Cost of Living: Darwin vs Newcastle (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Newcastle, Australia.
The Verdict
Newcastle is $3,520/year cheaper than Darwin. You need to earn approximately $6,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Newcastle.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Newcastle | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $450 | Newcastle |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $580 | Newcastle |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $120 | Newcastle |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $250 | Newcastle |
| Transport/month | $170 | $175 | Darwin |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Newcastle |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $1.98 | Newcastle |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $850,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $620,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 82 | Newcastle |
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 Newcastle saves you $3,520 per year compared to Darwin. That is $293/month or $68/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Newcastle cheaper to live in?
Newcastle is cheaper to live in than Darwin by approximately $3,520 per year. Newcastle has a cost of living index of 82 compared to 87 for Darwin (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Darwin compared to Newcastle?
You need to earn approximately $6,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Darwin compared to Newcastle.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Newcastle?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $450/week in Newcastle. Newcastle is cheaper for rent by $30/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Newcastle?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $120 in Newcastle. Newcastle is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Newcastle?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $850,000 in Newcastle. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.