This blog post is all about the cost of living London vs Sydney.
I recently made the jump and moved to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, and if you’re reading this, chances are you’re seriously considering doing the same.
One of the biggest motivators for me was the promise of a better work-life balance. People in Australia often say they “work to live,” rather than “live to work.”
But, as with any major life decision, practicalities matter. If you’re thinking of relocating to the other side of the world, one big question might be:
How does the cost of living in Australia compare to the UK?
This blog post is all about cost of living London vs Sydney.
Comparing Cost of Living London vs Sydney
Obviously, the UK and Australia are both large countries with diverse regions. Living expenses in Liverpool look nothing like those in London, and the same goes for Hobart vs. Sydney in Australia.
To keep things simpler, I’ll focus on London and Sydney, two global cities that often pop up in discussions about high living costs.
Consider this your insider’s guide to what you can expect in terms of wages, rent, bills, food, transport, and more.
Whether you’re a long-time Londoner or hail from elsewhere in the UK, I hope this helps you make an informed decision on whether it’s time to pack up and experience that Aussie lifestyle.
And if you want to see what life is like in Sydney, make sure to check out my Aussie YouTube vlogs that follow my life here in Sydney and travelling around Australia!
A Snapshot of Work-Life Balance Down Under
Before we delve into the numbers, let’s talk briefly about the work-life balance difference.
It’s well-documented that Australia generally has a more relaxed pace. At least when compared to London. Many workplaces here finish earlier, and it’s not uncommon for people to head to the beach after work or meet friends for a chilled barbecue.
If you’ve felt stuck in a cycle of 60-hour work weeks in the UK, the slower pace in Australia might feel like a breath of fresh air.
While this blog will focus on costs, it’s worth noting that work-life balance can drastically affect your quality of life.
If you’re consistently working fewer hours and getting outdoors more, the slight differences in price might be well worth the trade-off.
RELATED blog post to read: Finding a Career That Lets You Balance Your Work and Family Life
Minimum Wage and Pay
Minimum Wage in the UK
The UK’s minimum wage varies depending on age and whether you’re an apprentice, but the National Living Wage is £11.44 per hour.
This can be lower for younger workers, which can be a bit of a squeeze if you’re juggling rent, bills, and a social life in London.
Minimum Wage in Australia
Australia is known for having one of the highest minimum wages in the world. The national minimum wage is around $24.10 AUD per hour for adults (roughly £12.16, though the exchange rate fluctuates).
However, many jobs in cities like Sydney pay much more, especially if you’re working casual shifts that include additional loading (extra pay to compensate for lack of holiday and sick leave entitlements).
The Reality of Higher Wages
While Australia’s higher minimum wage is a huge drawcard, especially for those on a Working Holiday Visa, it’s critical to remember that the cost of living is also higher in many areas.
Still, when you’re actually earning in Australian dollars (AUD), you’ll often find that life feels more comfortable than eking out an existence on the UK’s minimum wage in London.
Rental Costs
Renting in London
Everyone knows that London rents can be eye-wateringly high. A one-bedroom flat in a decent (but not necessarily central) area can easily set you back £1,400–£1,800 per month.
Closer to the centre or in a more trendy neighbourhood, that can jump to £2,000+ per month.
House shares might be cheaper, but expect to pay at least £700–£1,000 per month for a room in a shared flat in Zones 1 or 2, plus bills.
Renting in Sydney
Sydney can rival London when it comes to housing costs, particularly in popular suburbs like Bondi, Manly, Surry Hills, or around the CBD.
A one-bedroom apartment in or close to the city centre might cost $600–$800 AUD per week. That’s roughly £1,300–£1,750 per month.
If you’re happy to share, you could pay around $300–$400 AUD per week (£650–£870 per month) for a room in a decent share house in an inner suburb.
Keep in mind that many Aussie rentals come unfurnished, which can mean an initial outlay for furniture and appliances if you plan to settle for a while.
On the plus side, many landlords allow flexible, shorter-term leases, which can benefit Working Holiday travellers who aren’t looking to commit to a full year in one location.
Bond and Upfront Costs
In both London and Sydney, you’ll typically need to pay a deposit (bond) plus a few weeks’ rent in advance. In Sydney, the bond is usually up to 4 weeks of rent, while in London it can be 5 weeks.
With average rents so high, the upfront costs can be significant, so budget accordingly.
Bills and Utilities
London Utility Costs
Monthly bills for a one-bedroom flat in London can range around £150–£200, including gas, electricity, water, and broadband.
Council Tax adds another layer, often £80–£150 per month, depending on your borough and property band.
Sydney Utility Costs
In Sydney, electricity can be pricey, especially if you rely on air conditioning in the summer (and possibly heating in the winter).
You might spend $150–$250 AUD per month (£80–£135) for electricity and gas, depending on usage. Water bills are often included in rent or minimal for tenants, but broadband/internet typically costs around $70–$90 AUD per month (£35–£45).
Australia doesn’t have a direct equivalent of Council Tax; rates are usually handled by property owners. However, tenants may sometimes be asked to pay water usage.
Make sure to clarify what’s included in your rent before you sign a lease.
Transportation Costs
Getting Around London
- London Underground & Buses: A weekly travelcard for Zones 1–2 costs around £40, or you might use pay-as-you-go via Oyster or contactless.
- Uber & Taxis: Black cabs can be expensive; Uber is cheaper but still adds up if you’re reliant on it.
- Cycling: Many Londoners bike to work, especially with the ever-expanding cycle paths. Lime Bikes are an affordable option for short trips.
Getting Around Sydney
- Trains, Buses, Light Rail, Ferries: Sydney’s Opal card system means you won’t pay more than $50 AUD a week (£26–£28) for travel if you’re commuting daily. Off-peak caps and Sunday fare discounts can make it cheaper.
- Car Ownership: Many Sydney residents own cars, especially if they live away from the train lines, but fuel and toll costs can be significant.
- Ferries: Commuting by ferry is a uniquely Sydney experience (looking at you, Manly Ferry!). The cost is higher than a bus, but the view is worth it.
Both London and Sydney have their fair share of traffic congestion.
Though for me, Sydney’s commute feels less stressful, possibly because the scenery includes harbour views and iconic bridges instead of just grey skies.
Eating Out and Drinking
The London Scene
- Dining Out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around £15–£25 per person, not including drinks. Pub classics might be cheaper, but if you love trendy brunch spots, expect to pay £10+ for avocado toast.
- Pints and Cocktails: A pint in a central London pub can be £5–£7, and cocktails start around £9–£12.
The Sydney Scene
- Dining Out: A decent meal at a mid-range restaurant ranges around $20–$35 AUD (£11–£20). Cafés in beachside suburbs can be pricey, but the quality of produce (especially coffee) often justifies the cost.
- Alcohol Costs: A pint (or schooner, as they call it) might be $9–$12 AUD (£5–£7). Cocktails start around $15–$20 AUD (£8–£11). Keep in mind that Aussie measures for spirits are sometimes smaller than in the UK.
Australia’s “coffee culture” means you’ll likely spend $4–$5 AUD (£2–£3) on a standard flat white or latte.
This can add up quickly if you’re used to multiple caffeine fixes a day, but Aussie coffee is an experience in itself (and many argue it’s far superior to what you’ll find in the UK).
Holidays and Travel
Holiday Culture in the UK
British workers generally get around 20–25 days of paid annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
However, if you’re on a Working Holiday Visa in the UK (less common), or a short-term contract, you might not get the same entitlements.
Holiday Culture in Australia
Australian employees on permanent contracts typically get 4 weeks of annual leave, plus around 10 public holidays (this can vary by state). Workplaces in Oz often encourage you to use your leave for a genuine break, reflecting the “work to live” mentality.
If you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, you may not accrue leave in the same way as permanent staff, but your higher hourly pay rate (especially in casual positions) can offset this if you budget wisely.
One of the biggest perks of living in Australia is proximity to stunning travel destinations. The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, the Whitsundays, and more.
Flights can be expensive, but Aussies are used to it, and internal travel can still be done on a budget if you plan ahead.
The same goes for quick jaunts to New Zealand or Southeast Asia, which are much closer than from the UK.
Overall Lifestyle Differences
It’s impossible to put a price on lifestyle, but I will say that most people I’ve met who moved from the UK to Australia cite the improved weather, outdoor lifestyle, and friendly culture as major positives.
Yes, living costs might be high, but so is the minimum wage, and the quality of life can be significantly better if you make the most of your time outside of work.
Of course, if you’re a Londoner through and through (someone who thrives on the buzz of big-city life, theatre, museums, or a more international food scene) Australia might feel quieter.
That said, Sydney is not short on cultural experiences; it’s just a bit more laid back.
Considering the Move? Try a Welcome to Travel Package
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re seriously contemplating a move to Australia.
Maybe it’s for the sunshine, maybe it’s for the work-life balance, or perhaps you’re just craving a change.
Whatever your reason, I highly recommend checking out Welcome to Travel as a brilliant way to ease into your Aussie adventure.
What is Welcome to Travel?
Welcome to Travel offers packages specifically designed for newcomers (particularly those on Working Holiday Visas) so you can hit the ground running.
They’ll help you with:
- Orientation: How to set up an Aussie bank account, get a Tax File Number, navigate local transport, and more.
- Group Tours: You’ll travel with a bunch of fellow newbies, exploring Australia’s iconic sights and hidden gems together.
- Instant Friendships: Possibly the most valuable part: you’ll meet people in the same boat as you, forming friendships that could last your entire stay in Australia (and beyond).
Discounts For You
I’ve teamed up with Welcome to Travel to offer discounts on their packages!
If you’re thinking of making the leap, it’s a superb way to get your bearings without the stress of figuring everything out alone.
You’ll save some cash (which, let’s be real, is always handy given the high cost of living we’ve just talked about), and you’ll start your Aussie journey with a ready-made support network.
- $50 AUD discount for any Welcome tours: ORLAGHCLAIRE
- $100 AUD discount for the 30-day Welcome to Travel East Coast tour: ECORLAGHCLAIRE
- $150 AUD discount for any of the Welcome to Travel Travel Packages: PKGORLAGHCLAIRE
Cost of Living London vs Sydney: Is the Move Worth It?
Deciding whether to move from the UK to Australia (and in particular, from London to Sydney) ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and financial situation.
Yes, Sydney can be as expensive as London, but the higher minimum wage, laid-back lifestyle, and outdoor culture might tilt the scales in Australia’s favour.
On the other hand, if you’re devoted to London’s unique buzz and can’t imagine leaving Europe behind, you might find Australia’s distance (and cost of flights home) to be a deal-breaker.
My Experience Moving from London to Sydney
From my own experience on a Working Holiday Visa, I can tell you that the lifestyle “down under” is transformative: better weather, an emphasis on social activities that don’t revolve around work, and a spirit of adventure that’s contagious.
If you’ve been craving a balance shift (where your free time feels as important as your job) Australia might well be worth the higher living costs.
Whichever path you choose, make sure you weigh up the pros and cons realistically. Take into account not just the cost of rent or groceries, but also how you want to live your life.
If you do decide Australia is for you, definitely check out Welcome to Travel to start your adventure on the right foot. And don’t forget to use my discount codes for a little financial boost as you embark on your next big move.
Cost of Living London vs Sydney: Quick Recap
- Minimum Wage: Higher in Australia (around $23.23 AUD/hour) vs. the UK (around £10.42/hour for over 23s).
- Rent: Both London and Sydney are pricey. Expect to spend around £1,400–£1,800 for a 1-bed in London and $600–$800 AUD/week for a similar place in Sydney.
- Bills: Similar constraints; Sydney’s electricity bills can be high, but no Council Tax.
- Transport: Public transport costs can rack up in both cities, though weekly caps and Sunday discounts exist in Sydney.
- Eating Out: Comparable to London prices, but Aussie brunch and coffee culture is next-level.
- Holidays: Aussie permanent workers get around 4 weeks annual leave plus ~10 public holidays; UK workers get ~20–25 days plus Bank Holidays.
- Lifestyle: Subjective, but generally more outdoorsy and laid-back in Australia, with a strong emphasis on “working to live.”
- Welcome to Travel: A fantastic orientation and social experience for WHV newcomers. Use my discount codes to save some cash!
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