Hobart’s median house price of $779,000 results in estimated monthly repayments of approximately $3,736, compared with a median monthly rent of around $2,726 — a gap of about 37%. The relatively narrow difference between repayments and rent may be of interest to buyers considering entry into a capital city market at a lower price point than mainland counterparts.
Darwin is the only capital city where the cost gap between buying and renting is minimal. With a median house price of $709,000 and estimated monthly repayments of approximately $3,405, Darwin buyers pay just 5% more per month than renters, who pay a median of $3,259.
Australian capital cities’ unit price-to-rent ratio ranking 
Median unit price data: Cotality quarterly rental review, April 2025
The unit market presents a different affordability picture. Brisbane ranks as the least affordable city for unit buyers, with mortgage repayments around 43% higher than rent. Based on a median unit price of $844,844, buyers would face monthly repayments of approximately $4,052, compared with an average unit rent of $2,843.
Adelaide and Sydney unit buyers also face higher repayments than renters, at around 34% and 30% respectively. Melbourne and Perth see smaller gaps of 17% and 15%, while Canberra’s gap is approximately 10%, with monthly repayments of $2,870 against rent of $2,617. Darwin remains the standout for unit affordability, with mortgage repayments averaging $2,124 against a median monthly rent of $2,648 — a gap of roughly 20%.