Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Perth (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Perth, Australia.
The Verdict
Brisbane is $356/year cheaper than Perth. You need to earn approximately $0 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Perth.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Perth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $530 | Tie |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $700 | Brisbane |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $125 | Brisbane |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $250 | Brisbane |
| Transport/month | $180 | $175 | Perth |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $108 | Brisbane |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.92 | Perth |
| Median house price | $920,000 | $780,000 | Perth |
| Median unit price | $560,000 | $470,000 | Perth |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 85 | Perth |
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 Brisbane saves you $356 per year compared to Perth. That is $30/month or $7/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Perth cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is cheaper to live in than Perth by approximately $356 per year. Brisbane has a cost of living index of 86 compared to 85 for Perth (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Perth compared to Brisbane?
You need to earn approximately $0 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Perth compared to Brisbane.
Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Perth?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $530/week in Perth. Perth is cheaper for rent by $0/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Perth?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $125 in Perth. Brisbane is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Perth?
The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $780,000 in Perth. Perth has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.