Adelaide vs Hobart
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Adelaide | Hobart |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 1.4 million | 255,000 |
| State | South Australia | Tasmania |
| Median house price2 | $820k | $680k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $570 | $550 |
| Average summer day3 | 29°C | 22°C |
| Average winter day3 | 15°C | 12°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 540 mm | 600 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Defence, health, education, wine and food | Tourism, health, Antarctic science, aquaculture |
Hobart 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 Hobart 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.
Hobart. MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), Salamanca Market, the Dark Mofo winter festival, fresh seafood, and kunanyi/Mt Wellington rising behind the harbour.
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.
Hobart. Metro Tasmania buses and a ferry service on the Derwent. There is no passenger rail. The city is compact but most people drive, and the Tasman Bridge is the main bottleneck.
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.
Hobart. AFL is the main code, and a Tasmanian AFL team is in development with a new stadium planned at Macquarie Point. Cricket is played at Blundstone Arena.
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.
Hobart. Small-city calm, close to wilderness and wineries. It is cooler than the mainland. Housing has become much less affordable relative to local wages.
Sources: Adelaide Metro · South Australian Tourism Commission · Metro Tasmania · Discover Tasmania