Australia

Cost of Living in Brisbane

Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates

COL+Rent: 54Rent: 38.3Groceries: 71.7Restaurant: 61.4

Monthly Budget Estimates

Minimal

$1,868/mo

Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit

Typical

$2,651/mo

City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out

Comfortable

$3,301/mo

Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment

Monthly Costs Breakdown

CategoryCost (USD)
Rent (1BR City Center)$1,702
Rent (1BR Outside Center)$1,270
Groceries (monthly)$399
Restaurant Meal$21
Transit Pass (monthly)$94
Utilities (monthly)$141

Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Can You Afford Brisbane?

Compare Brisbane with other cities at specific budget levels:

vs Sydney · $1,000/movs Sydney · $1,500/movs Sydney · $2,000/movs Melbourne · $1,000/movs Melbourne · $1,500/movs Melbourne · $2,000/movs Perth · $1,000/movs Perth · $1,500/movs Perth · $2,000/mo

Other Cities in Australia

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Brisbane?
A minimal monthly budget in Brisbane is approximately $1,868, a typical budget is $2,651, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $3,301 per month.
How much is rent in Brisbane?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Brisbane city center costs approximately $1,702/month. Outside the center, expect around $1,270/month.
Is Brisbane expensive compared to New York?
Brisbane's COL+Rent Index is 54 compared to New York's 100, meaning Brisbane is about 46% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Brisbane?
Monthly groceries in Brisbane cost approximately $399. The city's Groceries Index is 71.7 (NYC = 100).