Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
Sydney vs Melbourne

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Sydney
$152,619
/ year
+4%
difference
Melbourne
$146,529
/ year
Bottom line: Melbourne offers better purchasing power despite Sydney paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$152,619✓ higher
$146,529
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,698✓ higher
$94,760
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$235,998✓ higher
$226,581
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,624
$99,640✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$113,051
$117,223✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$150,021✓ higher
$144,035
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$358,717✓ higher
$344,403

What if you move from Sydney to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$6,090
4% decrease
Take-home change
+$5,016
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,172
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Sydney$152,619
P10: $150,021Median: $152,619P90: $358,717
Melbourne$146,529
P10: $144,035Median: $146,529P90: $344,403

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

Sydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideAll iOS Developer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in Sydney or Melbourne?

The median iOS Developer salary in Sydney is A$231,981/yr compared to A$222,724/yr in Melbourne. Sydney pays 4% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in Sydney or Melbourne after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $113,051/yr in a median-cost city, vs $117,223/yr for Melbourne. Melbourne offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a iOS Developer in Sydney vs Melbourne?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Sydney takes home approximately $94,624/yr, vs $99,640/yr in Melbourne. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.