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Cost of Living in Wollongong

Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia · Population 261,896

▲ +0% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,767 ($1,162)
Couple, monthly$3,230 ($2,125)
Family of four, monthly$4,267 ($2,807)

Estimated Prices in Wollongong

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$15.71 ($10.34)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$62.84 ($41.34)per meal
Cappuccino$4.71 ($3.10)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$356 ($234)per month
Monthly public transport pass$57.60 ($37.90)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$152 ($99.91)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$43.99 ($28.94)per month
Fitness club membership$43.99 ($28.94)per month
Cinema ticket$11.52 ($7.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,034 ($680)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$719 ($473)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,158 ($1,420)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Wollongong is $5,478 ($3,604) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,767 ($1,162) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,297 ($1,511) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($719 ($473)) represents about 41% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Wollongong

Wollongong vs SydneyWollongong vs MelbourneWollongong vs BrisbaneWollongong vs PerthWollongong vs AdelaideWollongong vs Gold Coast

Nearby Cities

Kiama

26 km away · New South Wales

Campbelltown

40 km away · New South Wales

Bowral

43 km away · New South Wales

Moss Vale

48 km away · New South Wales

Nowra

56 km away · New South Wales

Flemington

66 km away · New South Wales

Sydney

70 km away · New South Wales

Quakers Hill

78 km away · New South Wales

Other Major Cities in Australia

Sydney

New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496

$2,213 ($1,456) / mo

Melbourne

Victoria · pop. 5,350,705

$2,175 ($1,431) / mo

Brisbane

Queensland · pop. 2,706,966

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Perth

Western Australia · pop. 2,141,834

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Adelaide

South Australia · pop. 1,387,290

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Gold Coast

Queensland · pop. 607,665

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Living in Wollongong

Wollongong is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,767 ($1,162), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $719 ($473) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $4,267 ($2,807) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,230 ($2,125) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Wollongong is $5,478 ($3,604). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,297 ($1,511) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wollongong expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,767 ($1,162) per month in Wollongong including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Wollongong?
A net salary of around $2,297 ($1,511) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Wollongong with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Wollongong is $5,478 ($3,604).
How much is rent in Wollongong?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $1,034 ($680) per month in the city centre and $719 ($473) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,158 ($1,420).
Is Wollongong cheaper than Australia on average?
No — Wollongong is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Australia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Wollongong?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $356 ($234) in Wollongong. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $16 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $5 ($3).
How do transport costs in Wollongong compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Wollongong is estimated at $58 ($38). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Wollongong are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 261,896). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.