The Verdict
Living in Seattle is 20% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Seattle 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 Seattle, you would need to earn about $93,293 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 Seattle:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Seattle | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,730 | $4,200 | +$1,470 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $428 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $322 | $322 | — |
| Public transport pass | $114 | $117 | +$3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $170 | $196 | +$26 |
| Total Monthly | $3,764 | $5,263 | +$1,499 |
* 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 (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 70/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/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 Seattle salary
| Salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $62,195 | $12,195 more |
| $75,000 | $93,293 | $18,293 more |
| $100,000 | $124,390 | $24,390 more |
| $125,000 | $155,488 | $30,488 more |
| $150,000 | $186,585 | $36,585 more |
| $200,000 | $248,780 | $48,780 more |
Seattle vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Seattle is the more affordable option.
Rent: Seattle has a rent index of 78, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Seattle: $5,800/month vs Sydney: $3,380/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Seattle wins 4, while Sydney wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.