Cost of Living: Melbourne vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Melbourne and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Wollongong is $5,344/year cheaper than Melbourne. You need to earn approximately $9,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Melbourne compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Melbourne | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $520 | $430 | Wollongong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $560 | Wollongong |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $260 | $245 | Wollongong |
| Transport/month | $195 | $190 | Wollongong |
| Internet & Phone/month | $110 | $105 | Wollongong |
| Petrol/litre | $1.98 | $1.99 | Melbourne |
| Median house price | $1,050,000 | $920,000 | Wollongong |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $610,000 | Wollongong |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 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 $5,344 per year compared to Melbourne. That is $445/month or $103/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Wollongong is cheaper to live in than Melbourne by approximately $5,344 per year. Wollongong has a cost of living index of 81 compared to 89 for Melbourne (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Melbourne compared to Wollongong?
You need to earn approximately $9,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Melbourne compared to Wollongong.
Is rent cheaper in Melbourne or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $520/week in Melbourne and $430/week in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for rent by $90/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Melbourne or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Melbourne and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Melbourne or Wollongong?
The median house price in Melbourne is $1,050,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Wollongong has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.