Cost of Living: Canberra vs Darwin (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Canberra and Darwin, Australia.
The Verdict
Darwin is $1,400/year cheaper than Canberra. You need to earn approximately $2,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Canberra compared to Darwin.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Canberra | Darwin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $480 | Darwin |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $620 | Darwin |
| Groceries/week | $130 | $145 | Canberra |
| Utilities/month | $270 | $300 | Canberra |
| Transport/month | $170 | $170 | Tie |
| Internet & Phone/month | $110 | $115 | Canberra |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $2.10 | Canberra |
| Median house price | $1,000,000 | $580,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $580,000 | $350,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 87 | Darwin |
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 Darwin saves you $1,400 per year compared to Canberra. That is $117/month or $27/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canberra or Darwin cheaper to live in?
Darwin is cheaper to live in than Canberra by approximately $1,400 per year. Darwin has a cost of living index of 87 compared to 88 for Canberra (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Canberra compared to Darwin?
You need to earn approximately $2,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Canberra compared to Darwin.
Is rent cheaper in Canberra or Darwin?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Canberra and $480/week in Darwin. Darwin is cheaper for rent by $50/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Canberra or Darwin?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $130 in Canberra and $145 in Darwin. Canberra is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Canberra or Darwin?
The median house price in Canberra is $1,000,000 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.