Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Newcastle (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Newcastle, Australia.
The Verdict
Newcastle is $4,100/year cheaper than Brisbane. You need to earn approximately $7,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Newcastle.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Newcastle | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $450 | Newcastle |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $580 | Newcastle |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $120 | Tie |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $250 | Brisbane |
| Transport/month | $180 | $175 | Newcastle |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.98 | Brisbane |
| Median house price | $920,000 | $850,000 | Newcastle |
| Median unit price | $560,000 | $620,000 | Brisbane |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 82 | Newcastle |
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 Newcastle saves you $4,100 per year compared to Brisbane. That is $342/month or $79/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Newcastle cheaper to live in?
Newcastle is cheaper to live in than Brisbane by approximately $4,100 per year. Newcastle has a cost of living index of 82 compared to 86 for Brisbane (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Brisbane compared to Newcastle?
You need to earn approximately $7,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Brisbane compared to Newcastle.
Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Newcastle?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $450/week in Newcastle. Newcastle is cheaper for rent by $80/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Newcastle?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $120 in Newcastle. Newcastle is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Newcastle?
The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $850,000 in Newcastle. Newcastle has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.