Palmerston North vs Wollongong – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Palmerston North, New Zealand and Wollongong, Australia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Palmerston North has a monthly cost of $3,770, which is 12.0% lower than Wollongong's $4,285.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Palmerston North offers 60 Mbps, while Wollongong provides 50 Mbps – making Palmerston North's connection 20.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Palmerston North is currently 11°C 🌫️, while Wollongong is experiencing 13°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Palmerston North has a safety score of 86.0 , while Wollongong scores 87.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Wollongong wins
Wollongong is 8% better
Cost
Palmerston North wins
Palmerston North is 20% better
Climate
Palmerston North wins
Palmerston North is 6% better
Infrastructure
Wollongong wins
Wollongong is 9% better
Social
Wollongong wins
Wollongong is 10% better
Wollongong is 6% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Palmerston North | Wollongong | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $3,770 | $4,285 | -12.0% |
Daily Average | $126 | $143 | per day |
Housing
Item | Palmerston North | Wollongong | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $850.00 per month | $850.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Palmerston North | Wollongong | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $4.00 per cup | $4.00 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | Palmerston North | Wollongong | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Palmerston North | Wollongong | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Palmerston North vs Wollongong
Wollongong ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Palmerston North overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $3,770 vs $4,285
- Daily Expenses: $126 vs $143
- Palmerston North is 12.0% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Palmerston North leads with 20% faster connection
- Public Transport: Wollongong has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Palmerston North Wins In:
- Cost of Living (20% better)
- Air Quality (6% better)
Wollongong Wins In:
- Healthcare (8% better)
- Internet Speed (9% better)
- Nightlife (10% better)
- Food Scene (6% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Wollongong if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Healthcare. However, Palmerston North might be preferable if Healthcare is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

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