SavingsMate

Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Hobart (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Hobart, Australia.

The Verdict

Hobart is $5,744/year cheaper than Brisbane. You need to earn approximately $10,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Hobart.

Side-by-Side Cost Comparison

CategoryBrisbaneHobartWinner
Rent (1br/week)$530$420Hobart
Rent (2br/week)$680$530Hobart
Groceries/week$120$120Tie
Utilities/month$240$260Brisbane
Transport/month$180$155Hobart
Internet & Phone/month$105$108Brisbane
Petrol/litre$1.95$2.00Brisbane
Median house price$920,000$700,000Hobart
Median unit price$560,000$480,000Hobart
Cost of living index8680Hobart

How Much More Do You Need to Earn?

Salary needed in Brisbane$69,000/year
Salary needed in Hobart$59,000/year
Difference+$10,000/year
After-tax income difference$7,000/year

Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.

Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category

Rent (1br/week)Hobart ($110 cheaper)
Rent (2br/week)Hobart ($150 cheaper)
Groceries/weekTie
Utilities/monthBrisbane ($20 cheaper)
Transport/monthHobart ($25 cheaper)
Internet & Phone/monthBrisbane ($3 cheaper)

Net Difference in Annual Costs

Annual cost in Brisbane$40,100
Annual cost in Hobart$34,356
Net difference$5,744/year

Living in Hobart saves you $5,744 per year compared to Brisbane. That is $479/month or $110/week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane or Hobart cheaper to live in?

Hobart is cheaper to live in than Brisbane by approximately $5,744 per year. Hobart has a cost of living index of 80 compared to 86 for Brisbane (Sydney = 100).

How much more do you need to earn in Brisbane compared to Hobart?

You need to earn approximately $10,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Brisbane compared to Hobart.

Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Hobart?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $420/week in Hobart. Hobart is cheaper for rent by $110/week.

Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Hobart?

Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $120 in Hobart. Hobart is cheaper for groceries.

Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Hobart?

The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $700,000 in Hobart. Hobart has cheaper property.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.