QLD · Cost of living

Cost of living in Brisbane

A state capital with noticeably lower rent than Sydney or Melbourne, a warm climate, and a growing tech and health sector.

Estimated annual cost, sharing accommodation

A$25,500 to A$33,000

That is roughly A$490 to A$630 a week. Add your tuition on top. The Australian Government requires you to show A$29,710 in living funds for the student visa.

Weekly breakdown

Rent, room in a shared houseA$220 to A$360/wk

Rent, own studio or one-bedroomA$420 to A$620/wk

Groceries and eating outA$105/wk

Public transportA$35/wk

Electricity, gas, waterA$38/wk

Phone and internetA$15/wk

Overseas Student Health Coverabout A$12/wk

Going out, activities, incidentalsA$65/wk

Estimates for 2026, based on published international-student cost ranges. Rent is the figure that varies most, by suburb and by how close you are to campus.

Universities in Brisbane

See the cheapest universities in Brisbane ranked by first-year budget.

Cost of living in Brisbane: common questions

Is Brisbane cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne for students?

Yes, mainly on rent. A shared room in Brisbane is commonly AUD 220 to 360 a week against 320 to 520 in Sydney. A full year sharing accommodation works out around AUD 25,500 to 33,000.

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