Cost Comparison 2025

FrankfurtvsSydney

Germany
Australia

Overall

💰

+20.0%

Frankfurt is 20.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+60.0%

Housing is 60.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+28.6%

Restaurants 28.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+30.8%

Food shopping 30.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Frankfurt, Germany and Sydney, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Frankfurt is more expensive than Sydney by approximately 20.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Frankfurt are lower than in Sydney by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Frankfurt's city center costs around €1,500, while the same in Sydney is approximately A$3,000.

Dining out in Frankfurt offers significant savings compared to Sydney. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Frankfurt versus A$20 in Sydney.

Public transportation in Frankfurt is more affordable, with monthly passes at €90 compared to A$200 in Sydney.

Grocery shopping in Frankfurt is more affordable by approximately 24%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Frankfurt can expect to spend approximately €577 per month (excluding rent), while in Sydney, the same lifestyle would cost around A$804. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,018 monthly in Frankfurt versus A$2,814 in Sydney. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Frankfurt, Germany
Sydney, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,500
A$3,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,100
A$2,200
3BR City Center
€2,800
A$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
A$120
Cappuccino
€3
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
A$2
Bread (500g)
€2
A$3
Eggs (12)
€3
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
€10
A$12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
A$5
Monthly Pass
€90
A$200
Taxi Start
€4
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
€2
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€200
A$150
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
A$80
Mobile Minute
€0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Frankfurt to Sydney, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Sydney to Frankfurt requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Frankfurt

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Sydney

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frankfurt more expensive than Sydney?

Yes, Frankfurt is approximately 20.0% more expensive than Sydney overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Frankfurt compared to Sydney?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Sydney salary when living in Frankfurt. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Sydney, you'd need about $60,000 in Frankfurt for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Frankfurt and Sydney?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 38%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Frankfurt offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Sydney provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Frankfurt if you prioritize earning potential, or Sydney for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Frankfurt vs Sydney?

In Frankfurt, a single person needs approximately €1,677 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,018. In Sydney, these figures are A$3,004 for singles and A$6,614 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Frankfurt and Sydney in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Sydney to maintain your lifestyle from Frankfurt

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers