City Comparison
Brisbane vs Sydney
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brisbane is ~23% 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
Sydney
Australia
COL+Rent
69.7
Rent Index
54.9
Groceries
86.8
Restaurant
78.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Sydney | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,702 | $2,442 | $740 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,270 | $1,822 | $552 |
| Groceries | $399 | $483 | $84 |
| Restaurant Meal | $21 | $25 | $4 |
| Transit Pass | $94 | $114 | $20 |
| Utilities | $141 | $171 | $30 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brisbane | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,868/mo | $2,545/mo |
| Typical | $2,651/mo | $3,585/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,301/mo | $4,423/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brisbane | ≈ in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,936/mo | +$436 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,581/mo | +$581 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,872/mo | +$872 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Sydney cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is approximately 23% cheaper overall. Brisbane's COL+Rent Index is 54 vs Sydney's 69.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Brisbane vs Sydney?
A 1BR in Brisbane city center costs ~$1,702/mo vs $2,442/mo in Sydney. Outside the center: $1,270 vs $1,822.
What is $2,000/month in Brisbane worth in Sydney?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Brisbane has the purchasing power of approximately $2,581/month in Sydney.
Are groceries cheaper in Brisbane or Sydney?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $399 in Brisbane vs $483 in Sydney. Groceries Index: 71.7 vs 86.8 (NYC = 100).