Adelaide vs Sydney
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Adelaide | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 1.4 million | 5.5 million |
| State | South Australia | New South Wales |
| Median house price2 | $820k | $1.5M |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $570 | $750 |
| Average summer day3 | 29°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 15°C | 17°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 540 mm | 1200 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Defence, health, education, wine and food | Finance, professional services, tech, tourism |
Sydney is 0.5 hours ahead of Adelaide in winter. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Adelaide and Sydney beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Adelaide. The festival city: the Adelaide Fringe, Festival and WOMADelaide each March. It is also close to the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wine regions.
Sydney. The Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and more than 100 beaches, from Bondi and Manly to quieter northern bays. It is Australia's finance capital and its most international city.
Getting around
Adelaide. Buses, trains and a single tram line through the city to Glenelg beach. The grid layout and short commutes make driving easy, and there are no toll roads.
Sydney. A large Sydney Trains and Metro network plus ferries on the harbour, but the city is spread out and many people drive. Sydney has the most toll roads in the country, and regular commuters can pay thousands of dollars a year in tolls.
Sport
Adelaide. AFL leads, with the Crows and Port Adelaide playing at Adelaide Oval, one of the country's best-loved grounds. It also hosts cricket and the AFL Gather Round.
Sydney. Rugby league is the dominant code (the NRL was born here), with AFL, cricket and the A-League also strong. Major venues include the SCG, Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and the rebuilt Allianz Stadium.
Day-to-day life
Adelaide. Short commutes, an easy pace and a strong food and wine scene. It is among the cheaper mainland capitals, though prices have climbed quickly in recent years.
Sydney. Outdoor, beach-centred living with long warm seasons. The trade-off is cost: housing takes a bigger share of income than anywhere else in Australia, so many people live far from where they work.
Sources: Adelaide Metro · South Australian Tourism Commission · Transport for NSW · Destination NSW