Canberra vs Darwin
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Canberra | Darwin |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 470,000 | 150,000 |
| State | ACT | Northern Territory |
| Median house price2 | $980k | $580k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $680 | $650 |
| Average summer day3 | 28°C | 32°C |
| Average winter day3 | 12°C | 31°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | ACST (UTC+9.5) |
| Main industries5 | Federal public service, defence, education | Defence, government, tourism, gas |
Canberra is 0.5 hours ahead of Darwin in winter. Canberra 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: Canberra and Darwin beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
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.
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
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.
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
Canberra. Rugby league (Raiders) and rugby union (Brumbies) are the biggest codes. Manuka Oval hosts cricket and some AFL games for the GWS Giants.
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
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.
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: Transport Canberra · VisitCanberra · NT Government public transport · Tourism NT