Cost of Living in Brisbane

While the cost of living in Brisbane is not quite as high as in other Australian cities such as Melbourne or Sydney, it is by no means cheap to live in the heart of Australia’s Sunshine State. Even though Brisbane is slowly becoming a more expensive place for expat life, there are always ways to save money, and it’s possible to enjoy what the city has to offer on a budget.

Cost of accommodation in Brisbane

Renting a home is often the most considerable expense for expats living in Brisbane. The attractive areas and suburbs tend to be expensive, so a good strategy to reduce the cost of housing is to live further out in the suburbs instead of in the city centre. In most cases, utilities will need to be paid for separately in addition to rental costs.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Brisbane
Best and Worst Areas in Brisbane

Cost of transport in Brisbane

Even though the city has extensive bus and train networks, which make getting around easy and convenient, transport in Brisbane is expensive. There are ways to cut down on transport costs though. For those who plan on regular commuting, investing in a Go Card can help save some money.

Getting Around in Brisbane

Cost of groceries in Brisbane

The cost of groceries in Brisbane can be quite steep and somewhat higher than what you might expect to pay in smaller cities or rural areas in Australia.

Well-known supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths generally offer more affordable options, while smaller convenience stores and speciality shops usually have higher prices. Buying fresh produce from local farmers’ markets can also be a cost-effective and enjoyable shopping experience.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Brisbane

The cost of entertainment in Brisbane is in line with the average prices in most Australian cities.

If you want to have a good time without spending a fortune, the great weather in Brisbane means that there are always plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Residents can be found enjoying a picnic in the park, taking a drive out to one of the little seaside towns, or indulging in an afternoon outdoors enjoying an Australian barbecue.

The independent shopping scene in Brisbane is also growing; those interested in checking out the markets that are popping up all over the city are sure to find some great bargains.

Eating out in Brisbane can cater to a range of budgets. While eating at high-end establishments will undoubtedly be pricey, there are plenty of inexpensive food options, from bustling food markets to cosy cafés and street food stalls.

Lifestyle in Brisbane

Cost of education in Brisbane

The cost of education in Brisbane largely depends on the type of institution. Public schools generally don’t charge tuition fees for citizens or permanent residents and offer the Australian curriculum. International schools and private institutions can provide more diverse curricula and smaller class sizes, but tend to be pricier. Beyond tuition, there are additional costs to consider, such as uniforms, textbooks and extracurricular activities.

Education and Schools in Brisbane

Cost of healthcare in Brisbane

Public healthcare in Brisbane, as in the rest of Australia, is primarily funded by the government’s Medicare system, which provides free or subsidised treatment by health professionals. Not all expats will be entitled to treatment under public healthcare, necessitating private healthcare.

The cost of private healthcare in Brisbane is in line with the rest of Australia, depending on the level of insurance coverage chosen. Prescription medications, dental care and optometry, which aren’t fully covered by the public system, may also add to the healthcare costs. Therefore, many residents and expats opt to take out private health insurance for additional coverage.

Healthcare in Brisbane