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Brisbane vs Melbourne

Brisbane runs about 4% cheaper than Melbourne for this household, a difference of 124 USD a month.

Brisbane CBD seen from Mount Coot-tha Lookout, 2025
Brisbane
$2,996/month · Australia
Chris Olszewski · CC BY-SA 4.0
melbourne from shrine of rememberance
Melbourne
$3,119/month · Australia
Melbpal · CC BY-SA 4.0
Brisbane monthly
$2,996
Index 47 (NYC = 100)
Melbourne monthly
$3,119
Index 49 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+4%
Melbourne relative to Brisbane
Rent gap
$100
Melbourne costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

BrisbaneMelbourne
  • Housing
    Housing: Brisbane $1,600, Melbourne $1,700. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Food
    Food: Brisbane $783, Melbourne $804. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Transport
    Transport: Brisbane $174, Melbourne $180. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Brisbane $159, Melbourne $153. Cheaper in Melbourne.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Brisbane $26, Melbourne $26. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Brisbane $151, Melbourne $152. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Other
    Other: Brisbane $103, Melbourne $105. Cheaper in Brisbane.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricBrisbaneMelbourne
Cost
Total monthly cost2,996 USD✓3,119 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)47✓49
Housing1,600 USD✓1,700 USD
Utilities159 USD153 USD✓
Food783 USD✓804 USD
Transport174 USD✓180 USD
Healthcare26 USD✓26 USD
Lifestyle151 USD✓152 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,176 USD6,176 USD
Effective tax + social rate25.9%25.9%
Left over each month3,180 USD✓3,057 USD
Average local net salary3,500 USD3,700 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,600 USD✓1,700 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,900 USD✓3,200 USD
Buy price per m², centre7,000 USD✓8,500 USD
Quality of life
Safety78/100✓74/100
Healthcare84/10088/100✓
Air quality88/100✓86/100
Public transport60/10084/100✓
Walkability64/10082/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife72/10092/100✓
Family friendliness84/10084/100
Median broadband95 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature21°C15°C✓
Summer high29°C26°C✓
Winter low10°C✓6°C
Sunshine hours per year2,900 h✓2,200 h
Annual rainfall1000 mm650 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access40 min25 min✓
CurrencyAUDAUD
Time zoneAustralia/BrisbaneAustralia/Melbourne

Brisbane runs about 4% cheaper than Melbourne for this household, a difference of 124 USD a month.

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Cost of living in BrisbaneCost of living in MelbourneConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Brisbane or Melbourne cheaper?

Brisbane runs about 4% cheaper than Melbourne for this household, a difference of 124 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Melbourne compared with Brisbane?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,176 a month in Brisbane and $6,176 in Melbourne, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Brisbane or Melbourne?

Brisbane scores 78/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Melbourne scores 74 and 88. Brisbane averages 21°C against 15°C in Melbourne.