Cost of Living: Canberra vs Geelong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Canberra and Geelong, Australia.
The Verdict
Geelong is $7,900/year cheaper than Canberra. You need to earn approximately $13,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Canberra compared to Geelong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Canberra | Geelong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $400 | Geelong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $510 | Geelong |
| Groceries/week | $130 | $115 | Geelong |
| Utilities/month | $270 | $245 | Geelong |
| Transport/month | $170 | $170 | Tie |
| Internet & Phone/month | $110 | $105 | Geelong |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.95 | Tie |
| Median house price | $1,000,000 | $750,000 | Geelong |
| Median unit price | $580,000 | $520,000 | Geelong |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 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 $7,900 per year compared to Canberra. That is $658/month or $152/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canberra or Geelong cheaper to live in?
Geelong is cheaper to live in than Canberra by approximately $7,900 per year. Geelong has a cost of living index of 78 compared to 88 for Canberra (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Canberra compared to Geelong?
You need to earn approximately $13,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Canberra compared to Geelong.
Is rent cheaper in Canberra or Geelong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Canberra and $400/week in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for rent by $130/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Canberra or Geelong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $130 in Canberra and $115 in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Canberra or Geelong?
The median house price in Canberra is $1,000,000 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.