Cost of Living in Brisbane | Optimove 
Get A Free Quick Quote
(Step 1 to 5)

Tell us litte more about you..

Get a Quote

Cost of Living in Brisbane

By Karen Thorogood | March 6, 2023

Cost of Living in Brisbane

Brisbane is one of Australia’s most vibrant cities, offering many cultural, dining and entertainment experiences. It is also known for its affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for many people looking to relocate and start a new life. This article will provide an overview of the living costs in Brisbane, including housing, transportation, food and other expenses.

Housing Costs in Brisbane

Buying an apartment in Brisbane can be expensive, but many factors can influence the cost.

  • For a one-bedroom apartment located within the city centre of Brisbane, the average cost is 2,421.35 A$, with prices ranging from 1,700.00 to 2,875.00 A$.
  • On the other hand, on average, those seeking to purchase a three-bedroom three-bedroom apartment will have to pay a much steeper fee of 3,918.44 A$, with prices ranging from 3,000.00–4,400.00 A$.

Looking outside the city centre brings us to much more affordable apartment purchasing options.

  • One-bedroom apartments cost 2,056.47 A$ on average and range from 1,500.00–2,400.00 A$, while three-bedroom apartments tend to cost 2,403.79 A$, with prices going up to 2,800.00 A$.
  • Renting an apartment in Brisbane is the more affordable option for many people, costing 1,329.52 A$ on average for a one-bedroom place and 2,012.88 A$ for a three-bedroom apartment.
  • Prices range from 1,000.00–1,700.00 A$ and 1,500.00–2,400.00 A$ respectively.

Transportation Costs in Brisbane

Getting around Brisbane doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can add up if you’re not careful.

If you plan on taking public transport, a one-way ticket will cost 5.50 A$ on average, with prices ranging from 3.70-8.50 A$. If you need to travel regularly and want to save money, you can purchase a monthly pass for 217.39 A$, though prices range from 160.00–250.00 A$.

Taxis are another form of transportation available in Brisbane, but be aware that fares differ depending on the time and distance of your journey. The starting fare is 6.00 A$, with subsequent kilometres costing 2.17 A$ each and an additional fee of 60.00 A$ per hour for waiting time incurred during your journey.

Finally, for those travelling by car, gasoline currently costs 2.12 A$ per litre, so make sure to factor this into your budget when planning your trips around town!

Food Costs for Four Estimated Monthly Costs

Food shopping and dining out don’t have to break the bank in Brisbane. Here’s a list of average prices of food items across restaurants and markets:

Restaurants

  • Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: 25.00 A$ (15.00–45.00 A$)
  • Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: 130.00 A$ (70.00–230.00 A$)
  • McMeal at Mcdonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal): 15.00 A$ (12.40–16.00 A$)
  • Domestic Beer (0.5-litre draught): 11.00 A$ (7.00–14.00)
  • Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle): 11.50 A$ (8.00–14.00)
  • Cappuccino (regular): 5.33 A$ (4.00–7.00 A$)

Markets

  • Milk costs 2.35 A$ per litre in Brisbane,
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread would cost about 3.70 A$.
  • Rice (white) would cost 3.28 A$ per kg,
  • Eggs (12) would cost 5.50 A$.
  • Local cheese is available for 14.84 A$ per kg
  • Chicken fillets for 12.64 A$ per kg.
  • Beef round or equivalent back leg red meat can be purchased for 23.57 A$ per kg
  • Apples for 4.84 A$ per kg,
  • Bananas are available for 3.94 A$ per kg
  • Oranges for 5.19 A$ per kg.
  • Tomatoes can be bought at 7.06A$/kg

Everyday grocery prices in Brisbane are very reasonable.

Utility Costs in Brisbane

Living in Brisbane doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s a list of average monthly utility costs for an 85m2 apartment:

  • Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): 314.50 A$ (180.04–391.67 A$)
  • 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans): 0.70 A$ (0.50–0.99 A$)
  • Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL): 89.00 A$ (59.00–119.00 A$)

Leisure and Entertainment Estimated Monthly Costs

Brisbane is a great place to experience various leisure and entertainment activities. Here’s a list of average prices for the same:

Sports And Leisure

  • Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult: 74.50 A$ (30.00–125.00 A$)
  • Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend): 29.56 A$ (18.00–40.00 A$)
  • Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat: 20.00 A$ (14.00–25.00 A$)

These prices are just an average, so you’ll likely find deals or discounts when planning your leisure activities in Brisbane!

Clothing And Shoes

  • 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar): 134.94 A$ (70.00–169.00 A$)
  • 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …): 87.55 A$ (30.00–125.00A $)
  • 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range): 204.59 A$ (120.00–250.00A $)
  • 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes: 202.75 A (100.00–300.00A $)

Although living in Brisbane can be pretty expensive for a family of four, with estimated monthly costs without rent totalling (6,119.0A$), it is still easier on the wallet than a single person with estimated monthly fees without rent of (1,725.7A$). Despite the expense, Brisbane provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy leisure and entertainment activities worth the investment.

Salaries And Financing

The average monthly net salary after tax in Brisbane is 5,316.95 A$, meaning that you have a good standard of living if you are employed in the city.

Financing options are also quite favourable, with a Mortgage Interest Rate of 4.91% over a 20-year fixed-rate period, which is very competitive compared to other major cities worldwide. This makes it easy for locals to purchase property, whether first-time buyers or those looking to invest.

Overall, Brisbane provides residents with good salaries and advantageous financing conditions, making it an ideal destination for those who want to improve their quality of life through employment and real estate investments.

Strategies to Minimise Living Expenses and Maximise Savings

The cost of living in Brisbane is relatively high, and it’s essential to take advantage of strategies that can help minimize your expenses and maximize your savings.

  1. Take advantage of free activities offered by the city: Check out local libraries, parks and beaches for free entertainment and leisure activities.
  2. Use public transit: Public transportation, such as buses and trains, is relatively inexpensive in Brisbane compared to other cities.
  3. Eat out less often: Eating at home is usually much cheaper.
  4. Shop for deals: Look for discounts and sales on groceries, clothing, and other items you must purchase regularly.
  5. Use the city’s natural resources: Take advantage of Brisbane’s sunny climate by drying your clothes in the sun instead of using a dryer.
  6. Use energy-efficient appliances: Invest in energy-efficient appliances to save money on your electricity bill.
  7. Cut down on utilities: Ask the utility companies for discounts or bundle rates when you can, and turn off lights and other electronics when not in use.
  8. Participate in budgeting activities: Create a budget and track expenses to prevent overspending.
  9. Use local resources: Take advantage of free or discounted services offered by the city, such as the public library, local sports teams, and community events.
  10. Utilize technology: Use apps like Groupon and LivingSocial to find coupons and discount offers. Additionally, many banks offer online banking options that make it easier to manage your money.

Using these tips, you can keep your living costs in Brisbane as low as possible and save as much money as possible.

Quality of Life in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, Australia, and the third most populous city in the country. The city offers a vibrant culture with plenty of entertainment and attractions. Brisbane also has a lot of parks and green spaces where people can get in touch with nature and relax. Living in Brisbane provides an excellent quality of life for its residents.

The climate in Brisbane is perfect for outdoor activities, with mild winters and warm summers that provide plenty of sunshine. Many beaches are nearby, making getting a taste of beach life easy. The city is also great to explore, with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Brisbane is a very safe city overall and has plenty of public transport options, making it easy to get around. The city also has great educational opportunities, with public and private schools available for all ages. Plus, several universities in the area offer a wide range of courses.

For those looking for a bit of excitement, Brisbane caters to that too. There are plenty of music and theatre venues to explore, as well as museums and art galleries. Sports fans can also enjoy the many professional teams in the city, while leisure activities like fishing, boating, and hiking are also popular.

Overall, living in Brisbane is a great experience. It has a beautiful climate, entertainment, and excellent educational opportunities. Plus, the city is safe and offers plenty of public transport options. With so much to offer, there’s something for everyone in Brisbane!

By living in Brisbane, you will enjoy the advantages of a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities to explore and options for leisure activities. With its perfect climate, excellent educational opportunities and safe atmosphere, there’s no doubt that Brisbane is a beautiful place to live!

Moving to Brisbane City? Excellent Choice

If you’re considering moving to Brisbane, one of the best decisions you can make is to hire Optimove as your removalist. Our team of experienced professionals will provide an efficient and stress-free experience from start to finish, ensuring that your move goes smoothly and your belongings arrive safely in their new home. With years of experience and a commitment to customer service, our team will be able to provide you with the best possible moving experience. In addition, we offer competitive rates that are sure to fit your budget.

Get in touch today to learn more about how Optimove can help make your move to Brisbane as stress-free and easy as possible. With Optimove as your removalist, you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive safely and in one piece! Our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions and help guide you throughout the moving process. So, don’t hesitate – to contact us today to get started on your move.

Request a Quick Quote

Quick Quote Form

My partner and I have just used Optimove removals for a double move – stuff out of my house to storage whilst another truck at his place to bring his furniture and belongings to here and more to storage. We went with them based on price and a promise of ‘great care’

The removalist service has been fantastic. The boys all moved fast on both crews, were so easy to deal with, and I’ll be honest I can’t remember the last time I saw everything plastic and or blanket wrapped so well to completely protect everything we have. I would HIGHLY recommend these guys. Jacqueline Nagle

“By far the best removalists I have used. Adam and Chris were fantastic. On time, polite, energetic, fast and careful with all of my furniture. Reasonably priced and very efficient .” Jessie Mariee Watson, 29 August 2016

“I couldn’t have been happier with my choice of Optimove to shift a lot of my precious belongings into storage. The removal team phoned me to give an estimated time of arrival and when they arrived no time was wasted. The 2 removalists were fast and efficient. I was very impressed and would certainly recommend them to anyone looking for removalists and would have no hesitation in employing their services again.” Sue Bertram, 19 August 2016

“Best removal company we have ever used. Optimove removals is a great moving company, two nice lads who moved at a good pace. Everything was well looked after and arrived in perfect condition. Very good prices, next time you are looking to move to a new location check these removalists out. Better than a hiring a truck and moving your own stuff by a long way. On time, polite, no hidden costs – the most energetic men ever!!!!!” Kirsten Maria Corin, 2 August 2016

“On Saturday just gone, Adam and Chris from Optimove did an outstanding job in moving us from Burleigh Heads to Cornubia. They worked tirelessly without stopping for 5-6 hours until the job was done, whilst taking absolute care of all our possessions. They were friendly, honest and just downright good blokes. I high recommend Optimove.” Glen Read, 18 July 2016

“Just wanted to take a second to say a big thank you to the team at Optimove. The guys that arrived on the day were so friendly, helpful and professional. I couldn’t believe that when they said everything would get wrapped and protected that it actually happened. I have moved several times in the past but I found these guys definitely stood out amongst the rest with their speed and professionalism…” Carly Turner, 9 July 2016

Visit our Facebook Page

Don’t just take our word for it, view our customer review videos to hear and see for yourself what our customers have to say about Optimove.

Featured Customer Reviews

  • KayMcGrath
  • Happycustomer
  • happy-customer

Local Moving Services In Australian Cities

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS
SAY ABOUT US

Quality, Value, Responsiveness, Punctuality
We will definitely be using Optimove again and would recommend them to anyone. Izzy, Jerry and Hamish where amazing. Very quick, careful and friendly. There where absolutely no faults with this service. After a bad experience the day before with another company and having to book last minute for the next day; the stress was definitely taken away from us with these guys being absolutely perfect. Booking was also super easy and Bella was very informative and kept us up to date all the time. Thanks guys!
Jessica Schauer
Jessica Schauer
Work done in my required time frame
Like others, I chose this removalist company due to the many 5-star removals reviews, and now it’s my turn to add another one. I was initially hesitant about using an hourly rate service with the fear of time wasting for an additional charge. This was not the case with Optimove. I was assigned TJ and Izzy for my move, and these two guys were absolute-machines. They did not stop for a second and in fact, they even at times very politely hurried me along (but still listened attentively) when I was giving them instructions so that they could get the work done in my required timeframe and not have to charge me extra.
Removalists in Brisbane
Ernie Hu
Brisbane's Best Moving Company
Wow, wow, wow.... We booked Optimove due to the fantastic reviews and they were not wrong! The whole experience was seamless, booking and execution. Every team member was so polite, friendly, helpful - just lovely! On the day, the guys arrived on time and were absolute champions, careful but quick! I highly recommend them and will absolutely use them again in the future. Highly recommend!
Karen Pullar
Karen Pullar
Value For Money, Quality Removals
I have just used Optimove for the third time and they are amazing removalist in Brisbane !! I wouldn’t use anyone else. William and Igor were punctual, fast, friendly, and very efficient. They took really good care of all my stuff and went out of their way to ensure I was happy with everything. From start to end the whole process of dealing with Optimove has been professional and they are a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend this company for all relocation services.
Leesa Richardson
Leesa Richardson
Fantastic removalist job with next day delivery
Brian and Isaiah moved us from the Hunter to Brisbane and did a fantastic job with next day delivery. Isaiah is a genius packer because he somehow managed to fit all our stuff in the truck and it was packed to the roof. He's strong as an ox too. Brain kept to operation running smoothly, and nothing I asked for was a problem for him. I have used a lot of movers over the years, and Optimove removals would have to be one of the best. I dare say I'll be using them again in the not too distant future too.
Paul Swan
Paul Swan
Best business for all removalist jobs
I was very impressed with the response speed when I was looking for a quote. Then every step after impressed me further with excellent service and the easy communication, the boy’s hard work and professional manner!! I underestimated the amount of my stuff, and the boys had to stay late a few hours to get my moving done. They worked around to accommodate my needs. Thank you so much!! I couldn’t flaw any step of the process! Well done guys! Also, big thanks to the removals business on training staff. Great experience!
Ping Han
Ping Han
Brisbane North Side Removals
Would give these guys more than five stars if I could! I've now used them twice in a couple of weeks to move my stuff into removals storage and then to my new home, and they've gone beyond my expectations both times. Great price, excellent service from start to finish, rapid but also very safe. I couldn't believe the strength of TJ today and the guys' ability to get everything up two flights of stairs with minimal fuss. Will be using and highly recommending Optimove removalists Brisbane for every move in the future. Cheers!
3-Bedroom Removalist Job
Nick Love
Quality removalist company
Our interstate move was handled with great professionalism, patience, and care by this removalist company. This is our first move, and as with any move, there are complexities. Before the move, Liam at head office dealt with our myriad questions and phone calls with great patience and reassurance, especially as we were not going to be there for pick up. Sam and Ahmed, who delivered and offloaded our things, were absolute gems. The 2 men worked fast and hard and took great care in placing every item and box so as not to damage/scratch any walls/floors. I would definitely use them for the next move!
Furniture Move
Agata Mouasher
The best removalists I have ever dealt with.
The best removalists I have ever dealt with. Teejay and Izzy packed everything up so carefully. Plastic wrap and fully protected. They packed up and delivered with no damage, and they were so careful about moving things in the new home.
I will always move with Optimove... No one else compares. Teejay and Izzy... These men were fantastic and so kind. Thanks to the whole team of movers. The easiest move I have ever done.
I am now team Optimove...
Amanda andersen
Amanda andersen
Easy to understand quote
Highly Recommended!
I had to book Optimove movers at the last minute after waiting all day for another removal company that after many excuses didn’t show. They went above and beyond to get us a truck within a few hours.
We are so grateful for the empathy, professionalism, attitude, caring, and helpful way in which they went about the whole process of our move. From our first point of contact with the lovely Rene on the phone to our friendly removalists Brian and William, who respected our furniture and moved everything carefully to our new house with the utmost care.
A big THANK YOU for helping us in a very stressful situation. I highly recommend these removalists!
Sharon Danby
Sharon Danby
Best removals company
Moved a couple of months ago with Optimove and couldn't be happier with their service. Daniel and Brian were fantastic movers. The guys had to move all of our stuff up four flights of stairs as our new apartment doesn't have a lift, and they didn't skip a beat. I was exhausted after going up, and down the stairs a couple of times, these guys were doing it for hours and barely needed to rest. Will definitely be using Optimove for my next move, thanks, guys!
Steven Tillack
Steven Tillack
Was the safe delivery of our items.
Our move was the easiest ever with Optimove. Our two Removalists were Nella and Marc, who took great care of our furniture items. We were delighted with their efficiency and care.
We moved from Toowoomba to Brisbane. It was estimated to take 8 hours; they did it in 6 hours. All our furniture was wrapped, and it arrived at the new house without even a scratch.
Nella and Marc offered a lot of assistance with a friendly attitude. Highly recommend!
Regarding the cost, offered a reasonably average hourly rate. But what mattered most to us, was the safe delivery of our items.
Brisbane / Toowoomba removals
minaki kirollos
Optimove came in the cheapest by far.
We have moved many times over the past 16 years, and have always used large, well-known moving companies. We were a bit concerned, based on how little the quote was and the fact they were new, and we’d never heard of them, but we needn’t have worried. From our first communication, they were professional and quick to reply. Special mention to our removalists, Daniel, Chris, Assad and Sam (we had two deliveries due to the amount of furniture and boxes) - they were all lovely men, friendly, hard-working, and had the truck packed in record time. Just get a quote.
Sharyn Thompson
Sharyn Thompson
Communicative and extremely friendly movers
This is the first time we used professional removalists, and I will never go back! From the first phone call to the handshake after, the team that moved us was professional, timely, communicative and extremely friendly. They thought about the easiest way of removing and transporting our items to our new home, and I honestly could not recommend them highly enough. I will be referring them to all of my friends and family, and they'll be the only people I trust with my next move. 10/10 will use again! :) Great job guys!!
Annika Campbell
Annika Campbell
Friendly people
The staff were professional & friendly movers however the price is not so much.
The original price quoted was $65/ per half hour/ min 2 hours, and when we booked our move for 5 am, we were charged an extra $22 per half hour (which was excellent for the early wake up) but then we had to book a minimum 4 hours! At first, I misread and thought it was $87 per hour which I thought was excellent compared to what I was quoted, but my bad - I didn’t read it correctly. In comparison to pricing, Mini Movers were not going to charge extra for out of hours and were cheaper per hour. We only used 3 hours in the end and the price quoted is not inclusive of GST. Highly recommend local removalists!
L LEUNG
L LEUNG
Absolutely amazing company!
The boys from Optimove removals were amazing. The team who scheduled our move were friendly and understanding. Our removalists, TJ and Brian, were machines and got the job done on time. They packed all of our goods with impeccable care and didn't take any shortcuts. They were fast, efficient, friendly and just downright good blokes. The boys covered all of our furniture in shrink wrap, and nothing at all was marked. The whole Optimove experience was terrific. They charge less than the competitors and provide A+++ class service. Highly recommended and would use them again! Cheers guys!
Local removalist job
Danny Venus
The guys arrived on time. These people were fast and responsible.
Great removalists Brisbane service. The guys arrived on time. They were fast and responsible. I had to move heavy furniture including a piano. They took care of my furniture and moved everything without any damage.
They were fair on estimating time and only started charging from the moment they started working rather than arrival time.
I'm so happy with the hassle-free move and will use them in the future. Stat of the art local removals!
Tara Sima
Tara Sima
They get the job done!
Honestly could not recommend these guys more. Rayzor and John, the two gentlemen who helped me and my children move, were kind, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I would not hesitate in asking them to help me again and would recommend them to friends and family in a heartbeat. I have moved a few times and now would never use a different company. I never felt rush or uncomfortable with them and the price was extremely reasonable. Do yourselves a favor and hire them! I definitely recommend Optimove removals services.
Holly Ainsworth
Holly Ainsworth
Best Movers Brisbane
Nela, James and Rodrigo showed up on time, moved quickly, catered for all my preferences, and successfully completed the entire move before I knew it. Some of the many things worth noting were Nela’s team’s care factor, commitment to see the task through despite unique challenges that the move presented to us, great communication, kindness and physical strength. I have used Optimove office moves 3 times over the last two years, each time amongst stressful personal circumstances, and time and time again this group of people keeps amazing me. If you are after a smooth move at affordable rates, look no further. Our interstate removalist job was so easy with you. Optimove removalists services are your best option for any removalist job!
MIKE BROOKS
MIKE BROOKS
These guys are the dream team of removalists
Nela and Mana were beyond amazing, these guys are the dream team of removalists, I could recommend them highly enough. On top of doing a stellar job moving us into our new house, they also moved a new (massive) fridge up a tight staircase. They moved heavy items in our belongings as refrigerators and large antiques with care and precision. What’s worth noting about this is that just the day before we had paid for the premium delivery service of the fridge from the good guys who after arriving refused to take it upstairs and left it. I can’t thank you guys enough for the professionalism and all-round great guys that you are!
Lucas Daoud
Lucas Daoud
Great care wrapping and transporting
Last time we moved, we had a terrible experience with a different company, so this time I wanted to make sure we found a good company. I read through what felt like a million reviews to see what people were saying about each company (as you can't always trust the stars)! The reviews for Optimove moving service seemed the most uniformly positive, so we went with them, was easy to get a quote, and I'm happy to say we can now add our own (very) positive review to the list as they were fantastic! They were lovely, friendly, and polite, took great care wrapping and transporting everything, and did an amazing, precision job doing a last-minute balcony lift for a piece of furniture that we hadn't anticipated wouldn't fit via the usual route. They moved a lot of my furniture and heavy items at an excellent price.
Tania Nayler
Tania Nayler
I will be recommending these guys
Damien & David. Absolute heroes. I have never come across two individuals who were not only passionate about what they do for a living but super-enthusiastic, energetic & friendly doing it! Nothing was too hard for them. We are left feeling at peace, relaxed and ready to enjoy our new apartment. I will be recommending these guys & this company for a long, long, long time. Thank you so much Optimove moving service. Thanks again, Damien & David. The boys paid great attention to every detail in our removalist job. Nothing was missed or left behind. You guys made our moving experience really easy & exciting.
Emily Kerrigan
Emily Kerrigan