Cost of Living: Darwin vs Sydney (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Sydney, Australia.
The Verdict
Darwin is $7,120/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $12,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Sydney.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Sydney | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $620 | Darwin |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $850 | Darwin |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $135 | Sydney |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $280 | Sydney |
| Transport/month | $170 | $220 | Darwin |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $115 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $2.05 | Sydney |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $1,420,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $830,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 100 | Darwin |
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 $7,120 per year compared to Sydney. That is $593/month or $137/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Sydney cheaper to live in?
Darwin is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $7,120 per year. Darwin has a cost of living index of 87 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Darwin?
You need to earn approximately $12,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Darwin.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Sydney?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $620/week in Sydney. Darwin is cheaper for rent by $140/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Sydney?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $135 in Sydney. Sydney is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Sydney?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $1,420,000 in Sydney. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.