Brisbane is the nation’s third-largest metropolis. It is in a sunny climate region that offers both cultural depth and monetary prospects. But what is the cost of living in Brisbane?
Knowledge of the cost of living in Brisbane enables people to make wise decisions whether to maintain lifestyle, downsize house, or upgrade. Many people want to know how the Brisbane cost of living compares to Australian cities and what specific pricing comprises the average living expenses in Brisbane.
We’ll provide an extensive review of the cost of living in Brisbane. We will objectively assess Brisbane’s affordability to determine “Is Brisbane expensive?” and how much the average weekly rent is for Brisbane residents to gain knowledge about living in this area.
Average Salary in Brisbane: What You Can Expect
The average income in Brisbane directly influences how we evaluate the city’s cost of living. While expenses like average rent are significant factors, earnings directly determine one’s financial well-being.
Weekly gross earnings within Queensland are estimated at $1,700 to $1,800 AUD, with Brisbane being one of the key drivers of this figure. The annual gross income from this position ranges from $88,000 to AUD 94,000. This outlook explains the average living expenses in Brisbane’s residential areas.
Brisbane’s economic sectors produce varying salary levels, leading to significant fluctuations in the city’s cost of living rates. Workers specialising in mining and construction receive better income opportunities than workers in other job sectors.
Cost of Living Brisbane: Housing Costs
To succeed in Brisbane’s housing market, you need to grasp its complicated operational principles. The city provides various housing opportunities, including rental properties and purchasing homes, that demand unique assessments.
Renting in Brisbane
The rental prices in Brisbane depend on the neighbourhoods’ multiple economic and industrial characteristics. The location near the city centre is a key factor in deciding rental costs because inner-city suburbs tend to have higher average prices. The price of properties depends strongly on their accessibility to public transport networks along with educational institutions and public park facilities.
Average rent in Brisbane varies widely between central business district areas and suburban locations, with apartment average rental prices in Brisbane ranging from $400 to $700 per week. In contrast, house rentals normally start at $500 to reach $1000 per week. So if you want to move to a new suburb, consider these.
The value of rental income varies heavily based on layout areas and the current state of the property. Economic factors based on the average income in Brisbane and the average cost of living in Brisbane modify market demand, which affects rental costs. Brisbane apartment prices peak in sought-after districts such as South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley, although they stay lower in suburban neighbourhoods.
Below are estimates from numbeo.com indicating differences in value of rent in inner city vs regional Brisbane:
| Type of Accomodation | Avg. Cost per Month |
| Rent for 1-bedroom inner city Brisbane apartment | $2,369.00 |
| Rent for 1-bedroom suburban/regional Brisbane apartment | $1,839.50 |
| Rent for 3-bedroom inner city Brisbane apartment | $3,870.45 |
| Rent for 3-bedroom suburban/regional Brisbane apartment | $2,842.73 |
Buying Property in Brisbane
The price of homeownership stays within predictable patterns, affected by two main elements: population growth, and broader economic performance. Brisbane, Australia, traditionally enables residents to access more budget-friendly housing than Sydney and Melbourne because of lower living expenses.
However, the affordability gap is decreasing because Brisbane apartment and house prices are increasing steadily. People looking to buy should analyse employment opportunities, overall living costs in Brisbane, and their desired way of life before purchasing.
Average home prices in Brisbane follow a wide difference between central and peripheral neighbourhoods because the city centre areas cost more. Here are the estimates from numbero.com:
| Location | Average Cost |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $11,887.75 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $8,043.06 |
Cost of Living Brisbane: Utility Costs
Brisbane’s subtropical climate strongly affects the amount of energy that residents need to use. As an essential necessity for summer months, Brisbane residents need to operate air conditioning units, leading to higher electricity costs. Nights in Brisbane tend to remain less cold, which leads homeowners to pay reduced heating expenses.
Energy efficiency practices significantly affect expense control. Properties equipped with modern appliances and adequate insulation systems use less power. A higher number of household members leads to increased utility bills in Brisbane.
Organising budgeting in Brisbane requires a complete understanding of regular utility expenditures. These recurring expenses contribute significantly to the overall cost of living in Brisbane. Here are the estimates that numbeo.com has compiled for utilities:
| Utilities | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | $203.19 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | $40.28 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $81.06 |
Electricity and Gas
Standard apartment residents in Brisbane face utility expenses of $150-$300 per month, which include electricity and gas services. The monthly utility expenses for homes surpass $300 for households with large families and swimming pools. Water costs in Brisbane are billed separately.
Internet and Phone
Brisbane’s internet costs are similar to those of other major cities throughout Australia. However, Brisbane’s internet costs depend on NBN speed levels and data usage parameters.
Brisbane’s internet plans, particularly NBN, start at $60 but extend past $120+ depending on speed options and data limits. Mobile phone plans range between $30 per month and $80+ monthly based on data volume and included calls.
Cost of Living Brisbane: Food and Grocery Costs
Because food is a basic need, understanding grocery expenses and dining fees is critical for budget planning in Brisbane. Brisbane provides residents with multiple choices between essential everyday products and dining experiences.
Supermarket Shopping
Grocery costs in Brisbane provide a variety of choices. Coles and Woolworths are the dominant players, offering extensive product ranges and frequent specials. ALDI provides a cost-effective alternative, especially for those seeking to minimise their grocery bills in Brisbane. Seasonal variations in fruit and vegetable prices are typical, and meat prices fluctuate depending on the cut and quality.
The grocery costs in Brisbane allow citizens to select from various dietary choices. Residents who want lower grocery bills in Brisbane should consider shopping at ALDI since it provides optimised pricing. The table below is from numbeo.com showcasing average prices of goods in Brisbane:
| Goods | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | $2.45 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $3.44 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | $2.63 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $6.73 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $13.05 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | $13.29 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | $20.96 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.91 |
| Banana (1kg) | $4.21 |
| Oranges (1kg) | $4.31 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5.76 |
| Potato (1kg) | $3.73 |
| Onion (1kg) | $3.33 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $3.11 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $1.90 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $20.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $6.92 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | $5.89 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | $50.00 |
Dining Out
Brisbane provides its residents with numerous dining choices since its restaurant sector stands active and encompasses every kind of taste. Mid-range spots and formal dining restaurants give a high-end dining experience to customers who prefer elegant dining. At the same time, casual eateries provide budget-friendly meals.
Here’s a lowdown of cost when dining out from numbeo.com:
| Restaurants | Price |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $25.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $117.50 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | $15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | $12.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | $12.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $5.61 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle | $4.24 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | $3.34 |
Cost of Living Brisbane: Transportation Costs
Brisbane’s cost of living requires understanding the expense structure of different transportation choices. Knowing all transport costs is essential for developing travel expenses and selecting the best cost-efficiency and affordability combination. The website numbeo.com provides information about transportation costs in Brisbane as follows:
| Transportation | Price |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $40.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $3.50 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | $2.50 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | $51.60 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | $1.93 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | $41,995.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | $33,485.94 |
Public Transport: The go card System
Brisbane’s public transport system is managed by TransLink, which maintains buses, trains, and ferries as transit options. The Go card serves as Brisbane’s main ticketing platform and offers better price deals than conventional paper tickets.
Public transportation within Queensland currently charges 50 cents for every access to its services. All public transport options require these prices. All trips in Brisbane, regardless of distance, cost exactly 50 cents.
Public transport costs play a vital role in assessing the cost of living in Brisbane. Students, seniors, and concession card holders have access to discounted fares through the concession program.
Owning a Car
Owning a vehicle in Brisbane leads to multiple expenses. Car ownership comes with insurance and fuel costs that change depending on the driver’s age and history, the type of vehicle owned, and the influence of international oil market fluctuations on gasoline prices.
Vehicle owners must pay registration fees annually according to the category of their vehicle, while maintenance requirements consist of yearly services and necessary repairs.
Before choosing between driving and public transport, decide how often you travel and what distance you need to cover, then include every expense linked to your vehicle.
Biking and Walking
Brisbane’s population actively uses bicycles to travel along paths beside rivers and specific bike paths. The price of buying a bike depends on its type, while its maintenance requirements are minimal.
The climate-friendly environment of Brisbane along with its supportive infrastructure structures biking as a favourable alternative for residents making trips between 2 to 3 km or less.
Inner-city and surrounding suburban residents can use walking as a real commuting solution.
Cost of Living Brisbane: Health and Medical Costs
Healthcare prices depend highly on individual needs and coverage levels when residents seek to understand the cost of living in Brisbane. People in Brisbane should consider these expenses based on the following analysis of healthcare costs within the city.
Health Insurance
Citizens in Brisbane maintain the freedom to obtain private health coverage like all Aussies. The expenses depend on the frequency and quantity of covered treatments, your age, and your chosen insurance provider.
Premium costs across Brisbane differ considerably based on the selected insurance plan type, including student, family, and single insurance. The annual cost of health insurance policies ranges widely from $300 to $3000.
The public healthcare system, Medicare, is completely free for permanent residents and residents of Australia. Through Medicare, all Australians get free coverage for visiting their doctor, being hospitalised in public facilities and having access to specified specialist consultations.
Australian citizens must pay out-of-pocket costs when using healthcare outside Medicare coverage.
General Medical Costs
The price range for visiting a general practitioner in Brisbane exists. Medicare partially reimburses medical fees, but some general practitioners may ask patients to pay additional “gap” fees.
Standard consultations will cost between 0(due to bulk billing practice) and 80+ Australian dollars.
Specialist medical fees exceed what GPs normally charge for appointments. Although Medicare partially covers expenses, patients often must pay large amounts above the standard benefit amount.
As for pharmacy prices, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidy makes prescription drugs more affordable at pharmacies throughout Australia. Medical drugs are available without prescription costs similar to those in large urban areas.
Dental and Optical Care
Under Medicare, routine coverage of dental services applies to adults only in specific situations. Private health insurance combined with extra cover allows patients to access reduced fee structures.
The health system offers eye tests to approved patients under Medicare but rejects payments for optical glasses and daily contact lenses. Consumers who have private health insurance with extra coverage can use it to pay for optical expenses.
Cost of Living in Brisbane: Education Costs
Brisbane’s education expenses require thorough recognition for families and students. The following provides essential information about these points:
Tuition Fees (Domestic vs. International)
The educational costs in Brisbane differ by university type, course type, and student citizenship.
International university students must pay higher tuition fees than resident students in their home country. Bachelor-level programs in Brisbane cost between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 annually, whereas Master-level studies range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 annually.
Students who are Australian nationals receive government aid programs which minimise their university expenses. International students pay the full cost of their education.
Childcare and School Fees
The cost of living in Brisbane includes child and preschool tuition. Childcare expenses are determined by the services, location, and needed care hours.
| Education | Expenses |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | $2,290.81 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | $12,563.64 |
Domestic students can attend public primary school in Brisbane without tuition fees, although they must pay for uniforms, textbooks, and excursions.
The education provided in independent and Catholic schools demands significant student tuition fees.
Cost of Living Brisbane: Leisure and Entertainment
People who want to experience cultural diversity, active recreation, and social activities in Brisbane must budget accordingly.
Adult cinema tickets cost between $18 AUD and $25 AUD in standard form. Adult movie prices depend on the selected cinema and viewing time, combined with additional premium offerings.
The Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), along with other public museums and galleries in Brisbane, do not require visitors to pay when they exhibit their collections. However, the prices for special exhibitions range between $20-$35 each.
Tickets for concert performances vary widely based on the performing artists and their chosen performance locations. The costs for small music concerts range between $30 and $60 AUD, whereas top international performers in the music industry typically charge more than $100 AUD for tickets.
The price of gym memberships in Brisbane is rising and falling according to both gym locations and provided facilities. Regular budget gyms charge between $15-$30 weekly, while elite gym facilities exceeding $50 weekly will cost members more.
The cost of joining sports clubs depends on the sport and competition level, and it can be between $100 and several hundred dollars more than that amount annually.
Fitness and yoga sessions cost between $20 and $30 individually, and a weekly membership starts at $50 and rises above $150 per month.
People who want to hike in national parks surrounding Brisbane enjoy free experiences apart from transportation fees.
Basic leisure activities in Brisbane will cost the following amounts according to numbeo.com:
| Basic Leisure Activities | Costs |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $77.17 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | $26.58 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | $20.00 |
Cost of Living Brisbane: Miscellaneous Costs
The budget for living in Brisbane should include miscellaneous expenses for adequate financial planning. The costs of miscellaneous items have a major effect on the overall cost of living in Brisbane.
Clothing and Personal Items
Brisbane offers diverse clothing options, ranging from reasonable prices to upper-class designer products. The prices of retail apparel products in Brisbane match those found throughout major Australian population centres.
Shampoo, toothpaste, and cosmetics remain available throughout the city, but prices range from basic to luxurious.
| Item | Cost |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | $107.59 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | $66.15 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid Range) | $149.44 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | $156.42 |
Household Items
The costs of furniture and appliances in Brisbane match those in other Australian cities. Different brands and item quality determine their prices in the market. Major retailers offer customers a range of budget-friendly to premium stores for their furniture needs. People commonly obtain household products through online retail stores.
Pet Ownership
Pet food prices differ based on the size and breed of your pet and the selected brand of pet food. Owning a pet will increase the cost of living in Brisbane for a single person since pet-related costs add to your average utility bill and miscellaneous expenses.
The expense of veterinary care for pets depends on the treatment options your pet needs. Pet insurance policies partially cover the expenses related to treatment.
Pet insurance prices depend on what type of coverage policy you select.
Start Your Brisbane Journey with Confidence
The cost of living in Brisbane depends on the expenses related to housing, utilities, groceries, transportation systems, and entertainment services.
Immigrants who want financial stability must develop a budget plan while spending time in different parts of town and using methods to save money. The cost of living in Brisbane depends on your living arrangements, personal consumption of utilities, and leisure activities.
People who live in Brisbane want to find a desirable lifestyle with affordable costs. People planning to move must analyse how these factors match their financial situation to determine if Brisbane suits their relocation needs.
If you’re ready to move to Brisbane for work, family, or a fresh start, Moving Mates is here to make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Let our expert removalists handle your move with care and efficiency. Get a free quote today and start your Brisbane journey with confidence!
