Darwin vs Melbourne
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Darwin | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 150,000 | 5.2 million |
| State | Northern Territory | Victoria |
| Median house price2 | $580k | $780k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $650 | $560 |
| Average summer day3 | 32°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 31°C | 14°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1700 mm | 650 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Defence, government, tourism, gas | Health, education, finance, creative industries |
Melbourne is 0.5 hours ahead of Darwin in winter. Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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.
Melbourne. Cafe culture and coffee, laneway bars, street art, live music and a packed events calendar: the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup.
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.
Melbourne. The world's largest urban tram network covers the inner city, backed by a metro train network and the Metro Tunnel. Toll roads are fewer than Sydney's (mainly CityLink and EastLink), but traffic on the outer freeways is heavy.
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.
Melbourne. AFL is close to a religion: nine of the 18 clubs are based here and the MCG holds 100,000 people. Melbourne Park, AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium sit within walking distance of the city centre.
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.
Melbourne. An indoor-outdoor city of neighbourhoods, each with its own high street. Weather changes fast ('four seasons in one day') and winters are grey, but housing is markedly cheaper than Sydney.
Sources: NT Government public transport · Tourism NT · Public Transport Victoria · Visit Melbourne