City Comparison
Perth vs Brisbane
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brisbane is ~3% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Brisbane
Australia
COL+Rent
54
Rent Index
38.3
Groceries
71.7
Restaurant
61.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Brisbane | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $1,702 | +$56 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $1,270 | +$41 |
| Groceries | $412 | $399 | +$13 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $21 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $94 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $146 | $141 | +$5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $1,868/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $2,651/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $3,301/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Brisbane | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,454/mo | -$46 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,939/mo | -$61 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,908/mo | -$92 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth or Brisbane cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is approximately 3% cheaper overall. Perth's COL+Rent Index is 55.7 vs Brisbane's 54 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Perth vs Brisbane?
A 1BR in Perth city center costs ~$1,758/mo vs $1,702/mo in Brisbane. Outside the center: $1,311 vs $1,270.
What is $2,000/month in Perth worth in Brisbane?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Perth has the purchasing power of approximately $1,939/month in Brisbane.
Are groceries cheaper in Perth or Brisbane?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $412 in Perth vs $399 in Brisbane. Groceries Index: 74 vs 71.7 (NYC = 100).