Moving to Sydney? Here’s what you need to know
Whether you’re moving to Sydney for work, study, or simply a change of scenery, you’ll find a city that offers the balance of modern living and natural beauty. With its expanding expat community, strong job market, and laid-back lifestyle, Sydney attracts people worldwide.
But what is life in Sydney really like? By exploring the pros and cons and answering the most frequently asked questions, we hope to give you an understanding of what to expect when you make the move. Plus, you can use this chance to meet our welcoming community of international people and check out our upcoming events!
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Serhat Ahmed
Without experience of having lived abroad, I thought it would be hard to get to know other expats. But not with InterNations.
Lotta Koskinen
When I first attended the Sydney Bar night I was really nervous. But everyone welcomed me and I quickly felt as part of the community.
Why you'll love InterNations in Sydney
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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The pros & cons of life in Sydney
In our annual Expat Insider survey, we ask expats to rate various factors of life abroad. Based on these results and other sources, let’s have a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of expat life in Sydney.
Pros of living in Sydney
High overall satisfaction: In our 2024 Expat Insider survey, three-quarters of expats shared they were happy with life in Sydney (75% vs. 68% globally).
Multicultural environment: According to 2021 census data, over a third of Great Sydney’s population are foreign-born. So, you’ll certainly not feel like the odd one out as an expat in this diverse city! In our own 2024 survey, an above-average share of expats also said they feel welcome in the city.
Strong work opportunities: Sydney ranked 6th in our 2024 Working Abroad Index. Expats especially appreciate the favorable job market (3rd), their personal career prospects (4th), and the fair pay (5th).
Favorable climate: With mean temperatures across the year ranging from around 14° to 22°C, Sydney offers a pleasant subtropical climate.
Sports opportunities: An active and outdoor lifestyle is common in Sydney, with the famous barbie (Australian slang for barbecue) just one example for a popular activity under the clear sky. Expats especially highlight the opportunities for recreational sports, ranking Sydney 2nd worldwide.
High quality education: With a choice of public, private, and international schools as well as numerous world-class universities, Sydney offers an excellent education system.
Cons of living in Sydney
High cost of living: Sydney regularly places as the most expensive city in the Pacific region in the Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking. Close to two-thirds of expats found the high costs a significant downside in the 2024 Expat Insider survey.
Housing issues: Seven in ten expats in Sydney rated the affordability of housing badly, compared to not even half worldwide. Australia in general and Sydney in particular have been facing a worsening housing crisis in recent years. Use websites like Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au to help you with your search.
Healthcare: Unless you’re from New Zealand or a permanent resident in Australia, you’ll most likely not be eligible for public healthcare and need to get private health insurance. Consequently, expats ranked Sydney in the bottom 10 for the affordability of healthcare in 2024.
Distance from home: Australia’s remote location and the consequential distance from family was the most cited concern expats in Sydney had before moving there. Travel opportunities aren’t great, either, with Sydney placing the bottom 10 for this factor.
Visa regulations: Australia has complex and at times restrictive visa regulations, with some visa categories subject to annual limits.
Getting around: Once you leave the city center, public transport options can be limited, and you may need a car after all.
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Join exciting events in Sydney
Whether you’ve just arrived in Sydney or have been living here for a while, we know that connecting with others and making new friends is an essential part of settling in.
Our InterNations events provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow expats, share your experiences, and discover what makes Sydney such an amazing place to live. Join us!
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Frequently asked questions about living in Sydney
In this section, we cover everything from visa information to daily essentials like cost of living, safety, transportation, healthcare, and accommodation. We even provide tips on how to make friends.
Sydney can be a fantastic place for expats. It’s a multicultural city with plenty of job opportunities, beautiful beaches, and a high standard of living.
The expat community is diverse, with many internationals, making it an exciting place to live. However, especially the high cost of living and the distance from home can be a challenge.
Areas like the Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville), Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee), and the North Shore (Chatswood, Neutral Bay) are popular. They offer good public transport links, amenities, and a mix of residential options, making them especially convenient for newcomers.
You can live in Sydney without a car. The public transport system, including trains, buses, and ferries, is extensive and reliable, especially in and around the city center. Many people, even locals, rely on public transport or bikes to get around. You’ll find it easy to get to most places without the hassle of parking or traffic.
However, public transport is less available in the outer suburbs. So if you’re moving there or plan to frequently travel outside of the city, you might want to invest in a car after all.
For you to be able to move to Australia, you will need to get a visa first. Which visa depends on your situation and your reason for coming to Australia (work, study, join family, etc.).
Skilled workers, for example, may apply for a skilled migration visa if they meet certain qualifications and work experience. Check the Australian government’s official immigration website for the most accurate and up-to-date info.
Living in Sydney can be rather expensive. Housing is the biggest cost, especially if you’re looking in central areas. Groceries, dining out, and utilities can add up as well.
However, if you’re able to find a job that pays well, and you’re strategic about where you live and what you spend, it’s manageable.
In a month, you can expect to spend roughly the following:
| AUD | USD | |
Studio apartment | 2,400–4,000 | 1,650–2,750 |
Small family home | 4,000–7,000 | 2,750–4,800 |
Utilities | 300–500 | 205–340 |
Mobile phone & internet | 100–150 | 70–100 |
Groceries | 350–500 | 240–340 |
Meal at a restaurant | 25–60 | 17–40 |
Public transport | 210 | 140 |
Health insurance | 150–200 | 100–140 |
School fees (private) | 15,000– 45,000 | 10,300–30,900 |
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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
New to Sydney and looking for a group to share your interests? Look no further than our InterNations groups, the perfect place to connect and share experiences, challenges, and the excitement that Sydney has to offer.
From outdoor adventures with the Escape the City Group to exploring Sydney’s food scene with the DinnerNations Group, our groups offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy your hobbies or try something new together with like-minded people!
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Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just in Sydney! InterNations has communities in 420 cities around the globe.
So if you’re thinking about relocating or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while traveling, InterNations is your go-to platform. Check out our InterNations Communities worldwide.
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Other Communities in Australia
Like-Minded Expatriates in Sydney
Australia Guide Topics
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