Brisbane
Adelaide

Brisbane vs Adelaide — Cost of Living Comparison

Brisbane
Australia
VS
Adelaide
Australia
Estimated average living costs are ~12% lower in Adelaide

Brisbane

$2,850

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,600,000

Safety

64/100

Quality

74/100

Cost
72
Safety
64
Life
74

Adelaide

$2,500

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,400,000

Safety

67/100

Quality

74/100

Cost
68
Safety
67
Life
74

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~12% lower in Adelaide

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Brisbane

$2,850

estimated per month

Adelaide

$2,500

estimated per month

Difference

-12.3%

Monthly savings

$350

Yearly savings

$4,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$65,789

-$9,211/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,600.00$1,350.00
-15.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,200.00$950.00
-20.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,800.00$2,400.00
-14.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,700.00
-15.0%
ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$16.00$15.00
-6.2%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$75.00$70.00
-6.7%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$9.50
-5.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.70$1.60
-5.9%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.50$2.40
-4.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$2.10
-4.5%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.30$4.00
-7.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$9.50$8.50
-10.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.40$3.20
-5.9%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.40
-4.0%
ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$105.00$85.00
-19.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.80$2.50
-10.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.20$3.20
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.80$1.70
-5.6%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.30
-3.7%
ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$160.00$155.00
-3.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$30.00$28.00
-6.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$50.00$48.00
-4.0%
ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$48.00$45.00
-6.2%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$115.00$110.00
-4.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$18.00$17.00
-5.6%
ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$52.00$48.00
-7.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$15.00$14.00
-6.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.80$3.60
-5.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.00$6.50
-7.1%
ItemBrisbaneAdelaideDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$72.00$70.00
-2.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$45.00$42.00
-6.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$100.00$95.00
-5.0%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Brisbane vs Adelaide

Is Brisbane or Adelaide more expensive?
Brisbane is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 72 compared with 68 for Adelaide.
How much cheaper is Adelaide than Brisbane?
Living in Adelaide is around 6% cheaper than Brisbane, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Brisbane and Adelaide?
Brisbane scores 72 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Adelaide scores 68 — where New York City equals 100.