Cost of Living in Sydney, NS - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,860 per month with rent, or $823 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,779 per month with rent, or $1,418 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $3,698 per month with rent, or $2,013 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.82 CA$16.64
$11.08 CA$15.59
$29.56 CA$41.59
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$63.0 CA$88.6
$59.9 CA$84.3
$66.0 CA$92.9
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.34 CA$10.32
$6.75 CA$9.49
$7.93 CA$11.15
Cappuccino
$2.88 CA$4.06
$2.16 CA$3.04
$5.03 CA$7.08
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25 CA$3.17
$1.87 CA$2.62
$2.64 CA$3.71
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.98 CA$2.79
$1.43 CA$2.02
$2.54 CA$3.57
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.44 CA$7.66
$3.63 CA$5.10
$7.26 CA$10.21
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.92 CA$8.33
$5.18 CA$7.29
$8.89 CA$12.51
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.27 CA$3.20
$1.19 CA$1.68
$3.59 CA$5.06
White Bread (500g)
$2.69 CA$3.78
$2.26 CA$3.18
$3.76 CA$5.29
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.50 CA$3.52
$1.57 CA$2.21
$7.14 CA$10.05
Eggs
$3.39 CA$4.77
$1.44 CA$2.03
$3.61 CA$5.07
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.68 CA$9.40
$4.45 CA$6.26
$8.90 CA$12.53
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.23 CA$11.58
$5.72 CA$8.05
$10.73 CA$15.10
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.45 CA$18.93
$10.89 CA$15.32
$16.01 CA$22.52
Apples (1kg)
$7.46 CA$10.50
$1.79 CA$2.53
$7.46 CA$10.50
Banana (1kg)
$1.20 CA$1.69
$0.73 CA$1.02
$1.59 CA$2.24
Oranges (1kg)
$3.62 CA$5.09
$1.81 CA$2.55
$5.80 CA$8.17
Tomato (1kg)
$1.43 CA$2.02
$1.43 CA$2.02
$6.08 CA$8.56
Potato (1kg)
$0.88 CA$1.23
$0.75 CA$1.06
$0.99 CA$1.39
Onion (1kg)
$2.53 CA$3.55
$1.80 CA$2.54
$3.60 CA$5.07
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.51 CA$3.53
$1.49 CA$2.10
$3.74 CA$5.26
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.70 CA$2.39
$0.72 CA$1.01
$2.87 CA$4.03
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$18.15 CA$25.54
$11.26 CA$15.84
$18.15 CA$25.54
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.86 CA$4.02
$1.68 CA$2.37
$4.40 CA$6.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.44 CA$6.24
$1.85 CA$2.60
$5.17 CA$7.27
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.11 CA$1.57
$1.11 CA$1.57
$2.61 CA$3.68
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$50.2 CA$70.6
$44.59 CA$62.7
$55.7 CA$78.4
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.49 CA$6.32
$2.43 CA$3.42
$6.55 CA$9.21
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.49 CA$2.09
$1.36 CA$1.91
$2.12 CA$2.98
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$25.46 CA$35.82
$21.82 CA$30.70
$31.98 CA$44.99
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.16 CA$1.64
$1.08 CA$1.53
$1.27 CA$1.79
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$25.5K CA$35.8K
$25.5K CA$35.8K
$25.5K CA$35.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.4K CA$28.7K
$20.4K CA$28.7K
$20.4K CA$28.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$91.6 CA$129
$74.3 CA$105
$111 CA$157
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$48.19 CA$67.8
$22.24 CA$31.30
$74.1 CA$104
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$75.7 CA$106
$65.9 CA$92.8
$87.9 CA$124
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.2 CA$72.1
$36.86 CA$51.9
$65.6 CA$92.3
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.74 CA$5.26
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.98 CA$11.23
$7.25 CA$10.21
$8.71 CA$12.26
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$746 CA$1,050
$373 CA$525
$1,119 CA$1,575
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.7K CA$16.5K
$8,784 CA$12.4K
$14.6K CA$20.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$70.9 CA$99.7
$36.65 CA$51.6
$103 CA$144
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$68.6 CA$96.5
$32.76 CA$46.10
$131 CA$184
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$101 CA$143
$94.2 CA$133
$109 CA$153
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$110 CA$155
$110 CA$155
$110 CA$155
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,106 CA$1,557
$737 CA$1,038
$1,475 CA$2,075
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$794 CA$1,117
$505 CA$711
$1,082 CA$1,523
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,957 CA$2,754
$1,835 CA$2,582
$2,202 CA$3,098
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,448 CA$2,038
$1,188 CA$1,672
$1,634 CA$2,299
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,534 CA$3,566
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.85
4.45
6.9

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

Last update: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,106, dropping to $794 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 44% of the average salary ($2,534) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,534. With monthly costs around $1,860, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,791.

Groceries cost around $302 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $63.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $50.2.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is cheaper than 93% of cities in North America

Local beer is more expensive than 92% of cities in North America

Fast food meal is cheaper than 92% of cities in North America

Sydney, NS Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
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 $1,860 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $823. 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 $1,860 per month with rent, or $823 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 $2,534 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 $794 and $1,106 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 $302 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 $50.2 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 $1,860 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 $1,860 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 $1,860, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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