Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Streets beach in Southbank Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, Australia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on May 05, 2023

Summary: The population of Brisbane is 2.4 million people. Brisbane is a vibrant, modern city with a laid-back atmosphere. Expats love the city's outdoor lifestyle, its friendly locals, and its proximity to the beach. The weather in Brisbane is generally mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 50°F (10°C) in the winter to an average high of 82°F (28°C) in the summer. The average cost of living in Brisbane for an expat is around $2,000 USD per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $1,500 USD per month, and a two bedroom apartment is around $2,000 USD per month.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care
Allianz Care
Allianz Care

What do I need to know about living in Brisbane?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Brisbane, they said:

"Before retiring in Brisbane, expats should make sure they acquire the appropriate visas, in order to legally live there. They should also familiarize themselves with the cost of living in Brisbane, and make sure they have sufficient funds to cover expenses such as accommodation and healthcare. Expats should also research the various suburbs of Brisbane, to ensure they find the most suitable one for their needs. Lastly, expats should prepare for the weather; Brisbane is hot in the summer and mild in the winter months," said one expat who made the move to Brisbane, Australia.

"Do your research and be clear on what you're looking for. Brisbane can offer you an easy, laid-back lifestyle, with lots of outdoor living. Blue skies are the norm, winters are warm and dry and the worst humidity and storms of summer only last about 4 months. It's very live-able. People are largely friendly and relaxed, and there's a slow pace. You're further away from the sea - and good beaches - than you may expect, though there's plenty along both coasts to explore. There's some beautiful scenery and nature walks, on numerous day drives. That said, if you're looking for high culture and a sophisticated, cosmopolitan centre, it's probably not for you. Attitudes can be very old school, customer service is a rare thing - the downside of the laid-back vibe - and many people have never travelled outside of their state, let alone Australia. It's a developing city and it hasn't quite caught up to itself yet. Whatever you decide, it's what you make of it - expect culture shock and roll with it," explained one expat living in Brisbane, Australia.

Answer this Question

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox
Connect

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What do I need to know before moving to Brisbane?

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Streets beach in Southbank Brisbane, Australia

Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Contribute to Australia Network Contribute
Help others in Australia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Australia.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal