Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Adelaide (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Adelaide, Australia.
The Verdict
Adelaide is $6,220/year cheaper than Brisbane. You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Adelaide.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Adelaide | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $420 | Adelaide |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $540 | Adelaide |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $115 | Adelaide |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $240 | Tie |
| Transport/month | $180 | $160 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.90 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $920,000 | $780,000 | Adelaide |
| Median unit price | $560,000 | $450,000 | Adelaide |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 79 | Adelaide |
How Much More Do You Need to Earn?
Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.
Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category
Net Difference in Annual Costs
Living in Adelaide saves you $6,220 per year compared to Brisbane. That is $518/month or $120/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Adelaide cheaper to live in?
Adelaide is cheaper to live in than Brisbane by approximately $6,220 per year. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 79 compared to 86 for Brisbane (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Brisbane compared to Adelaide?
You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Brisbane compared to Adelaide.
Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Adelaide?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $420/week in Adelaide. Adelaide is cheaper for rent by $110/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Adelaide?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $115 in Adelaide. Adelaide is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Adelaide?
The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $780,000 in Adelaide. Adelaide has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.