Cost of Living: Adelaide vs Darwin (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Adelaide and Darwin, Australia.
The Verdict
Adelaide is $5,640/year cheaper than Darwin. You need to earn approximately $10,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Adelaide compared to Darwin.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Adelaide | Darwin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $480 | Adelaide |
| Rent (2br/week) | $540 | $620 | Adelaide |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $145 | Adelaide |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $300 | Adelaide |
| Transport/month | $160 | $170 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $115 | Adelaide |
| Petrol/litre | $1.90 | $2.10 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $580,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $450,000 | $350,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 87 | 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 $5,640 per year compared to Darwin. That is $470/month or $108/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelaide or Darwin cheaper to live in?
Adelaide is cheaper to live in than Darwin by approximately $5,640 per year. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 79 compared to 87 for Darwin (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Darwin compared to Adelaide?
You need to earn approximately $10,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Darwin compared to Adelaide.
Is rent cheaper in Adelaide or Darwin?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Adelaide and $480/week in Darwin. Adelaide is cheaper for rent by $60/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Adelaide or Darwin?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Adelaide and $145 in Darwin. Adelaide is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Adelaide or Darwin?
The median house price in Adelaide is $780,000 compared to $580,000 in Darwin. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.