Sydney Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

Sydney is an absolute must if you are visiting Australia, but unfortunately it’s generally more expensive than you might expect, especially when the currency is strong as it is in 2014. Hostels and hotels are of high standard, and you tend to pay an extra price for it. The backpacker neighborhood of Kings Cross might be the best place to find accommodation bargains, though it’s also more seedy than you’d probably expect.

Sydney City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Sydney

Population 4,900,000
Area 4,900,000
Timezone UTC+10
Currency Australian dollars
Airports Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$82.93
1 USD = 1.5200 AUD
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Sydney

Sydney Hotel Seasons

Sydney Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar19.74 - 49.34
starstarstarstarstar42.76 - 51.32
starstarstarstarstar48.03 - 131.58
starstarstarstarstar66.45 - 166.45
starstarstarstarstar109.21 - 262.50

Sydney Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed13.82 - 21.05

Sydney Attractions Prices

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Sydney TowerThis great observation deck also includes a ride in the virtual OzTrek theater. Discounts are available, including online.
adults
3-15
21.71
16.45
Sydney Opera House tourYou can see and photograph the outside of these buildings for free. The Essential Tour takes you inside for an hour. Discounts for buying online are available.
adults
children
28.29
15.13
Museum of SydneyLearn about how Sydney came to be on the site of one of the first settlements.
adults
0.00

Sydney Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastMany restaurants will include breakfast, but if yours doesn't then fast food might be the only cheap option.4.61 - 7.89
Budget lunchSandwiches and Asian restaurants are good budget lunch options in Sydney.6.58 - 9.87
Budget dinnerIt's hard to find cheap meals at sit-down restaurants, but those on a budget can often find good deals at pubs, often along with a beer.8.55 - 13.16
Beer (pint)Cheapskates should look in King's Cross near the hostels for cheaper pints. Irish pubs in other areas sometimes have deals on one particular lager.4.61 - 6.58

Sydney Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center25.00 - 29.61
Airport Link train to city center11.84
Shuttle bus from airport to city7.89 - 11.84
Local bus from airport to city center1.97
3km taxi ride in Sydney7.24 - 9.87
Metro or bus ride in Sydney1.32 - 2.63
Light rail ride in Sydney1.97 - 3.95
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When to visit Sydney

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January79664
February78664.6
March76645.1
April72585
May67534.7
June62495.1
July61463.8
August64483.2
September68522.7
October72563.1
November74603.3
December77643.1

Sydney Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:58am7:05pm
21 Jun7:00am4:53pm
21 Sep5:47am5:50pm
21 Dec5:40am8:05pm

Where to go before and after