Welcome to our comprehensive guide to living costs in Australia’s vibrant, sun-drenched city of Brisbane. Whether you’re considering moving to Australia or just considering a short stay, it’s vital to understand the local economy. Brisbane is known for its stunning weather, cosmopolitan lifestyle and welcoming locals, but its cost of living may also surprise you. Follow us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of everyday expenses, from housing and transport to entertainment and dining, to paint a realistic picture of living in this fascinating city.
Cost of Living in Brisbane: Daily Life
Brisbane, a beautiful city, is one of the jewels of Australia. Here, people can enjoy a high quality of life, and at the same time, their daily expenses are relatively reasonable. In this blog, we will discuss the supermarket, restaurant, entertainment, and travelling expenses in Brisbane, which will help you understand the spending situation in this city.
Supermarkets
| Markets | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.89 A$ |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.24 A$ |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 3.71 A$ |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 5.44 A$ |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 13.87 A$ |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 12.43 A$ |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 22.00 A$ |
| Apples (1kg) | 4.93 A$ |
| Banana (1kg) | 4.26 A$ |
| Oranges (1kg) | 4.86 A$ |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.60 A$ |
| Potato (1kg) | 3.66 A$ |
| Onion (1kg) | 3.22 A$ |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3.21 A$ |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.59 A$ |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 19.00 A$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 8.33 A$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 8.21 A$ |
In Brisbane, supermarkets are the first choice for daily shopping. Fresh vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy products are available to meet families’ daily needs. According to a survey, a family of four spends around A$800 monthly on supermarket ingredients. This cost includes purchasing fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, dairy products, and daily necessities. If the number of family members is small, the expenses will be reduced accordingly. In addition, there are some organic and imported food shops in Brisbane. So if you need this, you can choose to go to these shops, but the cost may be a little higher.
Restaurant
| Restaurants | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 A$ |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 145.00 A$ |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 15.00 A$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 11.00 A$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 12.00 A$ |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5.29 A$ |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 4.29 A$ |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.34 A$ |
Brisbane has various restaurants and snack bars offering multiple culinary options. The average meal cost at a mid-range restaurant is around A$30 to A$50 per person. This cost includes the main course, drinks and taxes. Upscale or speciality restaurants will cost a little more, and the average spend per person may be A$100 or more. Many fast food outlets and snack bars in Brisbane offer relatively low-priced food options such as burgers, fried chicken, and pizza. Spending at these outlets generally ranges between AUD$10 and AUD$20. Whether you want to savour local food or enjoy international cuisine, Brisbane can satisfy your taste buds.
Entertainment
Brisbane has a wide range of entertainment, covering everything from cinemas and theatres to concerts and sporting events. The average cinema ticket costs between A$15 and A$20, which includes the cost of watching a film and taxes. You can catch a show at a local theatre or concert hall if you enjoy music or theatre. Theatre ticket prices vary depending on the performance quality and the seats’ location and generally range from AUD$30 to AUD$80. In addition, Brisbane has many free recreational activities and attractions, such as riverside parks, museums and art centres, where you can visit to experience the city’s cultural atmosphere and historical heritage.
Travelling
As a beautiful city, Brisbane attracts many tourists to visit. The cost of travelling is an essential factor for tourists to consider. Brisbane has many accommodation options, from hotels to flats and bed and breakfasts. Depending on the location and quality of the accommodation, it can cost between A$100 and A$300 per night. If you are planning to stay in Brisbane for a short period, you can choose to rent a flat or B&B, which is relatively more affordable. In addition, Brisbane has many tourist attractions and activities, such as zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and so on. Entrance fees to visit these attractions generally cost between AUD$20 and AUD$50.
Mobile Networks
In Brisbane, keeping in touch with your family and friends is essential. Phones and the internet have become an integral part of everyday life.
Phone Package Costs
In Brisbane, the primary phone operators include Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. These operators offer various phone packages to meet the needs of different users.
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 34.74 A$ |
|---|---|
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 79.36 A$ |
Telstra: As Australia’s largest telecoms operator, Telstra offers a wide selection of phone packages. The most popular packages are ‘Telstra Essential’ and ‘Telstra Entertainment’, which include unlimited calls, SMS and data traffic for AUD 70 per month. The Telstra Essential package includes unlimited calls, SMS and data traffic for A$70 per month. The Telstra Entertainment package offers more entertainment options, such as free movies and music streaming for A$80 per month.
Optus: Optus is another major phone operator that also offers a variety of package options. The more popular packages are Optus Value, which includes unlimited calls, SMS and data traffic for AED 60 per month, and Optus Max, which provides free movies and music streaming for AED 80 per month. The Optus Max package adds more value-added services to the Value package, such as free roaming and extra traffic, and costs A$70 per month.
Vodafone: Vodafone is an international operator with a broad subscriber base in Australia. It offers packages such as ‘Vodafone Red’ and ‘Vodafone X.’ The Vodafone Red package includes unlimited calls, texts and data traffic for AUD 60 per month. The Vodafone X package offers more data traffic and value-added services for AUD 70 per month.
Internet Costs
The Internet has become an integral part of daily life in Brisbane. Home broadband and mobile internet are the two primary forms of internet services.
Home broadband: Home broadband services in the Brisbane metropolitan area are mainly provided by Telstra, Optus and Telstra companies. These companies offer a variety of broadband packages, including fibre-optic broadband, ADSL broadband, and so on. Fibre optic broadband is the fastest broadband technology available, while ADSL broadband is more common in some older neighbourhoods. Home broadband costs between AED 40 and AED 80 per month, depending on the package and speed. In addition, if you need to install a broadband service, you may need to pay a fee for installation and equipment.
Mobile network: Mobile users can choose services provided by operators such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These operators offer various package options, including data traffic, airtime and SMS. Depending on the package and speed, the cost of mobile internet ranges between AED 20 and AED 60 per month. The advantage of mobile internet is that you can access it anytime and anywhere, making it convenient for users to use internet services while travelling.
Cost of Living in Brisbane: Transport
In Brisbane, various transport options are available, including trains, buses, ferries and more. These modes of transport provide a convenient way for tourists and locals to get around. This blog will give you a detailed overview of these modes of transport and their costs.
| Transportation | Price |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4.11 A$ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 200.00 A$ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4.50 A$ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2.29 A$ |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 58.50 A$ |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.94 A$ |
Train
Brisbane has a well-developed train network connecting the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can purchase a one-way paper ticket or use a Go Card, valid on Brisbane’s public transport system, including trains, buses and ferries. Travelling with a Go Card is more convenient and offers some discounts. For an off-peak single journey ticket, a Go Card costs approximately A$4.11 for adults and A$2.06 for children. For a one-way paper ticket, the price is A$6 for adults and A$3 for children. The train journey from Brisbane city centre to the Gold Coast takes about 3 hours and costs about A$10.86 (with a Go Card) or A$15.70 (for a single ticket).
Public Transport
Brisbane’s bus network covers the city and surrounding areas and is an essential choice for tourists travelling around the city. Visitors can purchase a single journey ticket or use a Go Card to travel on the bus. Travelling with a Go Card is cheaper than a single journey ticket. For example, a bus ride from Brisbane city centre to Longbourn Koala Park costs about A$4.11 (Go Card) or A$6 (single journey ticket). During off-peak hours, the cost is even more favourable with Go Card.
Ferry
Ferries are a unique mode of transport for visitors who want to experience the river and harbour. Brisbane has two main ferry routes: from the city centre to Southbank and from the city centre to Story Bridge. The cost of travelling on the ferry with a Go Card is approximately A$4.11 for adults and A$2.06 for children. A single ticket costs A$6 for adults and A$3 for children.
There are also some other fees to be aware of:
Bus passes are refundable with a deposit when you return them and are also available in other cities, such as the Gold Coast.
Child cards cost half the price of an adult card during off-peak hours and are accessible on weekends.
Swiping a child’s card is half the usual cost during off-peak hours and free at weekends.
Bicycle
The Brisbane City Council offers a bicycle rental service where visitors can hire a vehicle from various stations in the city centre. Renting a bike is not only a great way to enjoy the surrounding scenery but also a great way to get some exercise. In addition, the city government has built numerous bike paths to ensure safe cycling. Bicycles are an environmentally friendly and economical option for tourists who wish to explore the city easily.
Cost of Living in Brisbane: Education
As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is home to a number of prestigious universities that offer a wealth of educational resources for international students.
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is one of Australia’s five-star universities, consistently ranked in the top 50 globally. Undergraduate tuition fees are generally between AUD 20,000-30,000 annually, and postgraduate tuition fees are around AUD 24,000-50,000 annually. The university offers a variety of scholarships for international students, such as the UQ Centennial Scholarship and the UQ Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship, which cover tuition fee waivers, living cost assistance, and other forms.
Queensland University of Technology
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is an institution that focuses on applied research, with undergraduate tuition fees ranging from AUD 24,000-36,000 per year and postgraduate tuition fees ranging from AUD 30,000-45,000 per year. The university provides international students with scholarships such as the QUT International Scholarship and International Excellence Scholarship, which cover tuition fee remission and academic excellence scholarships.
Griffith University
Griffith University’s undergraduate tuition fees are generally between AU$18,000-28,000 per year, and postgraduate tuition fees are around AU$22,000-36,000 per year. The university offers numerous scholarships for international students, such as the Graduate Research Scholarship, International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, etc., covering tuition fee waivers and living cost assistance.
Overall, the tuition fees of the University of Brisbane are relatively cheap, and international students can choose relatively cheap schools and majors according to their financial situation. In addition, the scholarship programmes the universities offer are pretty rich, providing more financial support for international students.
Cost of Living in Brisbane: Accommodation
As the capital of Queensland, Australia, the cost of accommodation in Brisbane varies depending on room type, location and facilities. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the cost of living in Brisbane, including rent, utilities, gas, etc., to help you better plan your living budget.
| Rent Per Month | Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 2,543.97 A$ |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 2,174.04 A$ |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 4,037.58 A$ |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 2,660.13 A$ |
Renting Accommodation
In Brisbane, renting an apartment is the first choice for most international students. Depending on the type of housing, location and facilities, the cost of renting an apartment varies greatly. Generally speaking, the weekly rent for a furnished flat or room in the city may range from AUD250 to AUD250 to AUD600, which does not include expenses such as electricity, water and gas. Rent in the suburbs is relatively cheaper, but it needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Water, Electricity and Gas Costs
Electricity, water and gas costs are also essential to living expenses. In Brisbane, these fees are usually charged by the landlord or flat management company, but there are some cases where you need to pay them separately. Generally speaking, the monthly utility costs are around AUD 50 to A U D 50 to AUD300 depending on the home’s size, amenities and use.
In sum, renting accommodation in Brisbane is relatively expensive, but many options exist. International students can choose suitable accommodation according to their financial situation and living needs and plan their budget wisely.
FAQ
Brisbane’s cost of living is generally more affordable than cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs in Brisbane are often lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
The cost of accommodation in Brisbane varies depending on location, size, and type of housing. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,500 per month, while outside the city centre, it can be around AUD 1,300 to AUD 2,000 per month.
Brisbane offers various transportation options, including buses, trains, and ferries. Monthly public transport passes typically range from AUD 150 to AUD 200, providing access to the extensive network within the city and surrounding areas.
Brisbane residents can access public healthcare services through Medicare, which covers essential medical treatments and services. Private health insurance options are also available for additional coverage, with costs varying based on individual needs and preferences.
Brisbane offers a wide range of dining options to suit various budgets. On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around AUD 15 to AUD 25 per person, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant may range from AUD 70 to AUD 100.
