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Committee for Sydney
The Life in Sydney report is an annual survey of 1,000 Sydneysiders from all walks of life. Conducted in the first week of January 2026, it charts the most pressing issues on the minds of Sydneysiders.
Developed by the Committee for Sydney and Ipsos Public Affairs, the report spans issues from urban density and housing challenges to our changing communities and the vision for Sydney over the next 20 years.
The research reveals a softening trend in the cost of living and housing concerns that have gripped Sydneysiders and dominated political debate.
Key Life in Sydney results on the cost of living:
- Top issues on the minds of Sydneysiders are the cost of living (62%) and the cost of housing (52%)
- One in five Sydneysiders are finding it quite difficult or very difficult financially, and a quarter say they have to go without essentials on a regular basis
- Overall concerns around cost of living are softening – from 65% to 62% since 2025
- Sydneysiders who feel more confident about their finances, tend to also feel more positive about:
- The diverse range of retail, leisure and dining experiences (up 7%), access to nature (up 9%), access to great public spaces (up 10%), access to cultural facilities (up 10%)
- Access to town centres with all the necessities (up 6%), a diverse range of family-friendly activities (up 5%), healthy and active neighbourhoods that support walking and cycling (up 6%).
- Concerns around housing and the price of housing have dropped slightly since last year – down 5%. However, home ownership is still a major aspiration for young people.
- For Gen Z alone, there’s been a 28% increase over the last two years in young people saying it’s important or essential that they can own their own home one day.
