Moving to Sydney from the US

Sydney is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city which enjoys a relaxed lifestyle, great weather and spectacular scenery. This, combined with its history, sporting tradition, entertainment, high standard of living, excellent health care and education, makes it one of the top destinations in the world.

Australia may be English speaking but it’s not the US with kangaroos. Expats and visitors have described it as being more like the UK with wombats. Sydney does have a very British feel to it which is hardly surprising given its history. People move here to enjoy the outdoor life, a good standard of living, a thriving arts and culture scene and lots of sunshine.

Sydney vs New York

Sydney has often been described as the ‘New York of Australia’. Both cities buzz 24 hours a day. They both have a great work ethic but know how to work and play successfully. Inhabitants of both cities are rightly proud of where they live.

Life in Sydney is little slower than New York, with more time spent outdoors in the parks and on the beach. Sydney enjoys more sunshine than most East Coast US cities. The Expatistan Cost of Living Index puts the cost of living in Sydney as 35% cheaper than living in New York. Also, remember the minimum wage in Australia is over twice that of the States. Residents of Sydney can enjoy a high standard of living on far less than those living in New York, due to higher salaries.

House prices and renting

Like most cities in the States, Sydney is a city of house and flat sharing. Accommodation is expensive and there is a shortage of it. Rents in desirable areas like Bondi typically run around $1,000–$1,100 per week, with inner suburbs like Chippendale somewhat cheaper. Utilities for two people will be around $320 per month.

The average price of a house in Sydney is around $1.6 million, though prices vary enormously by area. Outer suburbs sit well below the city median, while waterfront suburbs can reach into the tens of millions

Healthcare in Sydney

Before your big move to Sydney, it’s wise to think about medical cover for when you’re out there.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Cigna for private medical insurance in Sydney. With four levels of annual cover to choose from and extra modules for more flexibility, Cigna will sort you out with a plan that suits your needs.

Start building a customised plan with a free quote to protect your most important assets – you and your family.

Transport

Sydney has excellent public transport consisting of buses, trams, trains and ferries. Fares are capped at AU$50 per week, keeping regular commuting costs reasonable. Petrol costs around AU$1.77 a litre.

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Neighborhoods

Sydney is often described as a series of villages, each with its own character. It has over 500 suburbs, so the choice is great. Every suburb has at least one park to relax and picnic in. There is plenty of student accommodation near all the universities in Sydney. Sydney University is in the up-and-coming suburb of Redfern and is full of bars, coffee shops and restaurants.

Manly Vale is a favourite area for families and retirees alike, with excellent schools, child-friendly activities and great shopping. Bondi is another family friendly area as it’s close to the beach, shops and good schools. Vaucluse is a lovely area right on the harbour which has views to die for.

Australia has an excellent state education system and a host of good private schools. Public schooling is free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Children start school at the age of 5 and follow the Australian National Curriculum. Some international schools offer the International Baccalaureate.

Children must go to school in the catchment area in which they are living, so it’s important to know where the good schools are. Some of the best public schools in Sydney are:

• James Ruse Agricultural High School, Carlingford
• North Sydney Girls High School, Crows Nest
• Sydney Girls High School, Surry Hills
• North Sydney Boys High School, Crows Nest
• Baulkham Hills High School, Baulkham Hills

And the best private schools in Sydney are:

• Sydney Grammar School, Darlinghurst
• St Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point
• Ascham School Ltd, Edgecliff
• Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga
• SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Darlinghurst

Things to do in Sydney

You are spoilt for choice in Sydney. There are museums, galleries, saltwater swimming pools, the Botanical Gardens, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, theatres, cinemas, sports clubs, boating trips, restaurants, bars, cliff walks, snorkel routes, surfing, scuba diving, history tours and shopping, to name but a few of the many activities.

Best restaurants in Sydney

Australia is known for its fine dining and excellent wines. Sydney has an incredible array of restaurants from basic diners to top award winning restaurants. Eating out, having coffee or enjoying a glass of wine are very much part of life in Sydney. Regular visits to Circular Quay are a must for Sydneysiders and visitors alike. The selection of eateries is endless and, with views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, you can’t fail to enjoy your dinner.

Why not try dining at Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House? It holds a coveted 3 hat award. The average price of a 3-course meal for 2 with wine is around $570. If this is a little expensive for your taste, then head to the local pub where you can get good pub grub for around $36 for two.

There are hundreds of medium priced restaurants to choose from, encompassing menus from around the globe. The average price for a three-course meal for 2 without drinks will set you back around $120. For those of you who are looking for a good burger, try Mary’s in Newtown, near Sydney University. It’s one of the favourite hangouts of international students and backpackers.

There are many vegetarian, vegan and raw food restaurants in Sydney. And let’s not forgot the coffee shops. Sydneysiders take their coffee very seriously and Sundays will see them hopping from café to café, trying out the latest blends.

Drinking out

Sydney’s notorious ‘lockout laws’, which for years restricted entry to venues after 1.30am, were fully repealed in January 2026 — good news for those who like to dance until dawn. Beer prices have risen since Sydney’s post-pandemic bar boom; expect to pay AU$8-$15 for a beer and from AU$14 for a cocktail.

Sydney nightlife

Sydney’s nightlife is as varied as its cosmopolitan make up. Oxford Street is the heart of the gay community and has a mix of gay and straight bars and clubs. The Rocks and Kings Street have a great atmosphere and are a little more upmarket. Circular Quay and other areas by the harbour are expensive but are always buzzing until the early hours.

There are quiet bars and clubs, such as Eau de Vie in Darlinghurst which plays gentle jazz music. Try the Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills for some nostalgic glamour and interesting conversation.

Celebrities in Sydney

Sydneysiders are proud of their celebrities but they don’t hunt them down for autographs. A classic example was in March 2016 when Hugh Jackman was on the Bondi beach with his kids. He not only rescued his son from a rip current but also went back in the sea and helped other people in trouble. Russell Crowe has an apartment by the Botanical Gardens, Nicole Kidman lives just outside the city and Cate Blanchett has a mansion on the waterfront.