Cost of Living: Sydney vs Brisbane (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Sydney and Brisbane, Australia.
The Verdict
Brisbane is $6,540/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Sydney compared to Brisbane.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Brisbane | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $620 | $530 | Brisbane |
| Rent (2br/week) | $850 | $680 | Brisbane |
| Groceries/week | $135 | $120 | Brisbane |
| Utilities/month | $280 | $240 | Brisbane |
| Transport/month | $220 | $180 | Brisbane |
| Internet & Phone/month | $115 | $105 | Brisbane |
| Petrol/litre | $2.05 | $1.95 | Brisbane |
| Median house price | $1,420,000 | $920,000 | Brisbane |
| Median unit price | $830,000 | $560,000 | Brisbane |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 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 $6,540 per year compared to Sydney. That is $545/month or $126/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Brisbane cheaper to live in?
Brisbane is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $6,540 per year. Brisbane has a cost of living index of 86 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Brisbane?
You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Brisbane.
Is rent cheaper in Sydney or Brisbane?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $620/week in Sydney and $530/week in Brisbane. Brisbane is cheaper for rent by $90/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Sydney or Brisbane?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $135 in Sydney and $120 in Brisbane. Brisbane is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Sydney or Brisbane?
The median house price in Sydney is $1,420,000 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.