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Brisbane vs Melbourne

Australia vs Australia · 1,375 km apart

Brisbane

Australia

$1,914 ($1,259)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Melbourne

Australia

$2,175 ($1,431)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseBrisbaneMelbourneCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.12$12.48Brisbane
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$44.46$49.92Brisbane
Cappuccino$3.33$3.74Brisbane
Monthly groceries (single person)$252$283Brisbane
Monthly public transport pass$40.76$45.76Brisbane
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$107$121Brisbane
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.12$34.94Brisbane
Fitness club membership$31.12$34.94Brisbane
Cinema ticket$8.15$9.15Brisbane
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$745$861Brisbane
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$518$599Brisbane
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,555$1,797Brisbane
Total single-person budget$1,259$1,431Brisbane
Average net salary$3,876$4,352

Verdict

Brisbane is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Brisbane runs about $1,259 versus $1,431 in Melbourne — a difference of roughly 14%.

Salary-adjusted, Melbourne leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Brisbane  ·  Full cost of living in Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,259 per month in Brisbane versus $1,431 in Melbourne — about 14% less.
How far is Brisbane from Melbourne?
The straight-line distance between Brisbane and Melbourne is approximately 1,375 km (854 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Brisbane or Melbourne?
The estimated average net salary is $3,876 in Brisbane and $4,352 in Melbourne. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,617 in Brisbane versus $2,921 in Melbourne per month.