Sydney vs Brisbane — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| Sydney | Brisbane | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 86 | 70 |
| Rent index | 86 | 64 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | $2,900 | $1,900 |
A $95,000 lifestyle in Sydney needs about
$77,326
in Brisbane (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
Sydney
Australia's most expensive city, driven by housing.
Brisbane
Sunnier and cheaper than the southern capitals, and growing fast.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the Australia calculator and Australia calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Brisbane cheaper than Sydney?
Brisbane has an overall cost-of-living index of 70 versus Sydney's 86, so it is cheaper by roughly 19%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in Brisbane to match Sydney?
To maintain a $95,000 lifestyle from Sydney, you'd need roughly $77,326 in Brisbane, based on cost-of-living parity (before tax differences).
Estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are estimates based on publicly available tax rules and may not reflect your full circumstances. See our methodology & sources (last reviewed June 2026). Always confirm with an official tax authority or a licensed adviser before making decisions.