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Cost of Living in Brisbane

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia · Population 2,706,966

▲ +8% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,914 ($1,259)
Couple, monthly$3,503 ($2,305)
Family of four, monthly$4,632 ($3,047)

Estimated Prices in Brisbane

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$16.89 ($11.12)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$67.58 ($44.46)per meal
Cappuccino$5.07 ($3.33)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$383 ($252)per month
Monthly public transport pass$61.95 ($40.76)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$163 ($107)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$47.31 ($31.12)per month
Fitness club membership$47.31 ($31.12)per month
Cinema ticket$12.39 ($8.15)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,132 ($745)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$788 ($518)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,363 ($1,555)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Brisbane is $5,892 ($3,876) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,914 ($1,259) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,488 ($1,637) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($788 ($518)) represents about 41% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Brisbane

Brisbane vs SydneyBrisbane vs MelbourneBrisbane vs PerthBrisbane vs AdelaideBrisbane vs Gold CoastBrisbane vs Canberra

Nearby Cities

Corinda

7 km away · Queensland

Rochedale

18 km away · Queensland

Narangba

30 km away · Queensland

Ipswich

31 km away · Queensland

Burpengary

36 km away · Queensland

Jimboomba

41 km away · Queensland

Ormeau

45 km away · Queensland

Bongaree

45 km away · Queensland

Other Major Cities in Australia

Sydney

New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496

$2,213 ($1,456) / mo

Melbourne

Victoria · pop. 5,350,705

$2,175 ($1,431) / mo

Perth

Western Australia · pop. 2,141,834

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Adelaide

South Australia · pop. 1,387,290

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Gold Coast

Queensland · pop. 607,665

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Wollongong

New South Wales · pop. 261,896

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Living in Brisbane

Brisbane is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,914 ($1,259), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $788 ($518) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $4,632 ($3,047) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,503 ($2,305) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Brisbane is $5,892 ($3,876). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,488 ($1,637) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,914 ($1,259) per month in Brisbane including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Brisbane?
A net salary of around $2,488 ($1,637) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Brisbane with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Brisbane is $5,892 ($3,876).
How much is rent in Brisbane?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $1,132 ($745) per month in the city centre and $788 ($518) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,363 ($1,555).
Is Brisbane cheaper than Australia on average?
No — Brisbane is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Australia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Brisbane?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $383 ($252) in Brisbane. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $17 ($11) and a cappuccino runs around $5 ($3).
How do transport costs in Brisbane compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Brisbane is estimated at $62 ($41). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Brisbane are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,706,966). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.