Darwin vs Sydney
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Darwin | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 150,000 | 5.5 million |
| State | Northern Territory | New South Wales |
| Median house price2 | $580k | $1.5M |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $650 | $750 |
| Average summer day3 | 32°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 31°C | 17°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1700 mm | 1200 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Defence, government, tourism, gas | Finance, professional services, tech, tourism |
Sydney is 0.5 hours ahead of Darwin in winter. Sydney 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 Sydney 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.
Sydney. The Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and more than 100 beaches, from Bondi and Manly to quieter northern bays. It is Australia's finance capital and its most international city.
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.
Sydney. A large Sydney Trains and Metro network plus ferries on the harbour, but the city is spread out and many people drive. Sydney has the most toll roads in the country, and regular commuters can pay thousands of dollars a year in tolls.
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.
Sydney. Rugby league is the dominant code (the NRL was born here), with AFL, cricket and the A-League also strong. Major venues include the SCG, Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and the rebuilt Allianz Stadium.
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.
Sydney. Outdoor, beach-centred living with long warm seasons. The trade-off is cost: housing takes a bigger share of income than anywhere else in Australia, so many people live far from where they work.
Sources: NT Government public transport · Tourism NT · Transport for NSW · Destination NSW