Cost of Living: Newcastle vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Newcastle and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Wollongong is $1,024/year cheaper than Newcastle. You need to earn approximately $2,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Newcastle compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Newcastle | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $450 | $430 | Wollongong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $580 | $560 | Wollongong |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $250 | $245 | Wollongong |
| Transport/month | $175 | $190 | Newcastle |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.98 | $1.99 | Newcastle |
| Median house price | $850,000 | $920,000 | Newcastle |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $610,000 | Wollongong |
| Cost of living index | 82 | 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 $1,024 per year compared to Newcastle. That is $85/month or $20/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newcastle or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Wollongong is cheaper to live in than Newcastle by approximately $1,024 per year. Wollongong has a cost of living index of 81 compared to 82 for Newcastle (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Newcastle compared to Wollongong?
You need to earn approximately $2,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Newcastle compared to Wollongong.
Is rent cheaper in Newcastle or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $450/week in Newcastle and $430/week in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for rent by $20/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Newcastle or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Newcastle and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Newcastle or Wollongong?
The median house price in Newcastle is $850,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. Newcastle has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.