🇦🇺 Brisbane vs 🇦🇺 Perth

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇺

Brisbane

Australia

$2,400–$3,800/mo

A$3,692 – A$5,846 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Perth

Australia

$2,462–$3,897/mo

A$3,788 – A$5,995 / month (local)

Perth is 3% more expensive

Brisbane wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBrisbane (USD)Perth (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,800–$2,800$1,846–$2,872🟢 Brisbane
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$950–$1,500$974–$1,538🟢 Brisbane
Utilities$75–$145$77–$149🟢 Brisbane
Groceries$380–$570$390–$585🟢 Brisbane
Eating out (mid-range meal)$50–$90$51–$92🟢 Brisbane
Public transport (monthly)$95–$115$97–$118🟢 Brisbane
Internet & Mobile$30–$50$31–$51🟢 Brisbane
Gym membership$35–$65$36–$67🟢 Brisbane
Cinema ticket$14–$18$14–$18Tie
Monthly total (single)$2,400–$3,800$2,462–$3,897🟢 Brisbane

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.6 / 10 · 4.5 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Perth
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Brisbane
Perth
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Brisbane
Perth
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Brisbane
Perth
Environment9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Brisbane
Perth
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Brisbane
Perth
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Brisbane
Perth
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Brisbane
Perth

Who should choose which city?

Choose Brisbane if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Perth
  • Climate
  • 2032 Olympics prep
  • Outdoor life
  • Mining services

Choose Perth if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Perth offers vs Brisbane
  • Mining wealth
  • Beaches
  • Sun
  • Mining

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Full Brisbane guide

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Explore Brisbane

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Full Perth guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Perth