The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 17% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $90,000 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 Los Angeles:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $4,200 | +$1,225 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $428 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $322 | +$7 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $117 | $-20 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $196 | +$16 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $5,263 | +$1,229 |
* 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 (17% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/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 Sydney to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,000 | $10,000 more |
| $75,000 | $90,000 | $15,000 more |
| $100,000 | $120,000 | $20,000 more |
| $125,000 | $150,000 | $25,000 more |
| $150,000 | $180,000 | $30,000 more |
| $200,000 | $240,000 | $40,000 more |
Los Angeles vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 17%. Los Angeles is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs Sydney: $3,380/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 4, while Sydney wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.