Cost of Living: Melbourne vs Brisbane (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia.
The Verdict
Brisbane is $220/year cheaper than Melbourne. You need to earn approximately $0 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Melbourne compared to Brisbane.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Melbourne | Brisbane | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $520 | $530 | Melbourne |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $680 | Tie |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $120 | Brisbane |
| Utilities/month | $260 | $240 | Brisbane |
| Transport/month | $195 | $180 | Brisbane |
| Internet & Phone/month | $110 | $105 | Brisbane |
| Petrol/litre | $1.98 | $1.95 | Brisbane |
| Median house price | $1,050,000 | $920,000 | Brisbane |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $560,000 | Brisbane |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 86 | Brisbane |
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 $220 per year compared to Melbourne. That is $18/month or $4/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne or Brisbane cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is cheaper to live in than Melbourne by approximately $220 per year. Brisbane has a cost of living index of 86 compared to 89 for Melbourne (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Melbourne compared to Brisbane?
You need to earn approximately $0 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Melbourne compared to Brisbane.
Is rent cheaper in Melbourne or Brisbane?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $520/week in Melbourne and $530/week in Brisbane. Melbourne is cheaper for rent by $10/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Melbourne or Brisbane?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Melbourne and $120 in Brisbane. Brisbane is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Melbourne or Brisbane?
The median house price in Melbourne is $1,050,000 compared to $920,000 in Brisbane. Brisbane has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.