Cost of Living: Melbourne vs Darwin (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Melbourne and Darwin, Australia.
The Verdict
Darwin is $800/year cheaper than Melbourne. You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Melbourne compared to Darwin.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Melbourne | Darwin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $520 | $480 | Darwin |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $620 | Darwin |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $145 | Melbourne |
| Utilities/month | $260 | $300 | Melbourne |
| Transport/month | $195 | $170 | Darwin |
| Internet & Phone/month | $110 | $115 | Melbourne |
| Petrol/litre | $1.98 | $2.10 | Melbourne |
| Median house price | $1,050,000 | $580,000 | Darwin |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $350,000 | Darwin |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 87 | 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 $800 per year compared to Melbourne. That is $67/month or $15/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne or Darwin cheaper to live in?
Darwin is cheaper to live in than Melbourne by approximately $800 per year. Darwin has a cost of living index of 87 compared to 89 for Melbourne (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Melbourne compared to Darwin?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Melbourne compared to Darwin.
Is rent cheaper in Melbourne or Darwin?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $520/week in Melbourne and $480/week in Darwin. Darwin is cheaper for rent by $40/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Melbourne or Darwin?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Melbourne and $145 in Darwin. Melbourne is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Melbourne or Darwin?
The median house price in Melbourne is $1,050,000 compared to $580,000 in Darwin. Darwin has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.