Brisbane vs Wellington
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Wellington is ~6% 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
Wellington
New Zealand
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
32
Groceries
72.8
Restaurant
56.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,702 | $1,478 | +$224 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,270 | $1,179 | +$91 |
| Groceries | $399 | $404 | $5 |
| Restaurant Meal | $21 | $18 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $94 | $111 | $17 |
| Utilities | $141 | $141 | $0 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brisbane | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,868/mo | $1,786/mo |
| Typical | $2,651/mo | $2,404/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,301/mo | $2,977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brisbane | ≈ in Wellington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,414/mo | -$86 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,885/mo | -$115 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,828/mo | -$172 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brisbane vs Wellington for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Wellington is approximately 6% more affordable than Brisbane when combining rent and daily living costs. Brisbane's COL+Rent Index of 54 vs Wellington's 50.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Brisbane costs $1,702/month versus $1,478/month in Wellington — giving Wellington a $224/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $2,688 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Brisbane ($399/mo) vs Wellington ($404/mo) reflect Brisbane's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $21 vs $18 show Wellington offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Wellington offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,404 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.