Cost of Living: Sydney vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Sydney and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Wollongong is $11,664/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $20,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Sydney compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $620 | $430 | Wollongong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $850 | $560 | Wollongong |
| Groceries/week | $135 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $280 | $245 | Wollongong |
| Transport/month | $220 | $190 | Wollongong |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Wollongong |
| Petrol/litre | $2.05 | $1.99 | Wollongong |
| Median house price | $1,420,000 | $920,000 | Wollongong |
| Median unit price | $830,000 | $610,000 | Wollongong |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 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 $11,664 per year compared to Sydney. That is $972/month or $224/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Wollongong is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $11,664 per year. Wollongong has a cost of living index of 81 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Wollongong?
You need to earn approximately $20,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Wollongong.
Is rent cheaper in Sydney or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $620/week in Sydney and $430/week in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for rent by $190/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Sydney or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $135 in Sydney and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Sydney or Wollongong?
The median house price in Sydney is $1,420,000 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.