Cost of Living: Hobart vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Hobart and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Hobart is $620/year cheaper than Wollongong. You need to earn approximately $1,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Hobart compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Hobart | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $430 | Hobart |
| Rent (2br/week) | $530 | $560 | Hobart |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $260 | $245 | Wollongong |
| Transport/month | $155 | $190 | Hobart |
| Internet & Phone/month | $108 | $105 | Wollongong |
| Petrol/litre | $2.00 | $1.99 | Wollongong |
| Median house price | $700,000 | $920,000 | Hobart |
| Median unit price | $480,000 | $610,000 | Hobart |
| Cost of living index | 80 | 81 | Hobart |
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 Hobart saves you $620 per year compared to Wollongong. That is $52/month or $12/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hobart or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Hobart is cheaper to live in than Wollongong by approximately $620 per year. Hobart has a cost of living index of 80 compared to 81 for Wollongong (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Wollongong compared to Hobart?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Wollongong compared to Hobart.
Is rent cheaper in Hobart or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Hobart and $430/week in Wollongong. Hobart is cheaper for rent by $10/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Hobart or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Hobart and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Hobart or Wollongong?
The median house price in Hobart is $700,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Hobart has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.