Brisbane

Rental prices

A one-bedroom apartment in the inner city typically costs A$550-A$650 per week, while in the outer suburbs you can find one for A$420-A$480. Three-bedroom houses in the middle suburbs cost around A$650-A$800 per week.

Types of housing

Brisbane is famous for the Queenslander: a timber house on stilts with a wide veranda, designed for the heat. Newer apartments are common in the inner city, and townhouses are popular in growing suburbs.

Renting

• Search on realestate.com.au, Domain and Flatmates.com.au.
• Bonds of up to 4 weeks' rent are lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).
• Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months.

Tips

Air conditioning makes a big difference in summer, so check whether bedrooms have it. Also check for flood risk and insect screens on windows.

Monthly budget

A single person renting a one-bedroom apartment near the centre typically spends A$4,000-A$4,800 per month. Sharing a house brings this down to about A$2,600-A$3,100. A family of four renting a house should budget A$7,000-A$8,500.

Typical prices

• Groceries for one: about A$550 per month
• Flat white: about A$5
• Pint of beer: A$10-A$12
• Casual meal: A$20-A$26
• Public transport: 50 cents per trip, often under A$25 per month

Saving tips

• Use public transport: the 50 cent fares are a big saving compared with driving.
• Shop at weekend farmers' markets for fresh, local produce.
• Swim for free at the Streets Beach lagoon at South Bank.
• Watch electricity bills in summer, when air conditioning runs daily.

Childcare costs about A$120-A$160 per day before the Child Care Subsidy, and Queensland offers free kindy for 4 year olds.

Key industries

• Construction and infrastructure: major Olympic and transport projects are underway through the 2030s
• Healthcare and aged care: constant demand for nurses, allied health and support workers
• Government: Queensland's state government is a large employer
• Mining and energy: head offices for resources companies operating across the state
• Tourism and hospitality: especially on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts
• Education and research: the University of Queensland, QUT and Griffith

Regional opportunities

Parts of Queensland outside Brisbane count as regional for the subclass 491 visa, and the state runs its own nomination program for skilled migrants. Check the current Queensland occupation lists.

Salaries

Salaries are slightly below Sydney, but lower living costs balance this out.

Job hunting tips

Seek and LinkedIn are the main platforms. Trade and construction workers are in particularly high demand.

Translink and the go card

Public transport in South East Queensland is run by Translink. Pay with a go card or tap on with a contactless bank card or phone.

50 cent fares

Queensland made 50 cent fares permanent in 2025. Every trip on buses, trains, ferries and trams across the Translink network costs just 50 cents, making Brisbane one of the cheapest cities in the world for public transport.

The network

• Trains to the suburbs, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast region
• Busways with dedicated roads, including the new Brisbane Metro
• CityCat ferries along the river, both scenic and practical
• Gold Coast light rail

Driving

Many Brisbane residents still drive, especially in the outer suburbs. Tolls apply on several tunnels and motorways.

Airport

The Airtrain connects the airport to the city in about 20 minutes, but it charges its own fare separately.

Outdoor life

Brisbane's climate means outdoor living almost all year round. Locals love riverside walks, cycling along the river, and picnics at South Bank Parklands. Mount Coot-tha offers bushwalks and city views, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs are popular for climbing.

Beaches

Brisbane itself does not have surf beaches, but they are close:

• The Gold Coast: about an hour south, with famous surf beaches
• The Sunshine Coast: about an hour and a half north, calmer and more relaxed
• Moreton and Stradbroke Islands: sand, dolphins and whales, by ferry

Food and nightlife

Fortitude Valley is the nightlife hub, while West End and Paddington have cafes, bars and live music. Rooftop bars take full advantage of the warm evenings.

Culture

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) are free, and the Brisbane Festival takes over the city in September.