Burlington vs Sydney
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Burlington
Sydney
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 12.4%, with Sydney being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Burlington has equivalent purchasing power to $66,737 in Sydney.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Burlington has the same purchasing power as $66,737 in Sydney.
Conversely, $75,000 in Sydney equals $84,286 in Burlington.
Living in Burlington vs Sydney
Housing Costs
Burlington's housing index of 139 is lower Sydney's 142, translating to median home prices of $380,000 vs $825,000. The $445,000 difference in home prices means roughly $28,920 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,800/mo in Burlington compared to $2,050/mo in Sydney, a monthly difference of $250.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 108 in Burlington and 95 in Sydney. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $513/month in Burlington vs $451/month in Sydney. Sydney offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $744/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 115 in Burlington and 98 in Sydney. Monthly utility bills average approximately $460 in Burlington vs $392 in Sydney. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 116 in Burlington and 72 in Sydney. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 44-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $51,098 in Burlington and $60,000 in Sydney. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $43,303 and $57,143 respectively. Sydney residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,192/month to housing in Burlington vs $1,400/month in Sydney. In Burlington, median rent of $1,800/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Sydney, median rent of $2,050/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 44 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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