Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Wollongong is $5,124/year cheaper than Brisbane. You need to earn approximately $9,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $430 | Wollongong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $560 | Wollongong |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $245 | Brisbane |
| Transport/month | $180 | $190 | Brisbane |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.99 | Brisbane |
| Median house price | $920,000 | $920,000 | Tie |
| Median unit price | $560,000 | $610,000 | Brisbane |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 81 | Wollongong |
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 Wollongong saves you $5,124 per year compared to Brisbane. That is $427/month or $99/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Wollongong is cheaper to live in than Brisbane by approximately $5,124 per year. Wollongong has a cost of living index of 81 compared to 86 for Brisbane (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Brisbane compared to Wollongong?
You need to earn approximately $9,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Brisbane compared to Wollongong.
Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $430/week in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for rent by $100/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Wollongong?
The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Wollongong has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.