Adelaide vs Darwin
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Adelaide | Darwin |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 1.4 million | 150,000 |
| State | South Australia | Northern Territory |
| Median house price2 | $820k | $580k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $570 | $650 |
| Average summer day3 | 29°C | 32°C |
| Average winter day3 | 15°C | 31°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5), daylight saving | ACST (UTC+9.5) |
| Main industries5 | Defence, health, education, wine and food | Defence, government, tourism, gas |
Adelaide and Darwin share a time zone for half the year. Adelaide uses daylight saving, so the gap changes by an hour from October to April. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Adelaide and Darwin 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.
Darwin. Mindil Beach sunset markets, crocodiles, World War II history, and access to Kakadu and Litchfield national parks. It is the closest Australian capital to Asia.
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.
Darwin. A bus network only, and driving is the norm. There are no toll roads, and the city is small enough to cross in about 20 minutes.
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.
Darwin. AFL is popular, and NT Thunder plays in the state league. Darwin also hosts NRL and AFL fixtures, the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars and fishing competitions.
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.
Darwin. Tropical: a humid wet season (November to April) with storms and the risk of cyclones, then a dry season of clear warm days. The population is young and transient, with many defence families.
Sources: Adelaide Metro · South Australian Tourism Commission · NT Government public transport · Tourism NT