The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 3% more expensive than Sydney.
If you move from San Francisco to Sydney, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in San Francisco, you would need to earn about $72,857 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 NYC baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,850 | $4,200 | +$350 |
| Monthly groceries | $459 | $428 | $-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $368 | $322 | $-46 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $117 | $-7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $196 | — |
| Total Monthly | $4,996 | $5,263 | +$267 |
* 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
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 68/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
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 San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,571 | $1,429 less |
| $75,000 | $72,857 | $2,143 less |
| $100,000 | $97,143 | $2,857 less |
| $125,000 | $121,429 | $3,571 less |
| $150,000 | $145,714 | $4,286 less |
| $200,000 | $194,286 | $5,714 less |
San Francisco vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Sydney is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 110, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: $7,000/month vs Sydney: $3,380/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 1, while Sydney wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.