Is Double Bay Expensive?

Sydney, Australia

+30% vs Sydney avg

Living in Double Bay, Sydney

Double Bay is the most expensive area in Sydney, with a cost of living index of 96.9 — that is +30% compared to the Sydney average. Only the top 1 of 24 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around A$4,064/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 Double Bay, 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$162,555 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Double Bay

Salaries in Double Bay reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 96.9:

After tax and deductions of 21.1% in Australia, take-home pay for someone earning A$162,555 would be roughly A$128,256/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

96.9
COLI Index
1.30x
vs City Avg
A$4,064
Est. 1BR Rent
#1
of 24 Areas
21.1%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Double Bay

Estimated annual deductions on a A$103,266 salary in Double Bay, Sydney (local employee).

Income Tax
21%
Total Deductions: 21.1%
Est. Take-Home: A$81,498/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

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

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $72,675
London GBP £62,543
Dubai AED AED 363,650

Other Neighborhoods in Sydney

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Mosman 95.4 1.28x +28%
CBD 93.1 1.25x +25%
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 →

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Compare Double Bay

Double Bay vs Bankstown Double Bay vs Mosman Double Bay vs CBD Double Bay vs Glebe

Sydney City Comparisons

Sydney vs Melbourne

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Double Bay:

Shibuya, Tokyo South End, Boston Foggy Bottom, Washington DC Old North, Tel Aviv Coral Gables, Miami Miami Beach, Miami

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Bay expensive in Sydney?

Yes, Double Bay is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Sydney. It costs about +30% more than the city average, ranking #1 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does Double Bay compare to the Sydney average?

The cost of living in Double Bay is significantly above the Sydney average. With a multiplier of 1.30x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +30% 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.