Brisbane Cost of Living 2025: How It Compares to Sydney & Melbourne

If you’re deciding where to live in Australia, one of the first things to consider is the cost of living in Brisbane. Rent, transport, childcare, and groceries make up the bulk of household expenses, and these vary significantly between cities. In 2025, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne each offer a different mix of affordability and lifestyle. This guide focuses on the costs most relevant to families, helping you see where your money goes further when moving to Brisbane.

Quick Comparison: Brisbane vs Sydney vs Melbourne (2025)

Housing and Rent

Housing is the biggest cost for most families. Sydney remains the least affordable, with inner-city three-bedroom apartments averaging $5,200/month. Melbourne is slightly easier at $4,200, while Brisbane averages $3,889 for the same property type — saving families over $1,000 per month compared with Sydney.

Suburban rents follow the same trend: Brisbane is the most budget-friendly option for families looking for affordable housing in Brisbane, with average three-bedroom suburban apartments costing around $2,844 compared to $4,200 in Sydney.

Childcare and Schooling

Childcare is another major expense. After subsidies, families pay around $2,800/month in Sydney, $2,500 in Melbourne, and $2,000–$2,300 in Brisbane. This makes Brisbane noticeably cheaper for families with young children.

Public schooling is free for residents in all three cities, while private schools have similar fees ranging from $15,000–$25,000 per year. For students, Brisbane is often more affordable overall due to lower rent and transport costs.

Transport Costs

Transport can eat into the household budget, particularly in Sydney, where tolls and higher fares push costs up. A monthly public transport pass costs up to $220 in Sydney, around $160–190 in Melbourne, and about $110 in Brisbane.

Fuel costs also vary slightly, with Brisbane often being the cheapest at around $1.67 per litre. Families commuting daily will notice that commuting in Brisbane is cheaper, adding to the overall affordability advantage.

Utilities and Household Bills

Utility costs are a smaller share of the budget but still important. Brisbane households average around $195/month for electricity, water, and gas. Melbourne sits closer to $230, while Sydney is around $245. Internet plans average $80/month nationwide, with little variation between cities.

Groceries and Food

Weekly grocery costs add up quickly for families. A typical family-of-four grocery basket costs:

• Sydney: ~$280–300/week
• Melbourne: ~$250–270/week
• Brisbane: ~$230–250/week

Eating out also follows the same trend. A simple dinner for a family in Brisbane is consistently cheaper than in Sydney or Melbourne.

The Bigger Picture: Choosing the Right City

Sydney offers career opportunities and global-city living, but comes at the highest price. Melbourne delivers culture and diversity with moderate costs, but it still challenges family budgets. Brisbane stands out as the most affordable option, giving households more breathing room for both essentials and lifestyle.

The best choice depends on your family’s priorities — whether it’s career, culture, or simply stretching your budget further. Understanding these differences helps you make a clear and confident decision for 2025, especially if you’re choosing Brisbane as your next home.

FAQs: Brisbane vs Sydney vs Melbourne Cost of Living

Q1. Is Brisbane cheaper than Sydney?
Yes. Families typically save on rent, childcare, and transport by living in Brisbane instead of Sydney.

Q2. Is Brisbane cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes, though the gap is smaller. Brisbane generally has lower housing and transport costs.

Q3. Which Australian city has the highest cost of living?
Sydney remains the most expensive, with the highest rent and childcare costs.

Q4. Why is Brisbane considered more affordable?
Lower rent, cheaper childcare, and more affordable transport make Brisbane easier for families to manage their budgets.

Final Note

Get advice on how OzWide Movers can help you plan your relocation to Brisbane and speak with our friendly customer service team for more information. Or, check out our full list of Brisbane removalist services to make your move easier.

Disclaimer: The prices listed in this article are in AU$ and are intended as a general guide only. Actual costs will vary depending on personal circumstances, lifestyle, and housing choices. We recommend researching up-to-date prices that reflect your situation.