Singapore vs Sydney: How Do They Compare?
Today’s post will compare the different quality of life factors between Singapore and Sydney.
And while it’s interesting to discuss how Singapore is close to the equator and Sydney isn’t, we’ll be focusing on general information on the two cities and other important points for now.
Is it better to live in Australia or Singapore?
The answer will depend on your priority.
If you want to enjoy a lower income tax, come to Singapore. If you’d like to rent for cheap, Sydney is right for you.
See more of the differences between the two cities below.
Singaporeans enjoy a lower maximum income tax

Singaporeans pay a nearly 25% lower maximum income tax compared to the taxpayers in Sydney. Singapore’s average income tax is 20%, while Sydney’s is a whopping 45%.
The standard value-added tax rate in Singapore is also 3% lower compared to Sydney’s, which is at 10%. Singaporeans only pay 7% VAT for their purchases.
Singaporeans may have to shell out a significant amount of their monthly income for taxes, but it’s important to note that mandatory funds are also being put aside for their retirement planning and future well-being.
So while living in Singapore without a job isn’t advisable (given all the taxes expected by the government), Australia’s higher reliance on income taxes might make Sydney a hostile place for the unemployed.
Is it cheaper to live in Australia or Singapore?

When it comes to housing costs, it’s cheaper to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney than it is in Singapore. In fact, there’s a $238.07 difference between the two locations.
Apartments in Singapore cost nearly $2,108.13 a month to rent somewhere in the city centre. In comparison, a Sydney apartment unit will cost renters just around $1,870.06.
Surprisingly, Singapore and Sydney are pretty close when it comes to the median rent for medium-sized or larger apartments. They’re pegged at somewhere between $2,300 to $2,800 a month for rental units with two or three bedrooms.
Singapore has a higher average temperature

We know we said we won’t discuss equatorial distances between the two cities, but it should be important for people who might not know how to deal with the heat in Singapore or Sydney.
With that in mind, you can expect the average temperature to be 10.2℃ higher in Singapore. That’s why practically every residence or building in Singapore has at least one aircon unit to beat the heat and humidity.
Sydney’s average temperature might just be right with most people. At 19.1℃ (and compared to Singapore’s average of 29.3℃), it’s ideal for swimming, walking, sunbathing, and doing outdoor activities without feeling oppressively heated up.
At any rate, it’s highly advised to wear sunscreen while outdoors in either city.
Sydney has a slightly younger population

If both Singapore and Sydney’s societies feel dynamic and creative, it’s largely due to their young-ish populations.
While Sydney has a slightly younger community compared to Singapore, the median ages of their population are between 34 and 37 years.
However, Singapore is facing an increasingly ageing population since statistics show that only 12.4% of its population are kids and teens 14 years old and younger.
Sydney is also known to have a low population density, with just 6.7% made up of people 14 years old and younger.
However, it’s precisely this age group that’s expected to have the greatest increase by 2041, with a population surge of nearly 84.2% from 2016’s census.