Darwin vs Hobart
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Darwin | Hobart |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 150,000 | 255,000 |
| State | Northern Territory | Tasmania |
| Median house price2 | $580k | $680k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $650 | $550 |
| Average summer day3 | 32°C | 22°C |
| Average winter day3 | 31°C | 12°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1700 mm | 600 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Defence, government, tourism, gas | Tourism, health, Antarctic science, aquaculture |
Hobart is 0.5 hours ahead of Darwin in winter. Hobart 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: Darwin and Hobart beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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: NT Government public transport · Tourism NT · Metro Tasmania · Discover Tasmania