Making the move from Melbourne to Sydney is pretty exciting, to say the least. But, there’s definitely a lot to figure out like costs, choosing the right suburb, and how to move your whole life interstate. To make things easier, we’ve gathered all the information you need to move to Sydney. If you're planning an interstate move, this is a great place to start.
How much does it cost to move from Melbourne to Sydney?
Most Melbourne to Sydney moves cost between $2,000 and $8,000. This depends on the size of your move, your removalists, and packing and transport choices.
Melbourne and Sydney are about 878 km apart (a 10-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight), so moving between them takes a lot of planning. Melbourne interstate removalists can make it much easier to handle heavy furniture, fragile items, and your whole household of belongings. They have the right equipment and networks to get all your things to Sydney safely.
So, how much do removalists cost for a move to Sydney from Melbourne?
How much do removalists cost from Melbourne to Sydney?
The cost of an interstate removalist depends on how much you’re moving, access to each property, and the moving company you choose. Most Melbourne to Sydney removalists typically charge:
- Small household (1–2 bedroom apartment): AU $2,000–$4,500
- Medium household (3–4 bedroom house): AU $4,000–$7,000
*These are broad estimates. Every interstate move is different so it’s best to get a personalised quote.
Planning Your Melbourne to Sydney Move: Drive or fly?
Once you’ve booked an interstate removalist, you’ll need to figure out how you get to Sydney. Driving or flying? Each option has pros, cons, and costs to consider.
Driving vs flying for interstate moves
| Category | Removalist + Driving | Removalist + Flying |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 9–10 hours | 1.5 flight + airport time |
| Cost factors | Removalist, fuel, tolls, possible overnight stop | Removalist, flight ticket per person |
| Pros | Flexible schedule, you’ll have your own car in Sydney immediately, no luggage limit, cheaper for big families, bring pets easily | Predictable travel time, saves time, less physically demanding, more comfortable overall, convenient if you need to arrive quickly |
| Cons | Tiring and risk of fatigue while driving, requires heavy planning, weather and traffic delays | Limited luggage on flight, won’t have your car in Sydney, need to organise transport from Sydney Airport, can be complicated flying with pets |
The verdict? Both options include a removalist, so your belongings are safe either way. Drive yourself if you want more flexibility and to bring your car up. But, keep in mind that moving time can be stressful and overwhelming. If you want to save time and avoid being extra tired (and don’t mind paying a bit extra), catch a flight.
Other costs to keep in mind
Even with a professional removalist, a few extra expenses can add up. Consider leaving room in your budget for:
- packing materials ($100–$200)
- insurance for fragile or valuable items
- storage if there’s a gap between moving out and moving in
- cleaning costs.
Housing and lifestyle adjustments
Life in Sydney is fun, but a bit different from Melbourne. Housing costs are generally higher, and inner-city apartments are usually smaller compared to Melbourne’s.
On the bright side, Sydney’s outdoor culture is fantastic. Beaches, harbours, and weekend trips to the coast are big parts of life there. Sydney usually has hotter summers and milder winters compared to Melbourne, with less fog or rain.
The work culture is faster-paced, leaning more towards corporate, finance, and tech industries. Public transport is mostly made up of trains, buses and ferries, but traffic can be heavy, and toll roads are common, so plan your commute carefully.
You should budget carefully and adjust your expectations on size, price, and lifestyle.
Best suburbs in Sydney for Melbourne movers
Here are the suburbs popular with people moving from Melbourne.
- Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Bronte): Beachside living at its best, but a bit pricier.
- Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt): Artsy, multicultural, full of cafés and shops and close to the city.
- North Shore (Chatswood, Lane Cove, Hornsby): Green, quiet, and family-friendly.
- Sutherland Shire (Cronulla, Caringbah): Relaxed, coastal, perfect for families or anyone craving space.
Sydney traffic is a lot heavier than Melbourne’s. If you’ll be commuting, make location a priority.
Settling into Sydney from Melbourne
After the boxes are unpacked, it’s time to settle into your new home:
- Utilities: Set up electricity, water, gas, and internet early to avoid headaches.
- Schools: If you have kids, research enrolments and the NSW Department of Education catchment maps ahead of time.
- Healthcare: Medicare works interstate, but register with a local GP.
- Community: Sydney has tons of clubs, gyms, and social groups to meet new people.
Take the time to explore your neighbourhood, check out local cafés, and find your favourite spots. It’ll make Sydney start to feel like home faster.
All set to move
Now that you know more about the costs, suburbs and travel options, you’re pretty much set. Just double-check your plans and lock in your removalist bookings. With everything organised ahead of time, your move from Melbourne to Sydney will be an exciting fresh start.
