Sydney on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Sydney, Australia costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's AUD rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 dorm | $80 ($160 room) | $200 ($400 room) |
| Food & drink | $30 | $60 | $130 |
| Local transport | $10 | $16 | $40 |
| Activities & sights | $8 | $35 | $90 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Sydney
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $249 | $1,146 | $2,760 |
| 5 days | $415 | $1,910 | $4,600 |
| 7 days | $581 | $2,674 | $6,440 |
| 14 days | $1,162 | $5,348 | $12,880 |
Book for less
Best time to visit
September to November and March to May. December to February is summer, peak season and the most expensive.
Money-saving tips
- Tap a contactless card on trains, buses and ferries; daily and weekly caps apply, and Sundays are capped low.
- Ferries to Manly are a cheap harbour cruise.
- Self-catering from supermarkets saves a lot; restaurants are expensive.
Free things to do
- Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
- See the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden.
- Swim at the free ocean pools along the coast.
Events & festivals near Sydney
Questions
How much does a day in Sydney cost?
As a rough guide: about $83 per day for a backpacker, $191 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $460 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Sydney?
For one backpacker about $415; for two people mid-range about $1,910 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
September to November and March to May. December to February is summer, peak season and the most expensive.
What currency is used in Sydney?
AUD. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate