Cost of Living: Darwin vs Geelong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Geelong, Australia.
The Verdict
Geelong is $6,500/year cheaper than Darwin. You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Geelong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Geelong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $400 | Geelong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $510 | Geelong |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $115 | Geelong |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $245 | Geelong |
| Transport/month | $170 | $170 | Tie |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Geelong |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $1.95 | Geelong |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $750,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $520,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 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 $6,500 per year compared to Darwin. That is $542/month or $125/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Geelong cheaper to live in?
Geelong is cheaper to live in than Darwin by approximately $6,500 per year. Geelong has a cost of living index of 78 compared to 87 for Darwin (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Darwin compared to Geelong?
You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Darwin compared to Geelong.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Geelong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $400/week in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for rent by $80/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Geelong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $115 in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Geelong?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $750,000 in Geelong. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.