | $235,385 | $85,385 more |
| $200,000 | $313,846 | $113,846 more |
Austin vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 37%. Austin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 60, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Austin: $4,500/month vs Sydney: $3,380/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 4, while Sydney wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.