Cost of Living in Brisbane, Australia
Australia · Oceania
$2,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
72
Cost Index
NYC=100
68
Rent Index
NYC=100
84
Quality of Life
Excellent
78
Safety Index
Good
2.5M
Population
AUD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $15 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $65 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $4 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.3 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $3.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $140 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $175 |
| Mobile Plan | $38 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $58 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,300/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,100/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.1% |
View Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in Brisbane — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Brisbane, Australia is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Brisbane has a cost index of 72, making it around 28% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Brisbane costs around $1,100/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,600/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,300/month. The rent index is 68 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Brisbane scores 84/100 on the quality of life index and 78/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 82/100. The climate index is 85/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Brisbane is approximately $4,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 80/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AUD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Brisbane
The average monthly salary in Brisbane is approximately $4,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 80/100.
Healthcare Costs in Brisbane
Healthcare quality in Brisbane is rated 82/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Brisbane
Brisbane has a quality of life score of 84/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Brisbane
Students living in Brisbane should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Brisbane
Expats moving to Brisbane often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Brisbane, Australia is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 72 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Brisbane
Living in Brisbane offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 72 and a quality of life score of 84/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $4,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Brisbane provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Australia and around the world.
Key Facts About Brisbane
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,600
- Cost Index: 72
- Rent Index: 68
- Average Salary: $4,000
- Quality of Life: 84/100
- Safety Score: 78/100
- Country: Australia
- Currency: AUD
Is Brisbane Expensive?
Brisbane has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Brisbane compare to other cities?
Brisbane is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 2.5M. At a cost index of 72 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Brisbane stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brisbane?
The average cost of living in Brisbane, Australia is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 72 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Brisbane?
Rent in Brisbane varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 68 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Brisbane alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Brisbane expensive to live in?
Brisbane has a cost index of 72 compared to New York City (100). At 72, Brisbane is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,600.
What is the quality of life in Brisbane?
Brisbane has a quality of life index of 84/100 and a safety index of 78/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Brisbane compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Brisbane with any city worldwide. Brisbane's cost index is 72 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Brisbane?
Many residents live comfortably in Brisbane with a monthly budget of around $2,600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Brisbane good for expats?
Brisbane is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Brisbane?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Brisbane.
Is Brisbane cheaper than New York?
Yes, Brisbane has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Brisbane?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Brisbane.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Brisbane
Cheapest Ways to Live in Brisbane
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Brisbane typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,100/month compared to $1,600/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Brisbane, Australia.
Is Brisbane Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 80/100 and a quality of life score of 84/100, Brisbane is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 72 relative to New York City, Brisbane remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Australia has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Brisbane Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Brisbane", "Brisbane monthly expenses 2026", and "is Brisbane affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,600, a safety score of 78/100, and healthcare rated 82/100, Brisbane offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Australia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026