Cost of Living: Darwin vs Hobart (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Hobart, Australia.
The Verdict
Hobart is $5,164/year cheaper than Darwin. You need to earn approximately $9,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Hobart.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Hobart | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $420 | Hobart |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $530 | Hobart |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $120 | Hobart |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $260 | Hobart |
| Transport/month | $170 | $155 | Hobart |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $108 | Hobart |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $2.00 | Hobart |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $700,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $480,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 80 | Hobart |
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 Hobart saves you $5,164 per year compared to Darwin. That is $430/month or $99/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Hobart cheaper to live in?
Hobart is cheaper to live in than Darwin by approximately $5,164 per year. Hobart has a cost of living index of 80 compared to 87 for Darwin (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Darwin compared to Hobart?
You need to earn approximately $9,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Darwin compared to Hobart.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Hobart?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $420/week in Hobart. Hobart is cheaper for rent by $60/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Hobart?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $120 in Hobart. Hobart is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Hobart?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $700,000 in Hobart. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.