City Comparison
Sydney vs Brisbane
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brisbane is ~23% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Sydney
Australia
COL+Rent
69.7
Rent Index
54.9
Groceries
86.8
Restaurant
78.3
Brisbane
Australia
COL+Rent
54
Rent Index
38.3
Groceries
71.7
Restaurant
61.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Brisbane | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,442 | $1,702 | +$740 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,270 | +$552 |
| Groceries | $483 | $399 | +$84 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $21 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $114 | $94 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $171 | $141 | +$30 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Sydney | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,545/mo | $1,868/mo |
| Typical | $3,585/mo | $2,651/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,423/mo | $3,301/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Sydney | ≈ in Brisbane | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,162/mo | -$338 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,549/mo | -$451 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,324/mo | -$676 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Brisbane cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is approximately 23% cheaper overall. Sydney's COL+Rent Index is 69.7 vs Brisbane's 54 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Sydney vs Brisbane?
A 1BR in Sydney city center costs ~$2,442/mo vs $1,702/mo in Brisbane. Outside the center: $1,822 vs $1,270.
What is $2,000/month in Sydney worth in Brisbane?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Sydney has the purchasing power of approximately $1,549/month in Brisbane.
Are groceries cheaper in Sydney or Brisbane?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $483 in Sydney vs $399 in Brisbane. Groceries Index: 86.8 vs 71.7 (NYC = 100).