Sydney is an adventurous city known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Sydney and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Sydney?
You should plan to spend around $305 (AU$471) per day on your vacation in Sydney. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $76 (AU$118) on meals
- $15 (AU$23) on local transportation
- $204 (AU$315) on hotels
A one week trip to Sydney for two people costs, on average, $4,264 (AU$6,594). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,132
AU$3,297
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,264
AU$6,594
-
One Month
Per person
$9,138
AU$14,130
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,264
AU$6,594
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$8,529
AU$13,188
-
One Month
For a couple
$18,276
AU$28,260
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sydney cost?
A one week trip to Sydney usually costs around $2,132 (AU$3,297) for one person and $4,264 (AU$6,594) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sydney on average costs around $4,264 (AU$6,594) for one person and $8,529 (AU$13,188) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sydney will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sydney on average costs around $9,138 (AU$14,130) for one person and $18,276 (AU$28,260) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Sydney expensive to visit?
Sydney is a bustling city filled with endless activities to enjoy. It's a favorite among travelers of all styles and budgets, ensuring a lively and varied atmosphere. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Sydney can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $110 (AU$166) per day, mid-range travelers spend $312 (AU$471) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $986 (AU$1,489) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sydney.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Sydney is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in the Pacific for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Sydney in the region, such as Fraser Island.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sydney Expensive?
Sydney Harbour, NSW, Australia
How much money do I need for a trip to Sydney?
The average Sydney trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sydney travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sydney cost?
Sydney on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$35
(AU$55)
|
$102
(AU$157)
|
$329
(AU$508)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(AU$8.45)
|
$15
(AU$23)
|
$42
(AU$65)
|
|
Food 2
|
$29
(AU$45)
|
$76
(AU$118)
|
$212
(AU$327)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
(AU$18)
|
$31
(AU$48)
|
$88
(AU$135)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(AU$5-14)
|
$7-22
(AU$11-34)
|
$18-55
(AU$28-85)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Sydney, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $110 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Sydney, such as Wake Up! Sydney Central, Nomads Sydney, and Wake Up! Bondi Beach. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. In addition, the city features a fantastic public transit system that helps budget-conscious travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. While food is a highlight for every visitor in Sydney, budget travelers often opt for street food or cook in their hostel, which can prevent them from enjoying the exquisite culinary offerings.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Sydney, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $312 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Sydney is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Bondi Beach House is a solid choice for families, while Best Western Casula Motor Inn also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Sydney here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $986 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Sydney: Luxury Blue Mountains Adventure as a Small Group Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Sydney
The cost of hotels in Sydney can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $96, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $179. Budget hotels range from $56 to $299, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sydney for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $204 (AU$315). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $102 (AU$157) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sydney? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sydney include:
- Valentine On George starting at $88
- Best Western Casula Motor Inn starting at $97
- Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel starting at $194
- Grand Mercure The Hills Lodge starting at $123
- Camden Valley Inn starting at $117
Sydney, being a large city, offers numerous places to stay. You'll find options ranging from hostels like Wake Up! Sydney Central to vacation rentals and upscale hotels. If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, expect higher prices, but enjoy easy access to public transit and attractions.
With Sydney's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the city is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.
In a family-friendly destination like Sydney, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children. Since it's a big city, rooms can be on the smaller side and may feel a bit cramped.
Visitors often spend a week in Sydney. If you're planning to stay for a while, consider getting a vacation rental with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Exploring Sydney on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Sydney
Getting around in Sydney, a big city, is essential, and the good news is that Sydney offers excellent public transportation. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail. For budget-conscious travelers, public transit is a great option, though taxis and rideshares are always an option if you need them.
Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (AU$23) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sydney. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sydney is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
AU$23
If you intend to use public transit a lot, multi-day passes can significantly reduce your transportation expenses.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets while using the buses and trains, especially in the stations. After all, Sydney is a large city.
When planning a hiking trip, consider how you'll get to the hiking trail, as public transportation might not provide direct access.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD for 1 to 2 pax for $118 details
- Family Sydney Airport Departure Transfer for $86 details
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney CBD/Downtown to Sydney Airport 1-11 people for $237 details
How much does it cost to go to Sydney? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sydney will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Sydney are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
-
Taxi Ride
AU$20
-
Taxi to Airport
AU$25
Food Budget in Sydney
The local cuisine in Sydney is terrific, so make it a point to take time to taste all the unique flavors. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sydney can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sydney is $76 (AU$118) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$76
AU$118
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sydney is around $78 (AU$118) per person, with previous travelers spending from $30 to $217. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sydney are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $23
- Lunch: $12 to $31
- Dinner: $23 to $55
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Food prices in Sydney can range from relatively affordable to extremely expensive. Your cheapest option is to pick up ingredients at a market and prepare your own meals. Ethnic food is often reasonably priced as well. Asian restaurants are abundant and include Korean, Chinese and Thai, among others. Head to Chinatown for a variety of affordable options. There are also affordable cafes near Sydney University along King Street.
Cafes and restaurants providing all-day breakfasts have taken off in popularity. There are many beachside cafes that offer excellent Australian breakfasts including corn fritters with bacon and poached eggs.
This city is also great for children. Here's a list of places where kids eat free in Sydney.
You can save money by enjoying meals at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many eateries in tourist areas or business centers provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are frequently just smaller and cheaper versions of their dinner options. Sometimes, if you search in the right places, you can have a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget price. For dinner, just keep it light.
If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
By packing a picnic, you can enjoy the scenery and save money. Visit a local grocery store or market, select some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic spot for your meal.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sydney. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney Harbour - Vivid Dinner Cruise for $147 details
- Deluxe Dinner Package by Luke Nguyen at Botanic House for $125 details
- Sydney Street Art & Food Tour for $53 details
Food and meal prices in Sydney, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Tea
AU$4.00
-
Lunch Special
AU$15
-
Food/Drink Coogie Beach
AU$15
-
Meat Pies
AU$5.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sydney
It's easy to see why people visit Sydney, given its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sydney typically cost an average of $31 (AU$48) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$31
AU$48
Perhaps the most recognizable sights in Sydney include the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, but there are countless other attractions to visit while you're in town. The Sydney Olympic Park is where the city hosted the summer Olympics in the year 2000. Luna Park is an amusement park near the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Tower is the tallest building in the city. The Royal Botanical Gardens have 7500 species of plants and is not to be missed. Although there is no lack of sights in Sydney, the most appealing part of the city is simply wandering the neighborhoods, checking out the fine restaurants, and soaking up the sun and views.
Do make sure you allow yourself enough time to take in the city for everything it has to offer. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or a family, this large city has something for everyone. For example, here's a great list of 88 things to do in Sydney with kids.
As a large, metropolitan city on the ocean, there is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy while you're in town. Sydney is a great place to start with your Australia Bucket List, after all. Swimming at one of the beaches is a must. The most popular beaches include Bondi, Manly, Coogee, Cronulla, and Wattamolla. There are also many great kayaking spots nearby. Surfing, fishing, and water sports are all plentiful as well.
If you're interested in a more cultural activity then check out a show at one of the city's three theaters. The Capitol Theatre in Haymarket, the Theatre Royal in the Central Business District, and the Lyric Theatre in Star City are all recommended, especially if you're on a 4-day itinerary of Sydney. Opera Australia performs at the Opera House as well.
A number of other trips just outside of the city are also possible. A visit to the Blue Mountains makes an easy day trip. Or, it's possible to go whale watching from Sydney, too.
Museums and Attractions:
Sydney is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.
Beaches:
A lot of tourists head to Sydney for some beach relaxation. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.
Hiking:
Get ready for some great hiking adventures near Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.
Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sydney. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems for $266 details
- Royal National Park Tour for $250 details
- Drag Queen Walking Tour through Sydney's LGBT District for $49 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Sydney, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Sydney
Visitors flock to Sydney for its exceptional nightlife, which is famous around the world. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $15 (AU$23) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sydney per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
AU$23
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Sydney. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney for $163 details
- Marrickville Brewery Tour for $76 details
- Private Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney for $197 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Sydney, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Travel cost data last updated: Sep 20, 2024
Traveling in Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
Sydney's climate is humid subtropical. There summers are warm or hot and the winters are mild. Rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year. The weather is heavily effected by the city's proximity to the ocean and you can expect temperatures to be more extreme the farther inland you go. January and February are the warmest months with temperatures typically in the 70s or 80s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures rarely go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the coldest month is July.
Neighborhoods & Around
Sydney is a large metropolitan area with a compact city center surrounded by sprawling suburbs. The central part of the city includes the City Center, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, City South, City East, and City West. The City Center has many attractions that appeal to visitors including excellent shopping and dining. The Rocks is where you'll find the Harbour Bridge as well as the first colonial village of Sydney. Darling Harbour is an area filled with entertainment options. City South has Haymarket, Chinatown and Central Station. City East includes Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Surry Hill, Woolloomooloo and Moore Park while City West has early morning fish markets.
Areas of interest in the outlying suburbs of Sydney include the world famous Bondi Beach, Sydney Olympic Park, Taronga Zoo, Palm Beach, as well as many residential and commercial areas.
Related
Looking for a party? Find a
hostel in Sydney,
Melbourne,
Cairns, or along the
Gold Coast.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.