Is CBD Expensive?

Sydney, Australia

+25% vs Sydney avg

Living in CBD, Sydney

CBD is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Sydney, with a cost of living index of 93.1 — that is +25% compared to the Sydney average. It ranks #3 out of 24 areas by cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around A$3,908/month, compared to a range of A$2,251 in Bankstown to A$4,064 in Double Bay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of CBD, housing takes up roughly 55% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately A$156,303 before tax.

Typical Salaries in CBD

Salaries in CBD reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 93.1:

After tax and deductions of 20.7% in Australia, take-home pay for someone earning A$156,303 would be roughly A$123,948/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

93.1
COLI Index
1.25x
vs City Avg
A$3,908
Est. 1BR Rent
#3
of 24 Areas
20.7%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in CBD

Estimated annual deductions on a A$99,217 salary in CBD, Sydney (local employee).

Income Tax
21%
Total Deductions: 20.7%
Est. Take-Home: A$78,664/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in CBD would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $69,825
London GBP £60,090
Dubai AED AED 349,389

Other Neighborhoods in Sydney

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Double Bay 96.9 1.30x +30%
Mosman 95.4 1.28x +28%
Bondi 90.9 1.22x +22%
Pyrmont 87.9 1.18x +18%
Surry Hills 85.7 1.15x +15%

View all 24 neighborhoods in Sydney →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in CBD, Sydney to maintain your lifestyle.

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Compare CBD

CBD vs Mosman CBD vs Double Bay

Sydney City Comparisons

Sydney vs Melbourne

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to CBD:

West Hollywood, Los Angeles Downtown, San Diego Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Kerem HaTeimanim, Tel Aviv Dubai Marina, Dubai Majorstuen, Oslo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD expensive in Sydney?

Yes, CBD is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Sydney. It costs about +25% more than the city average, ranking #3 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does CBD compare to the Sydney average?

The cost of living in CBD is significantly above the Sydney average. With a multiplier of 1.25x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +25% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include Australian Bureau of Statistics · Australian Taxation Office · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.