Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Cost of Living in Brisbane

Understanding the the cost of living in Brisbane helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Brisbane

Apartment Rentals The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane is $1,400 per month. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,800 per month. The median rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $2,400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane is $400,000. The median price for a two-bedroom apartment is $500,000. The median price for a three-bedroom apartment is $600,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Brisbane is relatively inexpensive. A single fare on the bus or train is $3.50. A monthly pass is $150. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport is approximately $50.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Brisbane is comparable to other cities in Australia. A loaf of bread is approximately $3.50, a gallon of milk is $3.50, and a dozen eggs is $4.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Brisbane is comparable to other cities in Australia. A meal at a casual restaurant is approximately $15 per person. A meal at a mid-range restaurant is approximately $30 per person. A meal at a fine dining restaurant is approximately $50 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Brisbane is comparable to other cities in Australia. The average monthly cost for electricity is $150, water is $50, and gas is $50.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Brisbane varies depending on the school. The average annual tuition for preschool is $5,000, elementary school is $10,000, middle school is $15,000, and high school is $20,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Brisbane

“The cost of living in Brisbane is generally considered reasonable compared to other Australia cities and other locations within Oceania. The city offers a range of housing options, with low-cost flats, villas and apartments being available, as well as more expensive single family homes and luxury developments. The cost of groceries and other everyday items is comparable to other major metropolitan centres as well. In addition, Brisbane also has a strong focus on providing quality municipal services and infrastructure, including public healthcare and education, which help to keep the overall cost of living reasonable,” said one expat living in Brisbane, Australia.

Can I live in Brisbane on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Brisbane for a while now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month as an expat might be a bit challenging, but it’s not impossible. You’ll definitely have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle, though. First, you’ll need to find affordable accommodation. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Brisbane include Annerley, Moorooka, and Chermside. These areas have a mix of older houses and newer apartments, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $250-$300 per week. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like New Farm, Teneriffe, and Ascot, as rents there can be quite high.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transport in Brisbane can be a bit expensive, so you might want to consider getting a Go Card, which offers discounted fares. If you’re able to find a place close to your work or in an area with good public transport connections, you can save a lot on transportation costs. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so you might want to avoid that if possible.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be budget-conscious as well. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi can help you save on groceries, and you can also find some great deals at local markets like the West End Markets or the Rocklea Markets. Eating out can be expensive in Brisbane, so you might want to limit that to special occasions or look for cheaper options like food courts and takeaway shops.Entertainment and socializing can also add up, so you’ll need to be mindful of your spending in this area as well. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Brisbane, like visiting the many parks and gardens, going for hikes in the nearby national parks, or attending free events and festivals. You can also find some affordable bars and pubs if you’re looking for a night out, but you’ll need to be careful not to overspend.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Brisbane as an expat will require some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending on accommodation, transportation, groceries, and entertainment, and be willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood. But with some careful planning and budgeting, it’s definitely possible to make it work,” commented an expat living in Brisbane.

Can I live in Brisbane on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Brisbane for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you’ll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas like New Farm, Teneriffe, and Ascot might be out of your budget, so I’d recommend looking into suburbs like Chermside, Indooroopilly, or even Annerley. These areas are still close to the city and have good public transport options, but the rent is more affordable.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive here, so I’d recommend using public transport or even cycling if you can. Brisbane has a pretty good bus and train network, and there’s also the CityCycle bike-sharing program which is quite affordable. If you do need a car occasionally, there are car-sharing services like GoGet that you can use.Eating out can also be quite pricey in Brisbane, so you’ll want to cook at home as much as possible. There are plenty of fresh produce markets around the city where you can get affordable fruits and vegetables, and you can also find cheaper grocery stores like ALDI for your other shopping needs.Entertainment can be another big expense, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Brisbane. The city has a lot of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, like South Bank Parklands and Roma Street Parkland, where you can spend your weekends. There are also free events and festivals throughout the year, like the Brisbane Festival and the City Sounds music series.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Brisbane is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free activities, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city,” said one expat living in Brisbane.

Can I live in Brisbane on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Brisbane for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of location and housing options. Firstly, I’d recommend looking for a place to live in some of the more affordable neighborhoods. Some good options to consider are Chermside, Indooroopilly, and Carindale. These areas have a good mix of housing options, including apartments and townhouses, and they’re well-connected to public transport. Plus, they have plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities nearby. On the other hand, you might want to avoid some of the more expensive neighborhoods like New Farm, Teneriffe, and Ascot. These areas are known for their high-end properties and trendy cafes, but the cost of living can be quite steep. In terms of other sacrifices, you might have to be a bit more conscious of your spending on things like dining out and entertainment. Brisbane has a great food scene, but eating out regularly can add up quickly. Instead, try cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the city’s many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for free entertainment. Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Brisbane can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in parking, insurance, and fuel costs. Instead, try to rely on public transport, cycling, or walking as much as possible. Brisbane has a pretty good public transport system, and many neighborhoods are quite walkable. Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Brisbane is definitely achievable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises in terms of location and lifestyle,” commented an expat living in Brisbane.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Additional Information:

International Citizens Insurance

Cigna Global Health
Award winning International Health Insurance for Individuals and families living abroad.
GET A QUOTE

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal

LoginJoinPlease Login to Continue. New? Join today (it's free).
Since 1997, we've supported millions of people as they explore the world and share the adventures and challenges of living abroad.