Cost of Living: Adelaide vs Geelong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Adelaide and Geelong, Australia.
The Verdict
Geelong is $860/year cheaper than Adelaide. You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Adelaide compared to Geelong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Adelaide | Geelong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $400 | Geelong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $540 | $510 | Geelong |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $115 | Tie |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $245 | Adelaide |
| Transport/month | $160 | $170 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.90 | $1.95 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $750,000 | Geelong |
| Median unit price | $450,000 | $520,000 | Adelaide |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 78 | Geelong |
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 Geelong saves you $860 per year compared to Adelaide. That is $72/month or $17/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelaide or Geelong cheaper to live in?
Geelong is cheaper to live in than Adelaide by approximately $860 per year. Geelong has a cost of living index of 78 compared to 79 for Adelaide (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Adelaide compared to Geelong?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Adelaide compared to Geelong.
Is rent cheaper in Adelaide or Geelong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Adelaide and $400/week in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for rent by $20/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Adelaide or Geelong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Adelaide and $115 in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Adelaide or Geelong?
The median house price in Adelaide is $780,000 compared to $750,000 in Geelong. Geelong has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.