Cost of Living in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane has a cost of living index of 65/100 (New York = 100). It is 35% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

65/100
Cost Index
$5,480/mo
Median Income
78/100
Safety Index
subtropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 68/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,145/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$935/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,845/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 58/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.42/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$2.85/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.95/kg
Dining OutScore: 60/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$16.25/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$68.5/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10.5/meal
TransportationScore: 48/100
Monthly Transit Pass$42/month
One-Way Ticket$0.36/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.42/km
UtilitiesScore: 52/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$165/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$52/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$38/month
HealthcareScore: 72/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$65/visit
Dentist Visit$85/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 58/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$14.25/ticket
Theater Ticket$65/ticket
Museum Entry$14/ticket
FitnessScore: 55/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$55/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$22/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$9/entry
Personal CareScore: 52/100
Haircut (Men)$28/cut
Haircut (Women)$52/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 62/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$75/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$48/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$105/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: South Bank, Fortitude Valley, West End

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane cheap to live in?

Brisbane has a cost of living index of 65/100, where New York = 100. It is 35% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,300–$1,820 per month.

How much does rent cost in Brisbane?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Brisbane costs approximately $1,145/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $935/month.

Is Brisbane good for digital nomads?

Brisbane has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Brisbane?

The median net monthly salary in Brisbane is approximately $5,480 USD. The income tax rate is around 32%.

How does Brisbane compare to New York for cost of living?

Brisbane (cost index 65) is 35% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $875/month by moving from New York to Brisbane.

Compare Brisbane with another city

See exactly how Brisbane stacks up against your current city or next destination.

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