A rising number of families are being pushed into housing stress in the Northern Territory, according to a new report, as costs of living continue to climb.

The report found the cost of NT rentals has soared to near Sydney prices, and residents are facing some of the highest fuel prices and household bills in the country.

Sharply climbing costs have forced Kerrie Matthews and her husband to put their home, on the outskirts of Darwin, on the market, just two years after relocating to the NT from Victoria to live out their retirement.

The pensioners thought the territory would be a more affordable place to live, but their bills have since climbed to levels they can no longer afford.

After a recent water bill that reached $800 for a quarter, Ms Matthews stopped watering the garden, and he

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