Moving to Sydney

What to Expect When Moving to Sydney

Few cities in the world are as instantly recognisable as Sydney. Framed by the sails of the Sydney Opera House and the steel arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia’s largest city offers a lifestyle that blends natural beauty, cultural diversity and big-city energy.

Whether you’re relocating from another Sydney suburb, moving interstate, or arriving from overseas, moving to Sydney is less about changing your address — and more about adapting to a rhythm that’s uniquely its own.

Nicknamed the Harbour City or the Emerald City, Sydney rewards those who understand its contrasts: fast-paced weekdays and laid-back weekends, dense inner-city living balanced by generous green space, and a cost of living that’s higher — but often justified by the lifestyle on offer.

Home to more than 5 million people, Sydney is Australia’s most populous city and one of its most culturally diverse. Nearly one in three residents were born overseas, shaping everything from neighbourhood character to food, language and community life.

That diversity means there is no single “Sydney lifestyle”.

• Inner-city suburbs buzz with cafés, nightlife and walkability

• Harbour-side areas prioritise views, tranquillity and prestige

• Outer suburbs offer space, family-friendly living and comparative affordability

The key to a successful move is choosing the suburb that fits your stage of life — not just the one with the postcard appeal.

The Reality of Living Costs (and Why People Still Choose Sydney)

Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city to live in — and that’s no secret.

Housing costs are higher than in cities like Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, and everyday expenses can add up quickly. Anyone moving to Sydney should factor this carefully into their planning. That said, many residents find balance through lifestyle choices:

• Making use of the city’s beaches, coastal walks and national parks

• Enjoying free festivals, markets and community events

• Taking advantage of outdoor living that reduces entertainment costs

For many, the value lies not in square metres, but in experience.

Working in Sydney

Sydney is the country’s financial and commercial hub, with strong employment across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Finance and professional services

• Construction and infrastructure

• Healthcare and education

• Technology and digital industries

• Logistics, transport and manufacturing

• Hospitality, retail and accommodation

For professionals, Sydney offers opportunity, competition and career mobility. For families and trades, it offers long-term employment stability — particularly in growing outer and regional-connected suburbs.

Transport in Sydney

Sydney’s transport network divides opinion.

While public transport coverage has improved in recent years, commute times can still be long — particularly when travelling across suburbs rather than into the CBD.

When choosing where to live, consider carefully:

• Daily commute times (not just distance)

• Proximity to train, metro or bus corridors

• Whether a car will be essential for work or family life

For many Sydneysiders, where you live is ultimately shaped by how you need to move.

What to do in Sydney

Sydney isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to use.

From cultural institutions and dining precincts to outdoor adventure, the city offers endless variety:

• Museums, galleries, theatres and live music

• A food scene influenced by cultures from every continent

• Beaches, harbour swims and coastal walks

• Cycling, paddle-boarding, snorkelling and national parks

• Family attractions including zoos and wildlife experiences

There’s always something on — and just as often, something simple and free.

Things to do

• Aboriginal Culture and Heritage
• Arts & Culture Experiences
• Adventure & Sport
• Beach and Coastal Living
• Family Holidays
• Fashion & Shopping
• Food & Drink
• Luxury Experiences
• Nature & Parks and Scenic Walks
• Itineraries
• Luxury and once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Best Places to Live in Sydney

Some suburbs consistently appeal to newcomers due to lifestyle, access and character:

• Manly Vale

• Wahroonga

• Avalon

• Lane Cove

• Paddington

• Balmain

• Liverpool

• Woolloomooloo

• Surry Hills

• Bondi

Each offers a very different version of Sydney living — from beachside calm to inner-city buzz to family-oriented suburbia.

Top Things to Do in Sydney

• Take in a performance at the Sydney Opera House

• Enjoy panoramic views from Sydney Tower

• Explore the city’s museums and galleries

• Walk or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

• Experience the energy of Bondi Beach

• Visit local breweries like Young Henrys

• Join an Indigenous cultural walking tour

• Swim at the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool

  Moving to Sydney isn’t always easy — but few cities offer this level of diversity, beauty and opportunity in one place. With thoughtful planning, the right suburb choice, and realistic expectations, Sydney can reward you with a lifestyle found almost nowhere else.