City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Singapore
COL index 84.8
Australia
COL index 82.4
Singapore vs Sydney — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Sydney is 2.8% cheaper than Singapore for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Singapore | Metric | Sydney | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84.8 | Cost of living index | 82.4 | -2.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €39,450 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,283 | +9.7% |
| €3,280 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,480 | -24.4% |
| €4,256 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,421 | -19.6% |
| €46,521 | PPP — net / COL | €52,528 | +12.9% |
| 21.1% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.4% | -36.3% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Singapore = €3,288 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Sydney, you would need roughly €43,055 gross in Australia (≈ €3,194 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 85)
- +Favourable tax rate (21.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (99.8%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€2,480)
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (68.8%)
The verdict
Across the data, Sydney delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Sydney carries a lower cost-of-living index; Sydney has the lighter effective tax burden; Sydney wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Sydney edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Singapore cheaper than Sydney?+
Sydney is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Singapore 84.8, Sydney 82.4 — a 2.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Singapore and Sydney?+
Singapore sits at 84.8 on our COL index, Sydney at 82.4. That works out to roughly 2.8% — Sydney being the cheaper of the two.
Is Singapore a good place to live compared to Sydney?+
It depends on priorities. Singapore delivers €39,450 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 21.1% effective tax rate. Sydney delivers €43,283 at 13.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,280 vs €2,480.
How do salaries compare in Singapore vs Sydney?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €39,450/year (€3,288/month) in Singapore and €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Sydney.
Which city has lower taxes, Singapore or Sydney?+
Australia has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Singapore 21.1%, Australia 13.4%.