Cost of Living in Brisbane: Is It Affordable Or Expensive?
Is Brisbane budget-friendly or pricey? Let’s find out.
Table of Content
Brisbane is one of Australia’s most student-friendly cities, modern, sunny, and much more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. Still, the cost of living in Brisbane can surprise newcomers who don’t plan. Between rent, groceries, transport, and other daily expenses, small costs can quickly pile up.
This guide breaks down every major expense that contributes to the cost of living in Brisbane. You’ll see real data, find money-saving tips, and understand how to balance lifestyle and budget as a student. Whether you’re moving to university or exploring the city’s cultural charm, this breakdown will help you manage your living costs in Brisbane without stress.
Average Cost of Living in Brisbane
The living expenses in Brisbane Australia, for students range from AU$1,400 to AU$2,100 per month, depending on your accommodation type, location, and lifestyle. Rent is usually the largest expense, accounting for nearly 60% of your total living costs in Brisbane for international students. So, if you’re budgeting conservatively, a student can expect to spend about AU$1,600 per month on essentials. The table below gives you a clearer picture of what you might spend monthly across different lifestyle ranges:
| Expense Category | Budget (AU$) | Mid-Range (AU$) | Premium (AU$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU$800-1000 | AU$1200-1800 | AU$2000-2500 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$250-350 | AU$400-500 | AU$600-750 |
| Transport | AU$40-90 | AU$100-150 | AU$180-250 |
| Utilities & Internet | AU$120-180 | AU$200-250 | AU$300-400 |
| Entertainment | AU$60-120 | AU$150-250 | AU$300-400 |
| Health Insurance | AU$60-70 | AU$80-100 | AU$120-180 |
| Phone Plan | AU$20-40 | AU$40-60 | AU$70-100 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$100-150 | AU$200-300 | AU$400-500 |
Cost Breakdown by Category
Accommodation is by far the biggest contributor to the average cost of living in Brisbane, Australia. The city offers a wide range of student accommodation in Brisbane, from purpose-built student apartments to shared flats and homestays in the best areas to live in Brisbane.
Affordable Neighbourhood Options
Budget-conscious students can find great value in areas slightly outside the city centre.
| Neighbourhood | 1-Bedroom(AU$/week) | 2-Bedroom(AU$/week) | 3-Bedroom(AU$/week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toowang | AU$380-480 | AU$550-700 | AU$750-950 |
| Indooroopilly | AU$350-460 | AU$520-680 | AU$720-950 |
| Kelvin Grove | AU$400-520 | AU$600-750 | AU$850-1000 |
| Woolloongabba | AU$420-560 | AU$600-800 | AU$900-1200 |
| St Lucia | AU$450-600 | AU$650-850 | AU$950-1300 |
For those who prefer co-living, shared student apartments in Brisbane range from AU$220 - AU$350 per week, while private studios typically start around AU$400 - AU$550 per week.
Food and Grocery Costs
Your food expenses depend heavily on your eating habits. Cooking at home can significantly reduce your average Cost of living in Brisbane.
Weekly Grocery Budget
| Household Size | Budget Range (AU$) | Premium Range (AU$) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | AU$60-100 | AU$120-180 |
| Couple | AU$130-200 | AU$250-300 |
Dining Out Costs
| Dining type | Average Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Breakfast cafes | AU$12-22 |
| Lunch specials | AU$15-25 |
| Dinner mains | AU$20-35 |
| Coffee | AU$4-6 |
| Fast Food/Takeaway | AU$8-15 |
Money-saving tips:
1. Buy groceries from Aldi or Woolworths’ weekly deals.
2. Cook in bulk for the week and freeze portions.
3. Visit local markets like West End or Rocklea for cheap, fresh produce.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Brisbane is easy and affordable with Translink’s integrated transport system, which includes buses, ferries, and trains. Students receive a 50% concession discount with a valid Go Card.
| Transport type | Costs (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Single trip (student) | AU$1.6-3.2 |
| Weekly cap (student) | AU$25 |
| Monthly travel | AU$80-120 |
| Uber (short trip) | AU$8-20 |
| E-scooter rental | AU$1+0.30/minute |
| Bike rental | AU$15-25/day |
Students living near major campuses like UQ or QUT often bike or walk, which keeps transport costs minimal. If you’re planning where to live, check proximity to public transport hubs, as it can dramatically affect your average living costs in Brisbane.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities can fluctuate seasonally, especially in summer when air conditioning use peaks. Here’s a rough monthly breakdown:
| Utility | Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | AU$100-180 |
| Gas | AU$30-70 |
| Water | AU$40-80 |
| Internet | AU$60-90 |
| Mobile Plan | AU$20-50 |
Saving tips:
1. Choose energy-efficient appliances.
2. Switch providers periodically to get better rates.
3. Opt for accommodation with utilities included in rent (common in student housing).
Other Essential Expenses
| Category | Monthly Estimate (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | Mandatory for International students |
| Study material | AU$50-100 | Depends on your program |
| Entertainment | AU$60-120 | Cinema streaming or weekend outing |
| Gym/Fitness | AU$30-80 | Student membership is often discounted |
Safety and Proximity
Brisbane is generally considered a safe city, with well-lit streets and good transport links. Areas close to the best universities in Brisbane, like Kelvin Grove, St Lucia, and South Bank, are popular among students for their convenience and strong sense of community. If you’re attending QUT or UQ, living near campus can save transport costs and make commuting stress-free.
| Category | Suburbs | What students should know |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Safe Areas | Kelvin Grove, St Lucia, South Bank, Toowong, West End | Well-lit, active student neighborhoods close to UQ and QUT with a strong community feel |
| Areas Requiring Caution | Fortitude Valley, parts of Woolloongabba, Brisbane CBD | Nightlife zones where petty crime can spike late, stick to main roads and travel with friends |
| Public Transport Accessibility | St Lucia, Kelvin Grove, South Brisbane, South Bank, Indooroopilly | Direct bus/train/ferry links to campuses keep commutes short and safer |
Example Monthly Student Budget
Here’s a realistic mid-range monthly budget for living costs in Brisbane:
| Expense type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared studio) | AU$1000 |
| Utilities + Internet | AU$170 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$350 |
| Transport | AU$50 |
| Entertainment | AU$100 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$150 |
| Total | AU$1820 |
That’s close to the cost of living in Brisbane, which balances convenience with affordability.
Saving Tips for Students
Living comfortably in Brisbane doesn’t mean spending heavily. Here’s how to stretch your budget further:
1. Book student accommodation in Brisbane that includes bills and Wi-Fi.
2. Share apartments to divide rent and utilities.
3. Cook most meals at home and pack lunches.
4. Use student discounts across restaurants, cinemas, and public transport.
5. Take advantage of free events and park activities around the South Bank.
6. Buy used textbooks or digital copies instead of new ones.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Brisbane, Australia, is manageable if you plan smartly. While rent takes up most of your budget, other daily costs like transport and groceries remain reasonable. Brisbane’s lifestyle, sunshine, safety, and strong student culture make it one of the best-value cities in Australia for international students.
If you’re moving soon, amber can help you find verified student housing Brisbane options starting at affordable weekly rates. From shared apartments to private studios, all listings include flexible payments and essential amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brisbane for students?
The cost of living in Brisbane ranges from AU$1,400-AU$2,100 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle choices.
How much does student accommodation cost in Brisbane?
Shared rooms cost around AU$220-AU$350 per week, private studios range from AU$400- AU$550 per week.
Is Brisbane cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne for students?
Yes. The Brisbane living expenses for international students is roughly 15-20% lower compared to Sydney and Melbourne, especially for housing.
How much should I budget for groceries and dining in Brisbane?
Around AU$300-AU$450/month if you cook most meals at home, and higher if you dine out frequently.
Do international students get transport discounts in Brisbane?
Yes, eligible tertiary students can get a 50% concession fare on public transport via the Translink Go Card.