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Cost of living in Darwin
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Darwin.
One person, a month
AUD 1,809
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
AUD 6,107
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
AUD 2,556
A month
Gross salary, one person
AUD 62,000
to cover living costs in Darwin
Darwin's cost of living at a glance
Darwin is one of the most expensive cities in both Australia and Oceania. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Darwin are AUD 1,809, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are AUD 6,107 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Darwin may need a gross salary of at least AUD 62,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in AUD, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Darwin compares
One person's monthly costs in Darwin, excluding rent, are 6.6% higher than in the typical city in Australia and 41.0% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Darwin ranks
In Australia
5th of 21
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Oceania
6th of 32
Cities in Oceania with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
90th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 90% of 1,942 cities: one of the most expensive cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
7th of 21
Cities in Australia, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Darwin
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Darwin | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | AUD 2,556 | AUD 2,198 +16.3% | AUD 1,056 +141.9% |
| Groceries | AUD 464 | AUD 506 −8.3% | AUD 400 +16.0% |
| Eating out | AUD 355 | AUD 315 +12.9% | AUD 225 +57.9% |
| Transport | AUD 71.24 | AUD 114 −37.6% | AUD 56.91 +25.2% |
| Utilities | AUD 429 | AUD 318 +34.9% | AUD 248 +72.5% |
| Leisure | AUD 159 | AUD 106 +49.7% | AUD 88.17 +80.2% |
| Total excluding rent | AUD 1,809 | AUD 1,696 +6.6% | AUD 1,283 +41.0% |
| Total including rent | AUD 4,364 | AUD 4,093 +6.6% | AUD 2,380 +83.3% |
Typical = the median of 21 cities in Australia and 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
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Explore prices in Darwin
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Darwin
Darwin is the 7th most expensive city in Australia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Australia is Canberra.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AUD 2,556 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs AUD 2,481 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 3% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AUD 2,556 | AUD 2,045– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AUD 2,481 | AUD 2,045– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AUD 3,960 | AUD 3,292– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AUD 3,343 | AUD 2,873– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | AUD 6,594 | AUD 3,987– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | AUD 5,111 | Not available |
Cost of everyday items in Darwin
Groceries in Darwin are around 8% cheaper than the average for Australia, while eating out is around 8% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs AUD 2.30.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs AUD 4.33.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs AUD 39.35.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | AUD 2.30 | AUD 1.54– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | AUD 4.33 | AUD 2.45– |
| Eggs, 12 large | AUD 6.69 | AUD 5.11– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | AUD 13.29 | AUD 11.24– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | AUD 12.78 | AUD 10.22– |
| Beef round, 1kg | AUD 13.29 | Not available |
| Apples, 1kg | AUD 5.75 | AUD 3.98– |
| Oranges, 1kg | AUD 4.07 | AUD 3.02– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | AUD 4.85 | AUD 2.56– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | AUD 3.37 | AUD 2.05– |
| White rice, 1kg | AUD 3.29 | AUD 1.84– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | AUD 7.03 | AUD 5.01– |
| Bananas, 1kg | AUD 4.50 | AUD 2.56– |
| Onions, 1kg | AUD 3.47 | AUD 2.56– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | AUD 2.56 | AUD 0.81– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | AUD 18.40 | AUD 16.36– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | AUD 14.71 | Not available |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 11.24 | Not available |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | AUD 39.35 | AUD 32.71– |
Eating out in Darwin
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | AUD 35.78 | AUD 24.53– |
| Three-course meal for two | AUD 133 | AUD 81.78– |
| Fast food combo meal | AUD 18.40 | AUD 15.34– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | AUD 11.24 | AUD 6.13– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 10.73 | AUD 9.21– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 5.02 | AUD 4.08– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 4.08 | AUD 2.05– |
| Cappuccino | AUD 5.72 | AUD 5.11– |
Transport in Darwin
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | AUD 3.57 | AUD 3.07– |
| Monthly public transport pass | AUD 71.24 | AUD 40.89– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | AUD 1.79 | AUD 1.66– |
| Taxi start | AUD 5.52 | Not available |
| Taxi, per km | AUD 1.91 | Not available |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | AUD 71.55 | Not available |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | AUD 45,412 | AUD 45,412– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | AUD 61,091 | AUD 56,224– |
Utilities in Darwin
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | AUD 421 | AUD 282– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | AUD 93.70 | AUD 86.89– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | AUD 53.15 | AUD 30.66– |
How is Darwin for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of AUD 140,000 a year in Darwin, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AUD 2,822 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AUD 3,960 a month.
Darwin scores 37/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AUD 6,107 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AUD 10,066 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | AUD 2,822 | AUD 2,822–AUD 2,822 |
| International primary school Annual | AUD 12,267 | Not available |
Leisure and clothing in Darwin
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | AUD 118 | AUD 51.11– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | AUD 40.89 | AUD 20.45– |
| Cinema ticket | AUD 25.04 | AUD 22.49– |
| Jeans | AUD 109 | AUD 46.00– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | AUD 68.15 | AUD 40.89– |
| Nike running shoes | AUD 153 | AUD 81.77– |
| Men's leather business shoes | AUD 204 | Not available |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Darwin?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Australia, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Darwin. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Darwin, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
AUD 62,146
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Darwin, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- AUD 51,471
- Living costs
- AUD 51,471
- Tax and contributions
- AUD 10,675
Where your salary goes
- Living costsAUD 51,47182.8%
- Income tax and contributionsAUD 10,67517.2%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | AUD 62,146 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | AUD 10,675 |
| = | Take-home pay | AUD 51,471 |
| − | Rent | AUD 29,768 |
| − | Groceries | AUD 5,565 |
| − | Eating out | AUD 4,264 |
| − | Transport | AUD 855 |
| − | Utilities | AUD 5,144 |
| − | Leisure | AUD 1,906 |
| − | Other estimated costs | AUD 3,969 |
| = | Left over: savings target | AUD 0 |
AUD 62,146 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 17.2% effective tax rate and AUD 10,675 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2025/26
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Darwin costs an estimated AUD 2,481 per month. AUD 2,481 per month × 12 months = AUD 29,768 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Darwin spends an estimated AUD 464 on groceries per month. AUD 464 per month × 12 months = AUD 5,565 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Darwin spends an estimated AUD 355 on eating out per month. AUD 355 per month × 12 months = AUD 4,264 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Darwin spends an estimated AUD 71.24 on transport per month. AUD 71.24 per month × 12 months = AUD 855 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Darwin spends an estimated AUD 429 on utilities per month. AUD 429 per month × 12 months = AUD 5,144 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Darwin spends an estimated AUD 159 on leisure per month. AUD 159 per month × 12 months = AUD 1,906 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. AUD 331 per month × 12 months = AUD 3,969 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2025/26. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Resident rates for 2025/26 financial year (1 Jul 2025 – 30 Jun 2026). Stage 3 tax cuts apply from 1 Jul 2024. Excludes Low Income Tax Offset (LITO, max AUD 700) and Medicare Levy Surcharge (1–1.5% for high earners without private health cover).
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Australia's tax rules for 2025/26 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / ATO.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Darwin: common questions
Is Darwin expensive to live in?
Darwin is one of the most expensive cities in both Australia and Oceania.
A single person spends about AUD 1,809 a month excluding rent, against AUD 1,696 in the typical city in Australia (the median of 21 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Darwin costs the same as or more than 90% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the most expensive cities.
What salary do you need to live in Darwin?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least AUD 62,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Darwin, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Australia's tax rules for 2025/26. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Darwin?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AUD 2,556 a month, and AUD 2,481 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about AUD 3,960 a month in the centre and AUD 3,343 outside it.
Darwin is the 7th most expensive city in Australia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Darwin?
A family of four spends about AUD 6,107 a month on living costs excluding rent, or AUD 10,066 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of AUD 140,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AUD 2,822 a month per child.
How does Darwin compare with Australia's other cities?
Darwin ranks 5th of 21 cities in Australia for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 6.6% more than in the typical city in Australia.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Australia 2025/26
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Australia (2025/26). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 21 cities in Australia in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Darwin's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Australia and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.