The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 32% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Birmingham to Sydney, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £58,286 in Sydney.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,400 | +£1,400 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £333 | +£4 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £230 | +£35 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £144 | +£13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £176 | +£18 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £3,283 | +£1,469 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (32% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,380/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Sydney to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £43,714 | £13,714 more |
| £40,000 | £58,286 | £18,286 more |
| £50,000 | £72,857 | £22,857 more |
| £60,000 | £87,429 | £27,429 more |
| £80,000 | £116,571 | £36,571 more |
| £100,000 | £145,714 | £45,714 more |
Birmingham vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 32%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Sydney wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.