You know what no one ever tells you? Or, at least, what no one told me? Sydney (and most of Australia) is really freaking expensive. Sure, people might mention the outrageous cost of books ($25 for a new paperback or $50 for a Lonely Planet Australia) or the super-high minimum wage, but no one outright tells you that you need to take your budget and double it. You should.
At least, it seemed really expensive to me since I knew that AUD$1 is equivalent to USD$1. Without crazy conversion rates, like the Euro or the Swedish kroner, you know pretty much exactly what you’re spending. I was shocked when I saw that my drugstore mascara cost $18 in a Sydney drugstore—compared to the $8 I usually spent at home.
Eating out? A regular ice cream will run about $7, and even just greasy takeaway fish and chips is $12. Even a fast-food meal deal is about $8. Expect to spend about $8 on a pint of beer and $15 on a fancy cocktail—or $6 on a small fresh-squeezed orange juice the next morning.
Australians admit that it’s often cheaper to buy clothing online from U.S.-based outlets and pay the international shipping than it is to go shopping downtown. Same goes with books: even with international shipping, U.S.-based Amazon is still the way to go.
The thing about Sydney is that things are either ridiculously expensive or free. And the free stuff is actually pretty darn fun. Factor in a $2 bus and/or ferry ticket to get where you’re going, pack a picnic and you might be able to have a lovely day without breaking the bank.
Go to the beach: Bondi is probably the biggest and most famous beach in Sydney, but I preferred Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach. Go for a swim, watch the surfers, read a book on the beach. Just don’t forget to slap on the sunscreen.
Check out an exhibit: Australian art does not get enough credit in the rest of the world. I was absolutely blown away at how much I enjoyed the Australian and Aboriginal art in the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art. While both museums charge for their excellent and popular temporary exhibits (I checked out the China’s Entombed Warriors and the Annie Leibovitz show), the permanent exhibits are free.
Wander around the Botanic Gardens: If you head here in the early afternoon, you’ll see plenty of active Aussies going for a run or squeezing in a game of footy on their lunch break. It’s hard not to be motivated with the amazing harbour views—and refreshing bay breezes. Even if you’re not tempted to work out, take a leisurely stroll through the flowers or relax on the grass.
Stroll the markets at Paddington or Glebe: While it’s hard not to be tempted to pick up a piece of custom jewelry or fresh falafel, you won’t feel too guilty if you do: prices are likely to be a bit lower than in the classy storefronts.
Do the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee: I personally think the staggering views along the coastal walk are the best in Sydney: sandy beaches, azure ocean, stacked cliffs.
Did you find Sydney expensive? How did you make it fit your budget?
