Adelaide vs Canberra
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Adelaide | Canberra |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 1.4 million | 470,000 |
| State | South Australia | ACT |
| Median house price2 | $820k | $980k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $570 | $680 |
| Average summer day3 | 29°C | 28°C |
| Average winter day3 | 15°C | 12°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 540 mm | 620 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Defence, health, education, wine and food | Federal public service, defence, education |
Canberra is 0.5 hours ahead of Adelaide in winter. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Adelaide and Canberra beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Adelaide. The festival city: the Adelaide Fringe, Festival and WOMADelaide each March. It is also close to the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wine regions.
Canberra. Parliament House, national museums and galleries, Lake Burley Griffin, and a city built around bush 'nature reserves'. It is the home of the federal public service.
Getting around
Adelaide. Buses, trains and a single tram line through the city to Glenelg beach. The grid layout and short commutes make driving easy, and there are no toll roads.
Canberra. Buses plus a light rail line from Gungahlin to the city, being extended south. Roads are wide and congestion is light compared with the big capitals, and there are no tolls.
Sport
Adelaide. AFL leads, with the Crows and Port Adelaide playing at Adelaide Oval, one of the country's best-loved grounds. It also hosts cricket and the AFL Gather Round.
Canberra. Rugby league (Raiders) and rugby union (Brumbies) are the biggest codes. Manuka Oval hosts cricket and some AFL games for the GWS Giants.
Day-to-day life
Adelaide. Short commutes, an easy pace and a strong food and wine scene. It is among the cheaper mainland capitals, though prices have climbed quickly in recent years.
Canberra. Quiet, green and family-friendly, with some of the highest household incomes in Australia. Winters are frosty and summers are dry. Many people find the social scene smaller than in other capitals.
Sources: Adelaide Metro · South Australian Tourism Commission · Transport Canberra · VisitCanberra