Cost of Living: Sydney vs Hobart (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Sydney and Hobart, Australia.
The Verdict
Hobart is $12,284/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $21,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Sydney compared to Hobart.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Hobart | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $620 | $420 | Hobart |
| Rent (2br/week) | $850 | $530 | Hobart |
| Groceries/week | $135 | $120 | Hobart |
| Utilities/month | $280 | $260 | Hobart |
| Transport/month | $220 | $155 | Hobart |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $108 | Hobart |
| Petrol/litre | $2.05 | $2.00 | Hobart |
| Median house price | $1,420,000 | $700,000 | Hobart |
| Median unit price | $830,000 | $480,000 | Hobart |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 80 | 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 $12,284 per year compared to Sydney. That is $1,024/month or $236/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Hobart cheaper to live in?
Hobart is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $12,284 per year. Hobart has a cost of living index of 80 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Hobart?
You need to earn approximately $21,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Hobart.
Is rent cheaper in Sydney or Hobart?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $620/week in Sydney and $420/week in Hobart. Hobart is cheaper for rent by $200/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Sydney or Hobart?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $135 in Sydney and $120 in Hobart. Hobart is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Sydney or Hobart?
The median house price in Sydney is $1,420,000 compared to $700,000 in Hobart. Hobart has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.