Sydney vs Wollongong
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Sydney | Wollongong |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 5.5 million | 310,000 |
| State | New South Wales | New South Wales |
| Median house price2 | $1.5M | $1.0M |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $750 | $620 |
| Average summer day3 | 26°C | 25°C |
| Average winter day3 | 17°C | 17°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Finance, professional services, tech, tourism | Education, health, steel, port |
Sydney and Wollongong share the same time zone all year. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Sydney and Wollongong beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
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.
Wollongong. A strip of beaches beneath the Illawarra escarpment, the Sea Cliff Bridge, and the Nan Tien Temple.
Getting around
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.
Wollongong. The South Coast train line runs to Sydney in about 90 minutes. A free city shuttle bus operates. Commuters often drive the M1.
Sport
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.
Wollongong. Rugby league (the Dragons share home games here) and surfing are big.
Day-to-day life
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.
Wollongong. Coastal living within commuting range of Sydney. The university gives it a youthful feel. Housing is not cheap, as Sydney buyers move in.
Sources: Transport for NSW · Destination NSW · Transport for NSW · Destination Wollongong