Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Geelong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Geelong, Australia.
The Verdict
Geelong is $7,080/year cheaper than Brisbane. You need to earn approximately $12,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Geelong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Geelong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $400 | Geelong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $510 | Geelong |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $115 | Geelong |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $245 | Brisbane |
| Transport/month | $180 | $170 | Geelong |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.95 | Tie |
| Median house price | $920,000 | $750,000 | Geelong |
| Median unit price | $560,000 | $520,000 | Geelong |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 78 | Geelong |
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 Geelong saves you $7,080 per year compared to Brisbane. That is $590/month or $136/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Geelong cheaper to live in?
Geelong is cheaper to live in than Brisbane by approximately $7,080 per year. Geelong has a cost of living index of 78 compared to 86 for Brisbane (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Brisbane compared to Geelong?
You need to earn approximately $12,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Brisbane compared to Geelong.
Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Geelong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $400/week in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for rent by $130/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Geelong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $115 in Geelong. Geelong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Geelong?
The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $750,000 in Geelong. Geelong has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.