Sydney is a vibrant city with a lively cultural scene, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, plus it has more than 100 beaches!. Sydney, is also Australia’s largest city with over 5.3 million people, it is known for its diversity, with 40% of residents born overseas. If you plan on moving from New Zealand to Sydney, New South Wales this is what you should know.

What is the Cost of Living Like in Sydney (NSW)

Sydney has a high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. Renting in central areas like the CBD, Bondi, or Manly is expensive. There are cheaper options in suburbs like Marrickville or Newtown. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $650 to $850 NZD per week, while further out, it may drop to around $400 to $600 NZD.

Transportation costs are manageable with the Opal card, which covers trains, buses, and ferries. Public transport is generally cheaper than driving, as parking fees and tolls add up quickly. Groceries and dining out are also higher than the national average. Utilities, such as electricity and internet, are moderately priced but can vary depending on usage and the size of your home.

What are the Education Options in Sydney (NSW)

Sydney offers a wide range of education options, from public to private institutions. The public school system is free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, though international students may need to pay fees. Like New Zealand, public schools are generally zoned, meaning your address determines your school. Private schools, including independent and Catholic schools, come with tuition fees however have better academic reputations.

For higher education, Sydney is home to prestigious universities such as the University of Sydney, UNSW (University of New South Wales), and UTS (University of Technology Sydney), all renowned globally. These universities offer a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.

The Sydney Job Market for Kiwis

The Sydney job market offers strong opportunities for New Zealanders, particularly due to the close economic ties between Australia and New Zealand. Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealanders can live and work in Australia without a visa, making job access seamless. Sydney, as Australia’s economic hub, has thriving industries in finance, technology, healthcare, construction, and education, with many multinational companies headquartered in the city.

For New Zealanders, popular job search platforms like Seek and LinkedIn are essential for finding employment. Industries like construction are booming, offering plenty of trade roles, while sectors like IT, banking, and healthcare are in high demand for skilled professionals.

Sydney’s competitive job market offers strong wages, often higher than those in New Zealand, though the cost of living is proportionately higher. Many Kiwis find Sydney an appealing place for career growth, benefiting from the ease of integration and the city’s economic opportunities.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Sydney offers a vibrant lifestyle with a diverse mix of entertainment options. Its stunning beaches like Bondi and Manly are central to the city’s beach culture, where locals enjoy surfing, swimming, and coastal walks. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore parks and hiking trails, such as the Royal National Park or Blue Mountains.

Culturally, Sydney is rich with world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and annual events. The Sydney Opera House hosts concerts, ballets, and performances, while the Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art showcase both local and international art. The city is also known for its food scene, with a vast range of restaurants reflecting its multicultural population. From fine dining to street food, Sydney offers endless culinary experiences, alongside bustling markets and vibrant nightlife in areas like Newtown and Surry Hills.

Sydney Weather

Sydney has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. Summers (December to February) are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C, though heat waves can push temperatures above 30°C. Winters (June to August) are mild, with average temperatures between 8°C and 17°C. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being March and June. Sydney also enjoys plenty of sunshine, making outdoor activities popular year-round, especially at the city’s famous beaches.

What our Service to Sydney Includes

Ausmove provide a full door to door international removals service to Sydney, so there’s no need to worry about a thing.

Here’s a summary of what we have to offer;

  • A team of experts, all working together on your behalf
  • Free consultations either by phone, video, or home visit
  • Obligation free quotations
  • A trusted and proven network of Australia’s best service partners
  • Door-to-door international removals service, including all clearances
  • Vehicle shipping and family pet transportation
  • Different shipping and air freight options available to suit your needs
  • Secure storage in both New Zealand and Brisbane
  • Professionally trained packing, stowing and delivery teams
  • Customised ‘fit for purpose’ packing materials e.g., bike cartons
  • Cost effective transit insurance options, to suit your needs

Learn more

Moving you to Australia from New Zealand

We provide a complete door to door international removals service to Australia. Contact us and find out why we are Auckland’s best moving solution for relocating to Sydney.

Call us on: (09) 360-4777 or request a free quote online.

Feel like a taste of Australia’s biggest city? Moving to Sydney is the dream for many Kiwis, who want a world of job opportunities, amazing weather and internationally famous beaches all at their doorstep. If you’re intent on calling Sydney home, you probably don’t need much convincing… but, nevertheless, here are our top 5 reasons to hang your hat in Sydney!

1) Lifestyle

If you love a fast-paced city with lots to see and do, then Sydney is right up your alley. The city has a population of over 5 million, meaning there’s always something exciting happening, every day of the year. Sydneysiders enjoy a lifestyle which is busy and jam-packed full of activities.

2) Beaches

There aren’t many beaches in the world that are more famous than the ones in Sydney: Bondi Beach has had a globally-watched TV show made about it, for crying out loud! The beaches in Sydney are well-known for simply being the bomb. Clovelly, Coogee, Manly and Tamarama are just a few of the other fantastic beaches which are right in the heart of suburban Sydney life.

3) Weather

And what do you need to enjoy some of the world’s best beaches? Some of the world’s best weather! Sydney’s weather is perfect if you love warm, slightly humid summers and ultra mild winters. The average winter temperature high in July (the coldest month) is 17 degrees Celsius. Not too bad, huh? Summers are spent down at the beach, or exploring some of the other amazing beachside towns and villages which spread up and down the coast. The South Coast is a favourite holiday spot among locals, as are the northern NSW towns of Port Macquarie and Byron Bay.

4) Job opportunities

Unless you’ve won the lottery, you’ll need a job in Sydney in order to live there. Rest assured: Sydney has a strong job market. Unemployment is low in Sydney, with the rates sticking around the 3.75% area. There are always jobs to be found in Sydney – whether you’re an IT expert, a construction heavyweight or an upcoming artist.

5) Great public transport

You might hear of Sydney’s size, and think, “Well, public transport must be a nightmare!” Truth is, it has one of the best public transport systems in the country. Trains, buses and ferries are all part of the highly efficient transport system. Can you see yourself ferrying across the water to get to work every day? How frickin’ cool is that!

Moving to Sydney is just one phone call away – get in touch with the guys at Ausmove! They’re New Zealand’s favourite moving company for Kiwis who want to pack up and head across the ditch. Moving expertise, smooth service and affordable prices are what you get with the team at Ausmove. Grab a quote from them today!