Updated January 5, 2026
Cost Comparison 2026

SydneyvsTel Aviv

Australia
Israel
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Overall

πŸ’°

+2.3%

Sydney is 2.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-23.9%

Housing is 23.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

πŸ›’

-13.3%

Food shopping 13.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Sydney, Australia and Tel Aviv, Israel reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2026. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Sydney is more expensive than Tel Aviv by approximately 2.3%. 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 Sydney are higher than in Tel Aviv by 31%. A one-bedroom apartment in Sydney's city center costs around A$3,555, while the same in Tel Aviv is approximately β‚ͺ6,000.

Dining out in Sydney costs about the same compared to Tel Aviv. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$30 in Sydney versus β‚ͺ60 in Tel Aviv.

Public transportation in Sydney is more expensive, with monthly passes at A$217 compared to β‚ͺ213 in Tel Aviv.

Grocery shopping in Sydney is more expensive by approximately 15%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Sydney can expect to spend approximately A$1,124 per month (excluding rent), while in Tel Aviv, the same lifestyle would cost around β‚ͺ2,001. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about A$3,934 monthly in Sydney versus β‚ͺ7,004 in Tel Aviv. 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
Sydney, Australia
Tel Aviv, Israel

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
A$3,555
β‚ͺ6,000
1BR Outside Center
A$2,313
β‚ͺ4,500
3BR City Center
A$6,817
β‚ͺ10,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
A$30
β‚ͺ60
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
A$129
β‚ͺ300
Cappuccino
A$6
β‚ͺ15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
A$11
β‚ͺ30

πŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
A$3
β‚ͺ6
Bread (500g)
A$4
β‚ͺ8
Eggs (12)
A$8
β‚ͺ15
Cheese (1kg)
A$17
β‚ͺ50

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
A$5
β‚ͺ6
Monthly Pass
A$217
β‚ͺ213
Taxi Start
A$6
β‚ͺ12
Gasoline (1L)
A$2
β‚ͺ8

πŸ’‘ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85mΒ²)
A$304
β‚ͺ550
Internet (60 Mbps)
A$80
β‚ͺ100
Mobile Minute
A$0
β‚ͺ0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Sydney to Tel Aviv, 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 Tel Aviv to Sydney 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

Sydney

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index92
Purchasing Power Index92

Tel Aviv

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sydney more expensive than Tel Aviv?

The cost of living in Sydney and Tel Aviv is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Sydney compared to Tel Aviv?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.0x of your Tel Aviv salary when living in Sydney. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tel Aviv, you'd need about $51,136 in Sydney for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Sydney and Tel Aviv?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 31%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Sydney vs Tel Aviv?

In Sydney, a single person needs approximately A$3,437 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$7,933. In Tel Aviv, these figures are β‚ͺ6,501 for singles and β‚ͺ14,504 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Sydney and Tel Aviv in 2026 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 Tel Aviv to maintain your lifestyle from Sydney

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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Last updated: 2026-01-08 β€’ Data sourced from multiple providers