# Sydney and Melbourne the most expensive cities in the world for beer and cigarettes new data shows – and public transport is close behind

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/sydney-and-melbourne-the-most-expensive-cities-in-the-world-for-beer-and-cigarettes-new-data-shows-and-public-transport-is-close-behind/
- Published: 2026-07-16T11:32:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-03T09:19:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15981701/Sydney-Melbourne-beer-cigarette-transport-tax.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Sydney and Melbourne top global rankings for beer and cigarette costs.
- Public transport fares in both cities are also among the world's priciest.
- Findings highlight Australia's high taxation and living cost pressures.

## Summary

New data shows that Sydney and Melbourne have become the most expensive cities in the world for buying beer and cigarettes, according to a fresh cost comparison highlighted by the Daily Mail. The finding underscores how heavy taxation and high living costs in Australia's two largest cities are pushing everyday indulgences beyond the reach many pay elsewhere, adding to broader concerns about the country's cost-of-living pressures.

The same data also points to public transport fares in Sydney and Melbourne ranking among the priciest globally, close behind the costs of alcohol and tobacco. However, the underlying article content, including specific price figures, rankings and comparative cities, was not available in the supplied text, limiting further detail.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.