When you move to a new city, there’s a lot to learn about your new area, and it can be a lot to take in if you’re not prepared. To make your transition into your new home in Darwin easier, it’s a good idea to know the ins and outs of the cost of living in Darwin. You can use this guide to help you prepare for your move to Darwin.
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Average costs of living in Darwin
- Food: $45 – $200 per week
- Housing: $250 – $500 per week
- Entertainment: $15 – $150 per week
- Utilities: $50 – $150 per week
- Fuel: $15 – $80 per week
- Public transport: $3 – $42 per week
Housing in Darwin
The housing prices in Darwin are much lower than the Australian average. This is great news if you are hoping to find the perfect new home in Darwin.
- On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around $1,151.68 a month.
- This can be compared to the national average of $1,692.43 per month.
Mortgage rates are also slightly lower in Darwin than in other parts of Australia. In Darwin, the mortgage rates sit at 4.35%, while the Australian average is 4.37%. There are also lots of newer houses in Darwin as people were forced to rebuild after 974’s Cyclone Tracy destroyed many homes. You can expect most housing options in Darwin to be relatively modern.
Public Transport
The cost of living Darwin will be affected by how much you use public transport. In Darwin, public transport is very affordable. This makes it easy to get around and convenient to go to and from work. The main form of public transport in Darwin is the bus system, which is widespread and easy to use.
The Darwin public transport service delivers customers around the city of Darwin, and as far away as Palmerston.
- Bus services in Darwin are cheap and it will only cost you $3 to travel for 3 hours.
- You can also catch a ferry to Mandorah, which costs $26 return or $15.50 one way.
Petrol
Petrol prices can change quite regularly and will affect the cost of living in Darwin. Fuel prices fluctuate depending on the time of year, school holidays, and public holidays. Don’t expect these prices to be fixed all year round.
On average, petrol in Darwin costs around $1.47 per litre, which is the same as the national Australian average. Luckily there are no toll roads in Darwin so they only other expense you will have to pay for your car is insurance and getting it serviced.
Food and groceries
When it comes to food, your cost of living in Darwin should be slightly lower than in other parts of Australia. Milk, white bread, white rice, and potatoes are all more affordable than the national average.
- The grocery prices in Darwin are 4.89% lower than the Australian average.
- Eggs are markedly more expensive, sitting at $5.41 a dozen compared to the national average of $4.27.
Utilities
It’s important to factor the cost of utilities into your Darwin cost of living.
- The average Australian pays around $199.72 per month on basic utilities.
- In Darwin, most people pay around $311.05 per month for utilities.
You will find the internet will cost you around $72.22 per month here in Darwin, while one-minute prepaid mobile phone calls will cost you $0.14 per month. Mobile phone plans will cost around the same as elsewhere in Australia, but there may be more limited phone reception in some areas.
Entertainment
The price of entertainment in Darwin is slightly higher than the national Australian average. A cinema ticket here will cost you $21.50 compared to the Australian average of $18. If you want cheaper entertainment you can pay for services like Spotify, Netflix, or Stan for a much cheaper price.
Staying fit is more affordable in Darwin:
- A gym membership will only cost you $54.63 per month.
- You can also hire out a tennis court for around $17.50.
There are also lots of public swimming pools and water parks where you can get free or cheap access to water facilities during summer.
