City Comparison
Brisbane vs Melbourne
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brisbane is ~13% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brisbane
Australia
COL+Rent
54
Rent Index
38.3
Groceries
71.7
Restaurant
61.4
Melbourne
Australia
COL+Rent
61.9
Rent Index
46.6
Groceries
79.3
Restaurant
69.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,702 | $2,072 | $370 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,270 | $1,546 | $276 |
| Groceries | $399 | $441 | $42 |
| Restaurant Meal | $21 | $23 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $94 | $104 | $10 |
| Utilities | $141 | $156 | $15 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brisbane | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,868/mo | $2,207/mo |
| Typical | $2,651/mo | $3,118/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,301/mo | $3,862/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brisbane | ≈ in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,719/mo | +$219 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,293/mo | +$293 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,439/mo | +$439 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Melbourne cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is approximately 13% cheaper overall. Brisbane's COL+Rent Index is 54 vs Melbourne's 61.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Brisbane vs Melbourne?
A 1BR in Brisbane city center costs ~$1,702/mo vs $2,072/mo in Melbourne. Outside the center: $1,270 vs $1,546.
What is $2,000/month in Brisbane worth in Melbourne?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Brisbane has the purchasing power of approximately $2,293/month in Melbourne.
Are groceries cheaper in Brisbane or Melbourne?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $399 in Brisbane vs $441 in Melbourne. Groceries Index: 71.7 vs 79.3 (NYC = 100).