The Cost of Living in Brisbane, Australia: Your Essential Guide
Thinking about studying in Brisbane, Australia? Brisbane is a coastal city in sunny Queensland, which sits on the east coast of Australia. From beautiful beaches to delicious cuisine and a thriving arts and culture scene, Brisbane is an amazing place for international students.
But what is the cost of living in Brisbane? And how does it compare to other cities around Australia? Read on to find out!
What is the cost of living in Brisbane?
The cost of living in Brisbane is made up of a few important components.
The first is the price of accommodation. The average rent for a two bedroom unit in Brisbane is currently $680 per week, but the price of rent varies greatly depending on where you live and the style of housing you choose (e.g. student accommodation, homestay, private rental or residential college).
Groceries are another big part of the cost of living in Brisbane. If you cook your meals at home, you can expect to pay roughly $100 per week on groceries. If you dine out, you can expect to pay around $20-50 for a meal.
For a trip on public transport, you may pay anywhere from $2.80-$17.20 depending on where you are going and how long your trip is. You may be eligible for a student discount on public transport. Be sure to research these savings and carry your student ID with you!
How does the cost of living in Brisbane compare to other Australian cities?
Certain aspects of the cost of living are cheaper in Brisbane than elsewhere in Australia. You can expect to pay less for utilities in Brisbane than in any other capital city, and the average rent is lower than some other major cities in Australia.
Study Australia’s Cost of Living Calculator can also help you get an idea of how much you will be spending in Brisbane so you can budget effectively.
How can you save on living costs in Brisbane?
By creating a budget for yourself and sticking to it, you will be able to enjoy all that Brisbane has to offer without spending more than you can afford.
A popular budgeting rule is 50-30-20. This involves spending 50% of your budget on essentials, like rent, utilities and groceries, setting aside 30% of your budget for leisure activities and fun, and putting 20% of your budget into savings.
Making the most of any students discounts is another great way to save on living costs in Brisbane. Websites like UNiDAYS and Student Edge offer discounts on many different products and services, Australia-wide.
What is the average salary in Brisbane and how does it relate to the cost of living?
The average monthly salary in Brisbane is $5,253.04 per month. This is slightly higher than the Australian average. However, the cost of living in Brisbane is also slightly higher than the Australian average.
While the cost of living in Brisbane may be slightly higher than what you’re used to, it’s still possible to live a comfortable and enjoyable life! By planning ahead and sticking to your budget, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Want to see how the cost of living in Brisbane compares to other major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne? Check out our full comparison here.
Author: Amy Roberts
