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Brisbane vs Sydney

Brisbane runs about 21% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 616 USD a month.

Brisbane CBD seen from Mount Coot-tha Lookout, 2025
Brisbane
$2,996/month · Australia
Chris Olszewski · CC BY-SA 4.0
North Head National Park in Sydney is a perfect location to view the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney
$3,612/month · Australia
Hardlinerr · CC BY-SA 4.0
Brisbane monthly
$2,996
Index 47 (NYC = 100)
Sydney monthly
$3,612
Index 57 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+21%
Sydney relative to Brisbane
Rent gap
$500
Sydney costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

BrisbaneSydney
  • Housing
    Housing: Brisbane $1,600, Sydney $2,100. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Food
    Food: Brisbane $783, Sydney $836. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Transport
    Transport: Brisbane $174, Sydney $222. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Brisbane $159, Sydney $156. Cheaper in Sydney.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Brisbane $26, Sydney $26. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Brisbane $151, Sydney $160. Cheaper in Brisbane.
  • Other
    Other: Brisbane $103, Sydney $112. 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

MetricBrisbaneSydney
Cost
Total monthly cost2,996 USD✓3,612 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)47✓57
Housing1,600 USD✓2,100 USD
Utilities159 USD156 USD✓
Food783 USD✓836 USD
Transport174 USD✓222 USD
Healthcare26 USD✓26 USD
Lifestyle151 USD✓160 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✓2,564 USD
Average local net salary3,500 USD4,000 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,600 USD✓2,100 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,900 USD✓3,900 USD
Buy price per m², centre7,000 USD✓12,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety78/100✓76/100
Healthcare84/10086/100✓
Air quality88/100✓84/100
Public transport60/10074/100✓
Walkability64/10074/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife72/10084/100✓
Family friendliness84/100✓82/100
Median broadband95 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature21°C18°C✓
Summer high29°C27°C✓
Winter low10°C✓8°C
Sunshine hours per year2,900 h✓2,600 h
Annual rainfall1000 mm✓1200 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access40 min10 min✓
CurrencyAUDAUD
Time zoneAustralia/BrisbaneAustralia/Sydney

Brisbane runs about 21% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 616 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in BrisbaneCost of living in SydneyConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Brisbane vs MelbourneBrisbane vs AucklandBrisbane vs Stockholm
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Brisbane or Sydney cheaper?

Brisbane runs about 21% cheaper than Sydney for this household, a difference of 616 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Sydney compared with Brisbane?

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

Which has better quality of life, Brisbane or Sydney?

Brisbane scores 78/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Sydney scores 76 and 86. Brisbane averages 21°C against 18°C in Sydney.