Cost Comparison 2025

MiamivsSydney

United States
Australia

Overall

💰

+5.9%

Miami is 5.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+6.7%

Housing is 6.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+9.8%

Restaurants 9.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+3.7%

Food shopping 3.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Miami, United States and Sydney, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Miami is more expensive than Sydney by approximately 5.9%. 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 Miami are lower than in Sydney by 6%. A one-bedroom apartment in Miami's city center costs around $2,600, while the same in Sydney is approximately A$3,000.

Dining out in Miami costs about the same compared to Sydney. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 in Miami versus A$20 in Sydney.

Public transportation in Miami is more affordable, with monthly passes at $113 compared to A$200 in Sydney.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Miami can expect to spend approximately $645 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 $2,256 monthly in Miami 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
Miami, United States
Sydney, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,600
A$3,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,000
A$2,200
3BR City Center
$5,000
A$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$90
A$120
Cappuccino
$5
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$7
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
A$2
Bread (500g)
$3
A$3
Eggs (12)
$4
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
$13
A$12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$2
A$5
Monthly Pass
$113
A$200
Taxi Start
$5
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
$1
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$140
A$150
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
A$80
Mobile Minute
$0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Miami 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 Miami 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

Miami

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index100

Sydney

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miami more expensive than Sydney?

Yes, Miami is approximately 5.9% more expensive than Sydney overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Sydney salary when living in Miami. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Sydney, you'd need about $52,941 in Miami for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Miami and Sydney?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 9%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Miami 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 Miami if you prioritize earning potential, or Sydney for affordability.

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

In Miami, a single person needs approximately $2,645 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,756. 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 Miami and Sydney in 2025 shows moderate 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 Miami

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers