Cost of Living: Adelaide vs Canberra (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Adelaide and Canberra, Australia.
The Verdict
Adelaide is $7,040/year cheaper than Canberra. You need to earn approximately $12,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Adelaide compared to Canberra.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Adelaide | Canberra | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $530 | Adelaide |
| Rent (2br/week) | $540 | $680 | Adelaide |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $130 | Adelaide |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $270 | Adelaide |
| Transport/month | $160 | $170 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $110 | Adelaide |
| Petrol/litre | $1.90 | $1.95 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $1,000,000 | Adelaide |
| Median unit price | $450,000 | $580,000 | Adelaide |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 88 | Adelaide |
How Much More Do You Need to Earn?
Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.
Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category
Net Difference in Annual Costs
Living in Adelaide saves you $7,040 per year compared to Canberra. That is $587/month or $135/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelaide or Canberra cheaper to live in?
Adelaide is cheaper to live in than Canberra by approximately $7,040 per year. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 79 compared to 88 for Canberra (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Canberra compared to Adelaide?
You need to earn approximately $12,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Canberra compared to Adelaide.
Is rent cheaper in Adelaide or Canberra?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Adelaide and $530/week in Canberra. Adelaide is cheaper for rent by $110/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Adelaide or Canberra?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Adelaide and $130 in Canberra. Adelaide is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Adelaide or Canberra?
The median house price in Adelaide is $780,000 compared to $1,000,000 in Canberra. Adelaide has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.