How much does it cost to travel to Sydney?
You should plan to spend around $281 (AU$421) 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:
- $46 (AU$68) on meals
- $15 (AU$23) on local transportation
- $210 (AU$315) on hotels
A one week trip to Sydney for two people costs, on average, $3,933 (AU$5,897). 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.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Sydney has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Sydney expensive to visit?
Prices in Sydney are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.
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?
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.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation1(Double Occupancy) | AU$315($210) |
| Local Transportation1 | AU$23($15) |
| Food2 | AU$68($46) |
| Entertainment1 | AU$48($32) |
| Tips and Handouts1 | AU$776 -2,327($517 - 1,552) |
| Alcohol2 | AU$11 -34($8 - 23) |
Accommodation Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Sydney is $105 (AU$157). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Sydney is $210 (AU$315). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
$105
AU$157
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
$210
AU$315
Hotel Prices in Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Sydney? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Sydney based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $96. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Recommended Properties
Transportation Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The cost of a taxi ride in Sydney is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $15 (AU$23) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sydney.
Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
AU$23
Recommended Services
Flights to Sydney
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.
Rental Cars in Sydney
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.
What did other people spend on Transportation in Sydney?
Typical prices for Transportation in Sydney are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sydney, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Taxi Ride
AU$20
Taxi to Airport
AU$25
Food Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While meal prices in Sydney can vary, the average cost of food in Sydney is $46 (AU$68) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Sydney should cost around $18 (AU$27) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Sydney is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
Food2Meals for one day
$46
AU$68
Recommended
What did other people spend on Food in Sydney?
Typical prices for Food in Sydney are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sydney, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Tea
AU$4.00
Lunch Special
AU$15
Food/Drink Coogie Beach
AU$15
Meat Pies
AU$5.00
Entertainment Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Entertainment and activities in Sydney typically cost an average of $32 (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.
See AlsoMakeMyTripEntertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$32
AU$48
The Go City Sydney Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Sydney. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.
Recommended Activities
What did other people spend on Entertainment in Sydney?
Typical prices for Entertainment in Sydney are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sydney, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Theatre Show
AU$45
Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
AU$46
Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
AU$190
Powerhouse Museum
AU$15
Tips and Handouts Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Sydney is $1,034 (AU$1,551) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Sydney is 5% - 15%.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
$1,034
AU$1,551
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Sydney is $157 (AU$236), as reported by travelers.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$157
AU$236
Alcohol Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $15 (AU$23) on alcoholic beverages in Sydney per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
$15
AU$23
Recommended
What did other people spend on Alcohol in Sydney?
Typical prices for Alcohol in Sydney are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sydney, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Wine
AU$16
Water Budget in Sydney
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, people spend $3.35 (AU$5.03) on bottled water in Sydney per day. The public water in Sydney is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
$3.35
AU$5.03
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2023
Sydney on a Budget
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.
Sights
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 amusem*nt 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.
Neighborhoods
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.
Activities
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.
Food and Dining
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.
Transportation
Sydney has a range of transportation options including buses, trains, and ferries. It has a great public transportation system, particularly in the city center. If you're planning to spend most of your time in the middle of town then a rental car is not necessary. There is an extensive suburban rail system in Sydney with 176 stations. It covers most of the metropolitan area with the exception of the northwest and northern beaches. The city's light rail system has one single, 7 kilometer long line that travels between Sydney City and Darling Harbour, the casino, and Pyrmont and from Central to Dulwich Hill. The bus system in Sydney is comprehensive and usually reliable. It is best to plan your route in advance though, to ensure you make the most efficient travel plans.
You can supplement public transportation with the taxis you will find around town. There are generally two different rates. There is a flag fall rate of $3.30 and a distance rate of $1.99/km. You will also be charged a sitting fee of $0.85/min and a booking fee of $2.50. The night rate between 10PM and 6AM adds twenty percent to the distance fee. These fees do add up so keep an eye on the costs. You will also be charged an additional ten percent if you choose to pay with a credit card.
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.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
