Locals perceive Sydney as one of the world’s most expensive cities to go out in

Ask any Sydneysider and they’ll be sure to tell you that "cozzie livs" hurts big-time. From rent to groceries to a simple coffee on the go, it can feel like our bank balance takes a hit the moment we step outside the front door (or simply while sitting on the couch). So it's no wonder that our data shows Sydney locals reckon we live in one of the most expensive cities in the world to go out in.

Each year, Time Out surveys thousands of locals across more than 100 cities – including questions about what life really costs where they live. And while great food, nightlife and culture matter, how much people pay for these pleasures is vital when it comes to affordability. Think eating out, seeing a movie, grabbing a coffee, visiting galleries, catching a comedy show, listening to live music or having a drink at a bar. We crunch the numbers based on how many people said activities like these were "cheap or free" or at least "affordable".

The result? Seoul took out the not-so-coveted title of the world’s (perceived) most expensive city to go out in, according to locals, with just 30 per cent of locals saying eating out at a restaurant is affordable. Cities that are (in)famously expensive like London, Los Angeles and our very own Sydney also made the list. 

London was officially the toughest on the wallet for time out, with just 16 per cent of locals saying it’s affordable. Sydney came in at – no surprises here – the seventh most expensive city overall, according to locals here. While Melbourne managed to stay off the list, Brisbane slid in to the top ten.

At the budget-friendly end of the spectrum, Colombian cities Medellín and Bogotá were named the cheapest places to go out in.

A note on methodology: It’s worth noting that Time Out’s survey focused on the cost of going out in the city (because that's our bag). We didn't survey respondents on the affordability of housing, rent and groceries. 

Here are the most (and least) expensive cities to live in, according to locals.

The most expensive cities to go out in, according to locals:

1. Seoul, South Korea
2. Istanbul, Türkiye
3. Oslo, Norway
4. Stockholm, Sweden
5. Kyoto, Japan
6. Athens, Greece
7. Sydney, Australia
8. Auckland, New Zealand
9. Munich, Germany
10. Brisbane, Australia
11. Los Angeles, USA
12. Singapore
13. London, United Kingdom
14. Vancouver, Canada
15. Miami, USA

The most affordable cities to go out in, according to locals:

1. Medellin, Colombia
2. Bogotá, Colombia
3. Beijing, China
4. New Orleans, USA
5. Naples, Italy
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
7. Chiang Mai, Thailand
8. Shanghai, China
9. Lima, Peru
10. Jakarta, Indonesia
11. Johannesburg, South Africa
12. Bangkok, Thailand
13. Abu Dhabi, UAE
14. Santiago, Chile
15. Cape Town, South Africa

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

RECOMMENDED:

🍻 Here’s our pick of Sydney’s best bars

🍽️ Our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney

✨ The best free things to do in our city