Moving to Sydney Guide | Whybirds Removals and Storage

Cost of Living
Whether you opt to rent or buy a property when you move to Sydney, you will be surprised at how expensive it can get. In the recent Demographia Housing Affordability Survey, Sydney has the third least affordable housing market among all major cities in the world; Melbourne ranked 4th.

Housing and Rental
Average monthly household rental payment — A$2,400
Average monthly household mortgage payment — A$2,630

While monthly rental is more expensive than other popular cities, the majority of food and personal care items are less expensive in Sydney.

Food
Basic lunchtime menu (in the business district) — AU$17
Take away food — AU$11
1 litre of whole fat milk — AU$1.26
500 g of local cheese — AU$8
1 kg of tomatoes- AU$5.04
1 kg of potatoes — AU$3.32
500 g of boneless chicken breast — AU$5.99
1 kg of apples — AU$4.30
12 eggs, large — AU$5.49

Personal Care
1 box of antibiotics — AU$16
4 rolls of toilet paper — AU$3.62
Tube of toothpaste — AU$3.97
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml) — AU$6

Lifestyle:
Shops in Sydney are usually open until 5 PM and cafes are mostly closed by 4 PM.

Compared to other cities, Sydney has very drinking laws. Individuals who intend to work in bars and other drinking establishments are required to take a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Course. They also implement lockout laws which prohibit patrons from entering bars after 1:30.

Leisure/Attractions
Sydney is Australia’s oldest and largest city. While it is best known for the Sydney Opera House, there are plenty of other attractions that locals and tourists can visit in the city.

• Sydney Harbour
  Sydney Harbour is known as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. It is also one of the best gateways for locals and tourists who would like to explore the city and admire the beauty of Sydney. Aside from the famous landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and historical sites that are accessible from the harbour.While you’re in the area, you may want to try the BridgeClimb. As the name suggests, this is an activity where visitors will climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, the BridgeClimb is not for the faint of heart. Visitors will take a 3.5 hour-guided climb to the arches of the bridge, rising 134 metres or 440 feet above sea level. The summit offers a breathtaking 360 degrees panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour.
• Royal Botanic Garden
  The Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is a 300,000-square meter heritage-listed botanical garden located in Farm Cove. It often serves as an event venue and public recreation area. The botanic garden is considered as the oldest scientific institution in Australia. It is also an important historic botanical institution in the world.Visitors to the garden may also join garden tours to learn about the history and aboriginal culture of the Cadigal people. The garden also has walkways and facilities for those who prefer taking strolls and relaxing activities.
• Sydney Opera House
  Located in Sydney Harbour, The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre established in 1973. Since its establishment, the opera house has been the most popular attraction in Australia. The Sydney Opera House has a total seating capacity of 5,738.Aside from the indoor theatres, a concert hall, and studios, Sydney Opera House also houses exhibition rooms and a cinema. Different guided walking tours are also available to visitors, both locals and tourists. Guided tours allow visitors to explore different areas of the opera house while learning about its history.
• George Street
  George Street is the oldest street in Sydney, as well as the city’s original high street. It remains to be of the city’s busiest streets, lined with several high-rise office blocks, historic buildings, and shops.The elegant Queen Victoria building is also in this area. This Romanesque-style building is known for its graceful domes, high-end stores, and stained glass windows. Also in the vicinity is the Sydney Town Hall and the neo-gothic St. Andrew’s Church.
• Street Art of Newtown
  Newtown and its surrounding suburbs are known for their colourful walls, lined with unique street art and graffiti. Artists who have decorated the streets used different styles and methods to express themselves/share their message. From large-scale painted murals, hand-painted or sprayed slogans, to yarn-bombed and sculptural items.If you can’t decide on where to start your Newtown exploration, short walking tours are available in the area. There are guided tours which take locals and visitors to some of the best and most popular works. When you get tired of walking around, you can relax and dine at one of the local restaurants in the suburb.

Originally published at https://whybirds.com.au on November 25, 2020.