Cost of Living: Adelaide vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Adelaide and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Adelaide is $1,096/year cheaper than Wollongong. You need to earn approximately $2,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Adelaide compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Adelaide | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $430 | Adelaide |
| Rent (2br/week) | $540 | $560 | Adelaide |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $118 | Adelaide |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $245 | Adelaide |
| Transport/month | $160 | $190 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.90 | $1.99 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $920,000 | Adelaide |
| Median unit price | $450,000 | $610,000 | Adelaide |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 81 | 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 $1,096 per year compared to Wollongong. That is $91/month or $21/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelaide or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Adelaide is cheaper to live in than Wollongong by approximately $1,096 per year. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 79 compared to 81 for Wollongong (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Wollongong compared to Adelaide?
You need to earn approximately $2,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Wollongong compared to Adelaide.
Is rent cheaper in Adelaide or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Adelaide and $430/week in Wollongong. Adelaide is cheaper for rent by $10/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Adelaide or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Adelaide and $118 in Wollongong. Adelaide is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Adelaide or Wollongong?
The median house price in Adelaide is $780,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Adelaide has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.