Sydney, the largest city in Australia, consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in the world. It is a vibrant city where multiple cultures coexist, offering a balance of business, education, tourism, and nature. Its wide range of lifestyle options is one of its biggest attractions. However, the atmosphere and safety level can vary greatly depending on the area. For example, some people choose areas near office districts for convenience, while others prefer quiet and safe neighbourhoods ideal for families and children. Surf and beach enthusiasts will find coastal areas the best fit. When choosing where to live, it’s important to consider safety, transportation, living environment, schools, and rent levels as a whole. In this article, we divide Sydney into five main areas (Central CBD, East, North, South, and West) and look at their characteristics, safety trends, and average rent levels.
Feature of each suburbs
Sydney CBD
Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is truly the heart of the city. It is home to landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as many banks and major corporations.
Living Environment
- Excellent transport convenience, ideal for city living. Trains, buses, and light rail all converge here, making access to the suburbs easy.
- Many universities and language schools make it a convenient base for international students.
- Shopping and dining options are abundant, so daily life is comfortable and convenient.
Safety
Because the central area sees heavy foot traffic, it is relatively safe during the daytime. However, at night, with many intoxicated individuals and tourists around, pickpocketing, and petty crime can occur. The Kings Cross area, known for its nightlife, had safety concerns in the past, but stricter regulations in recent years have led to improvements. Still, caution is advised when walking alone late at night.
Personal Comment
Shared accommodation with 3 bedroom or 4 bedroom per room is common here, making it popular among newcomers to Sydney or those who work in city restaurants and return home late at night. The area has many nightclubs and remains lively after dark, but safety is somewhat poor (mainly due to drunken people). Staying alert while going out is necessary.
Newtown : Centered around the train station, Newtown is an artsy, vibrant area filled with stylish restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. It is considered a safe neighbourhood with relatively reasonable rent, making it a recommended option for single, middle-income earners.
Surry Hills : A relatively affordable area that is especially popular with students, within walking distance to Sydney’s city center. It is also home to many artists studying music and the arts. While its quiet streets may appear modest, many houses feature surprisingly stylish interiors, appealing to those who value design. Safety here is also good, making it a solid choice.
Eastern area
Eastern Sydney is the part of the city that best represents the “beach lifestyle”, home to world-famous Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. For those who love the ocean, it is an ideal place to live.
Living Environment
- Very popular among surfers and beach enthusiasts.
- Lined with seaside cafés and restaurants, offering a refined lifestyle.
- Rent prices are high, especially in areas like Bondi and Tamarama, which are favored by families and affluent residents.
Safety
The Eastern suburbs is generally considered very safe. As it is also a tourist destination, the high foot traffic adds to the sense of security. However, opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing and car break-ins targeting tourists do occur. At night, it’s wise to be cautious about alcohol-related trouble along the beaches.
Recommended Areas
- Bondi: Vibrant and lively, especially popular among young people and international students.
- Coogee: Calmer than Bondi, making it a favorite for families.
- Paddington: Attractive for its historic streets and stylish cafés. Safety is also excellent.
Personal Comments
- Manly: A symbolic area of Sydney’s beach culture and often considered by people relocating to Sydney for its seaside lifestyle. It has a predominantly white Australian community and is extremely safe. Highly recommended for surfing and marine sports lovers. Commuting to Sydney’s CBD is mainly via bus or ferry.
- Bondi: Encompassing both the Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction areas, this is one of Sydney’s most prestigious residential districts with breathtaking beaches. It’s a dream spot for surfers worldwide. Although it can be dark at night, crime rates are low and safety is good. The area is also known for its many share houses, popular with international residents.
- Coogee: Located south of Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly, Coogee is another highly popular beach. The coastal strip between Bondi and Coogee is lined with upscale housing and commands higher rents. It’s recommended for those who prefer living among white Australian residents. Despite being dark at night, it is very safe. There is also a stunning coastal walkway connecting Coogee and Bondi Beach, offering spectacular views.
Northern area
North Sydney, located just across the Harbour Bridge, is home to many upscale residential neighbourhoods. With its abundance of nature and calm atmosphere, along with a concentration of high-standard schools, it is particularly popular among families with children.
Living Environment
- Many luxury residential areas with a quiet and serene atmosphere.
- Plenty of parks and greenery, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
- Both public and private schools are excellent, with a high standard of education.
Safety
The Northern area is considered one of the safest regions in Sydney. Crime rates are very low, and it feels relatively safe even at night, making it comfortable to walk around. In particular, Mosman and Manly are affluent residential areas that provide an ideal living environment for families.
Recommended Areas
- Manly: A blend of beach resort lifestyle and peaceful residential neighborhoods.
- Mosman: Home to many wealthy residents, with excellent safety.
- North Sydney: Convenient for business professionals with easy access to the city.
Personal Comments
- Manly: A symbolic area of Sydney’s beach culture and often considered by people relocating to Sydney for its seaside lifestyle. It has a predominantly white Australian community and is extremely safe. Highly recommended for surfing and marine sports lovers. Commuting to Sydney’s CBD is mainly via bus or ferry.
- Mosman: Known as one of Sydney’s most luxurious residential areas, Mosman is also home to attractions like Taronga Zoo and Hunters Bay. It has a large French community, and stylish cafés and restaurants with a Parisian flair are common. Living here can mean commuting to Circular Quay by ferry. Safety is excellent.
- North Sydney: Just across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney is a business district with many offices, including Japanese and international companies, making it a common residential choice for expats. As a business hub, it becomes very quiet on weekends and is also quite safe. Today, the area has a high proportion of Asian residents, especially those of Chinese background.
- Cremorne / Neutral Bay: Both are among Sydney’s top luxury residential areas. They also feature many Japanese grocery stores and restaurants. Sometimes homeowners who have purchased large houses rent out extra rooms, making it possible to live here more affordably. Safety is extremely good.
- Chatswood: Known as a popular residential area for Asian communities, Chatswood offers excellent access to central Sydney and is popular with young people. It is a great place to live for those who value food culture or attend universities and vocational schools in the northern area. Safety is relatively good as well.
Southern area
Southern Sydney is an area rich in beaches and nature, making it a good choice for those who want to live near the ocean while keeping rent relatively affordable. It offers a more down-to-earth lifestyle compared to the city center. In particular, Cronulla is popular as a local beach town.
Living Environment
- Rent is relatively cheaper compared to the city center.
- Abundant beaches and natural surroundings make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Its proximity to the airport is convenient for frequent travellers.
Safety
Safety in the Southern area varies depending on location. Cronulla is family-friendly and relatively safe, though one should be mindful of alcohol-related trouble at night. In the surrounding industrial and port districts, petty crimes occasionally occur.
Recommended Areas
- Cronulla: Enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
- Kogarah: A multicultural residential area with high convenience.
- Rockdale: Offers relatively affordable rent.
Personal Comment
- Marrickville: Located close to Sydney Airport, Marrickville has some of the most densely populated districts in Sydney. With easy access to trendy neighbourhoods like Newtown and Surry Hills, it is a highly desirable place to live. Safety is generally good.
Western suburb
Western Sydney is one of the most multicultural regions, experiencing rapid housing development as Sydney’s population grows. Because rent is relatively low, many immigrants, young people, and students live here. While farther from the city center, it’s a good area for those seeking larger homes.
Living Environment
- Rent is more affordable compared to the central and northern areas, making it easier to secure spacious housing.
- Home to large shopping centers and many international restaurants.
- Well-connected by trains and buses, though commuting to the city center can be time-consuming.
Safety
Safety in Western Sydney varies significantly by neighbourhood. Some areas have relatively high crime rates, and extra caution is advised late at night. However, certain districts are being redeveloped into new residential zones, offering safe and family-friendly environments.
Recommended Areas
- Parramatta: The hub of Western Sydney, undergoing major redevelopment and offering excellent convenience.
- Strathfield: Known for its strong educational environment, popular with international students and families.
- Balmain: A redeveloped area with a thriving café culture and relatively stable safety.
Personal Comments
- Strathfield: Known for a tragic 1991 mass shooting incident, but today it is home to many affordable Asian grocery stores and restaurants, especially Korean eateries. Generally, Western Sydney is seen as an immigrant-heavy area with somewhat poorer safety, but it offers the opportunity to live in large homes at reasonable prices.
- Auburn: A suburb with a strong Turkish and Lebanese community, giving it a Middle Eastern atmosphere. While culturally vibrant, safety can be an issue, with residents sometimes reporting confrontational behavior or street altercations. Caution is needed when living here.
- Parramatta: Known as the central city of Western Sydney, it has a long history dating back to its founding in 1788. While it is multicultural, differences in values can sometimes lead to disputes. On the other hand, Parramatta is self-sufficient as a city, and many residents do not frequently travel into central Sydney. It is recommended for those who prefer a calm and independent lifestyle. The population here is predominantly immigrant-based.
- Ashfield: One of Sydney’s Asian communities, Ashfield is filled with Chinese and Korean restaurants. Overall, the cost of living—including rent—is lower than in the city center. Convenient for students attending the University of Sydney or TAFE colleges, it is recommended for students who wish to focus on their studies in a quieter environment.
Summary of each suburb
In Sydney, where you live can greatly change your lifestyle and overall comfort.
- For convenience: the Central area (CBD and surroundings)
- For a beach lifestyle: the Eastern area (Bondi, Coogee)
- For raising children and education: the Northern area (Mosman, Manly)
- For nature and a more down-to-earth lifestyle: the Southern area (Cronulla)
- For affordability and multicultural experiences: the Western area (Parramatta, Strathfield)
In terms of safety, the Northern and Eastern suburbs are generally the most reliable, while extra caution is needed in some parts of the Western and Southern suburbs. That said, maintaining basic awareness—such as avoiding walking alone late at night—will allow you to live safely anywhere in the city. Sydney is a city with many different faces. Finding an area that suits your lifestyle, while considering safety and security, is the first step toward enjoying a comfortable life in Sydney.
Rent Market : House/Apartment/Room in Sydney
Options for Share Houses and Shared Rooms
In Sydney, many international students and young professionals use share houses/apartment (To share a house/apartment with housemates) or shared rooms (To share a room with roommates). The main attraction is that rent can be significantly cheaper than renting a room individually.
Share House Rent Market – By Room Type (As of 2025)
- Private Room (1 person room): Weekly rent AUD $250–$400 (approximately $1000–S1600/month)
- Twin Room (2 people sharing one room): Weekly rent AUD $180–$250 (approximately $720–$1000/month)
- Living Room Share (converting the living room into a bedroom): Weekly rent AUD $150–$200 (approximately AUD $600–$800/month)
Option to Rent a Room Individually
In case you are considering renting a house/apartment individually, I’ve compiled the average rent by area based on the number of bedrooms in a typical room.
CBD
Sydney’s CBD and surrounding neighborhoods (such as Surry Hills and Darlinghurst) offer excellent convenience, but the rent in house/apartment is among the highest in the city.
Weekly Rent
- 1 bedroom: AUD $750–$950 (including studio type room)
- 2 bedroom: AUD $1,100–$1,400
Properties directly in the city center are in high demand for student dorms and share houses, so 1 bedroom units (studio type room) are often rented quickly.
Eastern suburb
Areas like Bondi, Coogee, and Paddington are synonymous with beach life and trendy cafés. High popularity makes rent relatively expensive.
Weekly Rent
- Bondi: 1 bedroom AUD $850–$1,000 / 2 bedroom AUD $1,200–$1,600
- Coogee: 1 bedroom AUD $750–$950 / 2 bedroom AUD $1,100–$1,400
- Paddington: Mostly terrace houses; 2-bedroom average around AUD $1,300
Rent of the house/apartment is higher closer to the ocean and slightly lower further inland.
Northern suburb
The Northern area, including Mosman and Manly, has many upscale residential neighborhoods. It is family-friendly, with excellent education, safety, and natural surroundings.
Weekly Rent
- Mosman: 1 bedroom AUD $800–$1,000 / 2 bedroom AUD $1,200–$1,700
- Manly: 1 bedroom AUD $850–$1,100 / 2 bedroom AUD $1,300–$1,800
- North Sydney: 1 bedroom AUD $750–$950 / 2 bedroom AUD $1,200–$1,500
Family house in these affluent areas can easily exceed AUD $2,000 per week.
Southern suburb
Areas like Cronulla and Kogarah are more down-to-earth, with the advantage of proximity to beaches and the airport.
Weekly Rent
- Cronulla: 1 bedroom AUD $600–$800 / 2 bedroom AUD $850–$1,100
- Kogarah: 1 bedroom AUD $550–$750 / 2 bedroom AUD $800–$1,000
- Rockdale: 1 bedroom AUD $520–$700 / 2 bedroom AUD $750–$950
Compared to the CBD, Eastern, and Northern areas, rent is more affordable here.
Western suburb
Western Sydney, including multicultural Parramatta and well-educated Strathfield, offers relatively large and affordable house/apartment.
Weekly Rent
- Parramatta: 1 bedroom AUD $550–$750 / 2 bedroom AUD $750–$1,000
- Strathfield: 1 bedroom AUD $600–$800 / 2 bedroom AUD $850–$1,200
- Bankstown: 1 bedroom AUD $500–$650 / 2 bedroom AUD $700–$950
Rent can be roughly half that of central areas, making it popular with students and newlyweds. However, safety varies by neighborhood.
Summary : Monthly Rent by Area (unit: AUD)
When summarizing the rent market for renting a house/apartment individually:
- The most expensive areas are the CBD, Eastern, and Northern suburbs (with a typical rent of $750 or more per week).
- The middle range is in the Southern area (weekly rent $550–$1,100).
- For cost-effectiveness, the Western area is ideal (weekly rent $500–$900).
This gives us a clear picture. If you prioritize safety and lifestyle, the Eastern and Northern areas are best. If cost is your main concern, the Western and Southern areas are better options. If convenience is your top priority, the CBD is the way to go.
In Sydney, rent is typically displayed on a “weekly rent” basis. For monthly rent of house/apartment with 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom, here is the summary.
|
Area |
1 Bedroom (Monthly) |
2 Bedroom (Monthly) |
Characteristics |
|
CBD |
$3000–3800 |
$4400–5600 |
Extremely convenient but expensive |
|
Eastern (Bondi etc.) |
$3200–4000 |
$4800–6400 |
Beach lifestyle, popular with tourists |
|
Northern (Manly etc.) |
$3200–4000 |
$4800–6800 |
Upscale residential, family-friendly, high-quality education |
|
Southern (Cronulla etc.) |
$2200–3000 |
$3200–4000 |
Affordable, down-to-earth lifestyle |
|
Western (Parramatta etc.) |
$2000–2600 |
$3000–4000 |
Multicultural, relatively cheap |
As can be seen, renting a room in a house/aparment that someone else has a lease on, or sharing that room with other people, is much cheaper than signing a lease on your own.
Summary
When looking for house/apartment/room in Sydney, it’s important to consider your preferred area, safety, access to schools or work, room type, and rent levels. Negotiation may also be necessary. At first, it can feel overwhelming, but the experience—and the connections you make—will be valuable.
Personally, I chose a share house, which helped me make many friends. Safety is a key factor in choosing where to live. I lived in the Eastern area and never experienced trouble at night, but when visiting other areas at night, I remained slightly cautious. Using this information as a reference, I hope you will find a wonderful home in Sydney.
