Adelaide's combination of affordable living, vibrant culinary culture, and excellent educational institutions makes it an attractive destination for many who are looking for a fresh start away from Sydney. If a taste of the slower pace has also been calling you, then you may also be tempted to find your new home in the South Australian capital.
So, before you pack your bags and give a final wave to Benny, the Sydney Opera House seal, it’s a good idea to know how much your interstate relocation will cost you. With many moving parts to organise and cost considerations to take note of, being financially prepared for your future move from Sydney to Adelaide is vital for a successful start in your new home. That’s why this guide breaks down all of the essential costs that you may be facing, from removalists' prices to transport options, on your interstate home relocation journey.
Cost of Living Adelaide vs Sydney
South Australia's affordability is one of its greatest advantages. Many believe that the cheaper cost of living in South Australia compared to Sydney allows residents to enjoy more of the life around them and less worry about financial security. This disparity that many feel in the cost of living comes from the real estate market in Sydney, with housing prices in Sydney being one of the most unaffordable in the world (Domain). A cost premium that can be particularly offputting for those looking to build a home and future in Sydney.
On the other hand, Adelaide's significantly lower housing costs translate to higher homeownership rates, with 35% of residents owning their homes and 69% renting privately—a marked improvement in living costs compared to Sydney.
However, despite housing prices in Adelaide coming up as almost half those in Sydney, many other factors, such as utility prices, are more expensive in Adelaide. In fact, on average, Adelaide came in marginally more expensive for transport, food, retail and entertainment, with only fitness or sports centres being cheaper, which closes the cost of living gap between the two cities (BD). For those who are solely moving to Adelaide for a cheaper lifestyle, it is important to analyse where your money is generally spent each month to see if Adelaide would be cheaper with your lifestyle.
How much does a removalist cost from Sydney to Adelaide?
Now that you're well acquainted with the cost of living in Adelaide, what you really need to know is how much it’s going to cost to get you there - starting with the removalists. Your first port of call during the relocation process, your Sydney to Adelaide removalists are the key to a great move. Therefore, finding a company that’s reputable and reliable is extremely important to save you hassle and money.
So, how much will it cost?
For interstate moves, your removalists should always offer you a fixed price quote based on the size of your house and the amount that needs moving. This means that whilst there is no “one size fits all” cost, the price you receive upon quotation should be the price that you pay. With that being said, to move a three-bedroom house from Sydney to Adelaide, you can expect it to cost anywhere between $6000-$9000*. Of course, this price is completely dependent on many factors, such as:
- Time of year for moving (peak months are from November to February)
- Access to your road/home
- Location/proximity to metropolitan areas
- Moving specialised equipment, antiques, artwork etc.
- The amount that needs to be relocated
- Standard consolidated run vs. VIP service for quick turnaround or large homes
- Additional services, e.g. packing and storage
Therefore, to receive an accurate quotation of how much your move from Sydney to Adelaide will cost, it’s always best to speak with interstate moving professionals to get a precise quote.
Whilst cost is a clear determining factor of your choice of removalists, there should also be other areas to take into consideration when choosing a company. A move of this magnitude requires particular skills and expertise that not all removal companies have. So, whilst you’re researching your movers, make sure to look for a team that is AFRA-accredited for reliability and professionalism, as well as checking insurance options. Most importantly, ensure you are getting a fixed price quote to avoid unforeseen expenses further down the line.
Personal Travel Options
Unfortunately, organising the relocation of your belongings is only half the battle. Once you have selected a trustworthy moving company, you also need to consider how you will be getting to your new home in Adelaide. Transportation options include train, bus, car and plane, each offering distinct advantages and price points.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Sydney to Adelaide?
The cheapest of all three options is taking the bus, with costs starting from roughly $82 (CheckMyBus), which is at least 50% cheaper than any of the other options. However, there is a downside to this cheaper cost, and that is the time it takes to travel. The average bus takes roughly 24 hours to travel from Sydney to Adelaide, which puts it off the cards for anyone in a time crunch or for those who don’t fare well in confined spaces for prolonged periods. However, if you don’t mind putting life in the slow lane for a while and want to save some pennies, the bus is the option for you.
How much is a train ticket from Sydney to Adelaide?
For those looking to turn the journey into a one-off experience, then the Indian Pacific train offers a 2-day, 1-night trip where you can soak up the panoramic views of South Australia. The trip also includes multiple complimentary meals, along with an added stop-off at Broken Hill to soak up some culture. A pleasant way to transform your relocating experience, this train will set you back anywhere between $1090- $3690 (Great Trains), making it undoubtedly the most expensive form of transport for your move.
How much is a plane ticket from Sydney to Adelaide?
By far the most efficient way to travel from Sydney to Adelaide is by flying, taking only a fraction of the time it would take to travel by any other means. Therefore, if you would like to get to your new home as quickly as possible, then flights cost roughly $240-$480 (Skyscanner), depending on the airline and times you’ll be travelling. For those travelling with children who don’t want to miss too much of school or if you have an imminent move-in deadline, then flying is both an efficient and relatively affordable mode of transport.
How much will it cost to drive from Sydney to Adelaide?
Last but certainly not least is driving yourself across states, an option that may not be the most glamorous but could inevitably save you money and extra organising, particularly if you have a precious pet to move from Sydney to Adelaide. If you're planning to drive interstate with your pets, expect to spend approximately $200-$250 (DriveBestWay) in fuel costs for the 16-hour journey, plus accommodation expenses for overnight stops.
Alternatively, if you're only considering driving to transport your pets and car, don't worry - your removalist team can arrange professional transportation for both, leaving you free to relax and enjoy a more comfortable journey to your new home.
The Next Steps
Any move can be scary, but relocating interstate requires exceptional courage and preparation. However, understanding the cost breakdown is your first step toward making this dream relocation a reality. With trusted removalists and a well-planned budget, no destination is out of reach.
Call 1300 050 852 or get your interstate removals quote today and begin your journey to a new life in Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape.
*The moving costs in this article are based on estimated moving costs from Sydney to Melbourne as of 2024 and does not constitute a fixed quote. The price of these services are based on good availability, moderately busy times of year and average inventory. These prices are subject to change at any time.
