Cost of Living: Darwin vs Perth (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Perth, Australia.
The Verdict
Darwin is $936/year cheaper than Perth. You need to earn approximately $1,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Perth.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Perth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $530 | Darwin |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $700 | Darwin |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $125 | Perth |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $250 | Perth |
| Transport/month | $170 | $175 | Darwin |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $108 | Perth |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $1.92 | Perth |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $780,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $470,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 85 | Perth |
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 $936 per year compared to Perth. That is $78/month or $18/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Perth cheaper to live in?
Darwin is cheaper to live in than Perth by approximately $936 per year. Darwin has a cost of living index of 87 compared to 85 for Perth (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Perth compared to Darwin?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Perth compared to Darwin.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Perth?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $530/week in Perth. Darwin is cheaper for rent by $50/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Perth?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $125 in Perth. Perth is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Perth?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $780,000 in Perth. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.