Cost of Living: Darwin vs Gold Coast (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Gold Coast, Australia.
The Verdict
Darwin is $320/year cheaper than Gold Coast. You need to earn approximately $0 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Gold Coast.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Gold Coast | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $520 | Darwin |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $670 | Darwin |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $125 | Gold Coast |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $235 | Gold Coast |
| Transport/month | $170 | $185 | Darwin |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Gold Coast |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $1.96 | Gold Coast |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $900,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $620,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 85 | Gold Coast |
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 $320 per year compared to Gold Coast. That is $27/month or $6/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Gold Coast cheaper to live in?
Darwin is cheaper to live in than Gold Coast by approximately $320 per year. Darwin has a cost of living index of 87 compared to 85 for Gold Coast (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Gold Coast compared to Darwin?
You need to earn approximately $0 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Gold Coast compared to Darwin.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Gold Coast?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $520/week in Gold Coast. Darwin is cheaper for rent by $40/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Gold Coast?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $125 in Gold Coast. Gold Coast is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Gold Coast?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $900,000 in Gold Coast. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.