Cost of Living in Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane is a city in Australia, where a single person can expect to spend about $2,000 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,850 per month, or $1,335 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 164 Mbps median download speed. On safety, Brisbane scores 80/100 — very safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 86°F and winter highs around 68°F, with roughly 228 sunny days a year.
How Brisbane Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Brisbane ranks in the top 17% for safety, but sits in the bottom 27% for air quality. It costs more than 61% of them.
| Metric | Brisbane | World rank | Rank in Oceania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,000 | #210 of 340 | #3 of 12 |
| Safety | 80/100 | #57 of 340 | #8 of 12 |
| Healthcare | 85/100 | #64 of 340 | #2 of 12 |
| Internet speed | 164 Mbps | #170 of 340 | #4 of 12 |
| Walkability | 55/100 | #166 of 340 | #5 of 12 |
| Public transit | 55/100 | #104 of 340 | #3 of 12 |
| Food scene | 70/100 | #233 of 340 | #9 of 12 |
| Air quality | 75/100 | #250 of 340 | #12 of 12 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Everyday Prices in Brisbane, Compared
| Item | Brisbane | Against other cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent, city centre | $1,850/mo | Pricier than 82% |
| 1BR rent, outside centre | $1,335/mo | Pricier than 79% |
| Utilities | $199/mo | Pricier than 62% |
| Home internet | $59/mo | Pricier than 71% |
| Transit pass | $21/mo | Cheaper than 81% |
| Gym membership | $55/mo | Pricier than 67% |
| Cheap restaurant meal | $17.73 | Pricier than 64% |
| Cappuccino | $1.71 | Cheaper than 83% |
| Local beer at a bar | $8.51 | Pricier than 94% |
Compared with every other city in Voyica's price data that reports the same item.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Brisbane
Brisbane FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Brisbane?
A single person should budget around $2,000 per month in Brisbane, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs.
How much is rent in Brisbane?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Brisbane averages $1,850 per month, dropping to about $1,335 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $3,115.
Is Brisbane safe?
Brisbane scores 80/100 on safety, which is very safe. Tourist safety is rated 82/100.
How fast is the internet in Brisbane?
Median download speeds in Brisbane are around 164 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 45 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Australia offer a digital nomad visa?
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. US passport holders can usually stay 90 days visa-free.
What is the weather like in Brisbane?
Brisbane sees summer highs around 86°F and winter highs near 68°F, with about 228 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 87 days.
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