Last update: Oct 2026 Canada 31K

Cost of Living in Sydney, NS

For one person, living costs in Sydney, NS are estimated at $1,614 a month, including rent and utilities – 30% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sydney, NS

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sydney, NS actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,614 per month with rent, or $804 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,614 /mo

A couple spends around $2,535 per month with rent, or $1,399 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,535 /mo

A family of three spends around $3,456 per month with rent, or $1,995 without housing.

$3,456 /mo
Currency
Do you live in Sydney, NS? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.13 CA$15.74
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$62.3 CA$88.0
$55.9 CA$79.0
$68.7 CA$97.1
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.16 CA$10.12
$6.19 CA$8.76
$8.13 CA$11.49
Cappuccino
$2.87 CA$4.06
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.33 CA$3.30
$1.81 CA$2.56
$2.85 CA$4.03
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.07 CA$2.92
$1.40 CA$1.98
$2.75 CA$3.89
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.15 CA$3.04
$1.14 CA$1.61
$2.76 CA$3.90
White Bread (500g)
$2.56 CA$3.61
$2.15 CA$3.04
$2.86 CA$4.04
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.41 CA$3.41
-
Eggs
$3.32 CA$4.69
$1.44 CA$2.03
$3.65 CA$5.16
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.27 CA$8.87
$4.18 CA$5.91
$8.36 CA$11.81
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.23 CA$11.63
$5.72 CA$8.09
$10.73 CA$15.17
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.99 CA$18.36
$10.52 CA$14.87
$15.45 CA$21.85
Apples (1kg)
$7.01 CA$9.91
-
Banana (1kg)
$1.16 CA$1.63
$0.70 CA$0.99
$1.54 CA$2.18
Tomato (1kg)
$1.38 CA$1.95
-
Potato (1kg)
$0.84 CA$1.18
$0.72 CA$1.02
$0.96 CA$1.35
Onion (1kg)
$1.90 CA$2.68
$1.72 CA$2.43
$2.07 CA$2.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$6.30 CA$8.90
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$17.78 CA$25.14
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.18 CA$5.92
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.08 CA$1.53
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$48.48 CA$68.5
$43.08 CA$60.9
$53.9 CA$76.1
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.15 CA$5.87
$2.25 CA$3.18
$6.06 CA$8.56
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.20 CA$1.70
$1.01 CA$1.43
$1.40 CA$1.97
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$25.7K CA$36.4K
$23.8K CA$33.6K
$27.7K CA$39.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$19.1K CA$27.1K
$19.1K CA$27.1K
$19.5K CA$27.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$86.3 CA$122
$70.0 CA$98.9
$105 CA$148
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.04 CA$51.0
$14.42 CA$20.38
$72.1 CA$102
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$73.3 CA$104
$63.9 CA$90.3
$85.2 CA$120
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.94 CA$70.6
$35.93 CA$50.8
$64.0 CA$90.4
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.45 CA$4.88
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.04 CA$9.96
$7.04 CA$9.96
$8.45 CA$11.94
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$721 CA$1,020
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$68.1 CA$96.3
$35.23 CA$49.81
$98.7 CA$139
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$67.2 CA$95.1
$32.13 CA$45.42
$129 CA$182
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$99.7 CA$141
$92.6 CA$131
$107 CA$151
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$105 CA$148
$105 CA$148
$105 CA$148
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$893 CA$1,262
$700 CA$990
$1,400 CA$1,979
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$724 CA$1,024
$534 CA$755
$1,068 CA$1,510
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,753 CA$2,479
$1,403 CA$1,983
$2,104 CA$2,974
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,374 CA$1,943
$1,128 CA$1,594
$1,551 CA$2,192
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,527 CA$3,573
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.8
4.45
6.9

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 17, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sydney, NS $1,614
Accommodation & Living
$724
Groceries & Markets
$258 *
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$196
Eating Out
$163 *
Clothing & Footwear
$153
Sport & Entertainment
$64
Getting Around
$57 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $893, dropping to $724 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 35% of the average salary ($2,527) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,527 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,614. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,421.

Groceries cost around $258 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $62.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $48.48.

Cost Highlights

Fast food meal is cheaper than 96% of cities in North America

Cappuccino is cheaper than 95% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
00:17 12:17 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
30,960
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to CAD – Canadian Dollar Converter

Canadian Dollar exchange rates as of October 21, 2026: 1 USD = 1.41 CAD (1 CAD = 0.707 USD). 1 EUR = 1.59 CAD (1 CAD = 0.629 EUR).

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Sydney, NS Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Sydney, NS - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney, NS, Canada a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to bigger Canadian cities?
In Sydney, NS, Canada you’ll find a sensible balance of value and access for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Costs tend to be lower than in Canada’s largest cities, especially for everyday groceries, casual meals, and public transit, with variation by neighborhood and season. Cost of Living in Sydney, NS, Canada sets a practical baseline, offering affordable options for housing, activities, and services without sacrificing access to the coast, culture, or outdoor recreation. Smart planning – booking longer stays in shoulder seasons, choosing central but non-touristy areas, and mixing rentals with a short-term stay – helps you stretch your budget. Tip: map two or three neighborhood anchors before you commit to a lease.
What does daily life look like in Sydney, including housing search, food options, transport, co-working, and errands?
From a daily life perspective, Sydney offers practical flexibility. Housing search typically yields a mix of modest apartments, family homes, and shared options – start with local rental listings, university boards, and seasonal sublets to test neighborhoods before signing a lease. For food, you’ll find farmers markets, seafood spots, and affordable staples you can cook at home, which often keeps costs predictable. Transport relies on a dependable bus network and walkable streets, with cycling routes in good weather and ferry connections to waterfront districts during peak season. If you work remotely, look for cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi or dedicated co-working spaces. Sydney, NS, Canada living cost helps frame your budget across rent, groceries, and transit. Tip: build a week-long itinerary to balance work and downtime.
What factors affect overall quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and finding the right neighborhood in Sydney?
Quality of life in Sydney is shaped by a calm pace, access to nature, and practical budgeting. Use a simple framework – 50/30/20 or a two-slice approach – to allocate needs (rent, bills) and wants (activities, dining), then assign a safety buffer. Seasonality affects crowds, prices, and outdoor options, with summers offering festivals and outdoor markets while winter brings coziness and fewer crowds. Neighborhood fit often hinges on proximity to the water, schools if relevant, and transit access; test two or three areas for weekend routines and weekday commutes. Smart saving tips include cooking at home, choosing utilities with predictable rates, and using shared services. Tip: set a three-month neighborhood trial to refine your choice.
What is the average cost of living in Sydney, NS?
A single person in Sydney, NS typically spends $1,614 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $804. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Sydney, NS in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Sydney, NS should plan on about $1,614 per month with rent, or $804 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What is the average salary in Sydney, NS?
After taxes, the average worker in Sydney, NS takes home about $2,527 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is rent high in Sydney, NS?
Rent in Sydney, NS is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $724 and $893 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
Is food expensive in Sydney, NS?
Grocery spending in Sydney, NS lands around $258 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Sydney, NS?
Getting around Sydney, NS by public transport costs about $48.48 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Sydney, NS?
$2,000 is below the $1,614 average in Sydney, NS, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Sydney, NS a good city for digital nomads?
Sydney, NS has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet. At around $1,614 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.
How affordable is Sydney, NS?
Sydney, NS is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,614, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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