Cost of Living in Brisbane
Australia
Monthly budget (single)
$2,400–$3,800/month
A$3,692 – A$5,846 (local currency)
Last updated: 2026-03
Can you afford to live in Brisbane?
Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | A$2,769 – A$4,308 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | A$1,462 – A$2,308 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | $75–$145 | A$115 – A$223 |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | A$46 – A$77 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $380–$570 | A$585 – A$877 |
| Eating out (per meal, mid-range) | $50–$90 | A$77 – A$138 |
| Coffee | $4–$6 | A$6 – A$9 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $95–$115 | A$146 – A$177 |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | A$54 – A$100 |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | A$22 – A$28 |
Budget scenarios
Single
$2,400–$3,800/mo USD
A$3,692 – A$5,846
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,800/mo
- Groceries: ~$570/mo
- Transport: ~$115/mo
Couple
$3,800–$5,800/mo USD
A$5,846 – A$8,923
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,800/mo
- Groceries: ~$570/mo
- Transport: ~$115/mo
Family
$5,500–$8,500/mo USD
A$8,462 – A$13,077
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,800/mo
- Groceries: ~$570/mo
- Transport: ~$115/mo
Neighbourhood guide
Brisbane Center
CentralUrban core, transit access
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,250–$3,500/mo (A$3,462 – A$5,385)
Brisbane Midtown
CentralMixed residential
Est. 1-bed rent: $1,980–$3,080/mo (A$3,046 – A$4,738)
Brisbane Outer
SuburbanQuieter, family-friendly
Est. 1-bed rent: $1,440–$2,240/mo (A$2,215 – A$3,446)
Quality of life scores
Pros & cons
✅ Pros
- • Climate
- • 2032 Olympics prep
- • Outdoor life
❌ Cons
- • Humidity
- • Less global than Sydney
Similar cities & cheaper alternatives
Cheaper alternatives
Compare Brisbane with another city
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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.