Cost of Living: Darwin vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Darwin and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Wollongong is $4,544/year cheaper than Darwin. You need to earn approximately $8,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Darwin compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Darwin | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $480 | $430 | Wollongong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $620 | $560 | Wollongong |
| Groceries/week | $145 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $300 | $245 | Wollongong |
| Transport/month | $170 | $190 | Darwin |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Wollongong |
| Petrol/litre | $2.10 | $1.99 | Wollongong |
| Median house price | $580,000 | $920,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $350,000 | $610,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 81 | Wollongong |
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 Wollongong saves you $4,544 per year compared to Darwin. That is $379/month or $87/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Wollongong is cheaper to live in than Darwin by approximately $4,544 per year. Wollongong has a cost of living index of 81 compared to 87 for Darwin (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Darwin compared to Wollongong?
You need to earn approximately $8,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Darwin compared to Wollongong.
Is rent cheaper in Darwin or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $480/week in Darwin and $430/week in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for rent by $50/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Darwin or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $145 in Darwin and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Darwin or Wollongong?
The median house price in Darwin is $580,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.