Hobart vs Launceston
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Hobart | Launceston |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 255,000 | 110,000 |
| State | Tasmania | Tasmania |
| Median house price2 | $680k | $580k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $550 | $470 |
| Average summer day3 | 22°C | 24°C |
| Average winter day3 | 12°C | 12°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 600 mm | 670 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Tourism, health, Antarctic science, aquaculture | Health, education, food and wine, tourism |
Hobart and Launceston share the same time zone all year. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Hobart and Launceston beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
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.
Launceston. Cataract Gorge, the Tamar Valley wine route, and well-preserved colonial streets.
Getting around
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.
Launceston. Metro Tasmania buses serve the city, but most people drive. Flights connect it to Melbourne in about an hour.
Sport
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.
Launceston. AFL and cricket. UTAS Stadium hosts Hawthorn AFL games.
Day-to-day life
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.
Launceston. Small, affordable and close to nature and wineries. The weather is cool, with frosty winters.
Sources: Metro Tasmania · Discover Tasmania · Metro Tasmania · Visit Launceston Tamar Valley