🇦🇺 Brisbane vs 🇦🇺 Sydney

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇺

Brisbane

Australia

$2,400–$3,800/mo

A$3,692 – A$5,846 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Sydney

Australia

$2,831–$4,482/mo

A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)

Sydney is 18% more expensive

Brisbane wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBrisbane (USD)Sydney (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,800–$2,800$2,123–$3,303🟢 Brisbane
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$950–$1,500$1,121–$1,769🟢 Brisbane
Utilities$75–$145$88–$171🟢 Brisbane
Groceries$380–$570$448–$672🟢 Brisbane
Eating out (mid-range meal)$50–$90$59–$106🟢 Brisbane
Public transport (monthly)$95–$115$112–$136🟢 Brisbane
Internet & Mobile$30–$50$35–$59🟢 Brisbane
Gym membership$35–$65$41–$77🟢 Brisbane
Cinema ticket$14–$18$17–$21🟢 Brisbane
Monthly total (single)$2,400–$3,800$2,831–$4,482🟢 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 · 3.5 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Brisbane▲ better
Sydney

Who should choose which city?

Choose Brisbane if…

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

Choose Sydney if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Sydney offers vs Brisbane
  • ✓Harbor
  • ✓Beaches
  • ✓Jobs
  • ✓Finance

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Full Brisbane guide

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Full Sydney guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Sydney →