Cost of Living: Geelong vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Geelong and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Geelong is $1,956/year cheaper than Wollongong. You need to earn approximately $3,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Geelong compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Geelong | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $400 | $430 | Geelong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $510 | $560 | Geelong |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $118 | Geelong |
| Utilities/month | $245 | $245 | Tie |
| Transport/month | $170 | $190 | Geelong |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.99 | Geelong |
| Median house price | $750,000 | $920,000 | Geelong |
| Median unit price | $520,000 | $610,000 | Geelong |
| Cost of living index | 78 | 81 | Geelong |
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 Geelong saves you $1,956 per year compared to Wollongong. That is $163/month or $38/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Geelong or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Geelong is cheaper to live in than Wollongong by approximately $1,956 per year. Geelong has a cost of living index of 78 compared to 81 for Wollongong (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Wollongong compared to Geelong?
You need to earn approximately $3,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Wollongong compared to Geelong.
Is rent cheaper in Geelong or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $400/week in Geelong and $430/week in Wollongong. Geelong is cheaper for rent by $30/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Geelong or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Geelong and $118 in Wollongong. Geelong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Geelong or Wollongong?
The median house price in Geelong is $750,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Geelong has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.