Introduction
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are the three biggest cities in Australia and are favourite destinations of international students and migrants. There will be many factors impacting the decision on what city they will relocate, but the cost of living is the key factor. This article will create a big picture comparing the living costs of these three cities.
Renting and Housing
Sydney is the most popular city in Australia, so the cost for renting and buying an apartment/house is very high compared to other cities. Brisbane is the most affordable housing option.
| Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane |
| Renting a one-bedroom apartment in CBD can cost from $2,500 to $3,200 per month | Renting a one-bedroom apartment in CBD can cost from $2,000 to $2,700 per month | Renting a one-bedroom apartment in CBD can cost from $1,800 to $2,300 per month |
| The median house price is approximately $1,464,132 | The median house price stands at around $916,763 | The median house price is about $977,381 |
Transportation
Three cities provide convenient transportation, but the cost varies depending on each city. Brisbane has the most affordable public transportation as it only costs $50 cent per ride.
| Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane |
| Using Opal cards for all types of public transports. A monthly public transport pass averages $160–$180 AUD | Myki cards cover trams, trains, and buses in Melbourne. Thanks to the Free Tram Zone in the CBD, it’s often cheaper to get around. Monthly pass: $160 AUD | Uses the Go Card systems across all public transport: bus, train, ferry and tram. Currently, it only costs 50cent for ride in Brisbane regardless how far you ride. |
Groceries
Grocery prices are fairly consistent across the country. Major supermarkets and shops such as Coles, Woolworth, Aldi, IGA normally keep the similar price between their stores across cities and towns.
| Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | |
| 1L Milk | $1.80 | 1.70 | 1.60 |
| Loaf of Bread | $3.00 | 2.80 | 2.80 |
| Dozen Eggs | $5.80 | 5.70 | 5.60 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 |
Dining out
Australia is well-known for its multiculture, welcoming cuisines and food from around the world. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have variety of restaurants and café, and many of which offer meals at affordable prices. Below is the average cost for a restaurant meal:
- Sydney: $25- $35
- Melbourne: $22 – $32
- Brisbane: $20-$30
Café culture thrives in all three cities, but Melbourne is often considered the café capital of Australia, so value may come in quality rather than price.
Average salary
The average salary in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are quite similar; however, among these states, Victoria had the highest median earnings as of Aug 2024.
- New South Wales: median weekly earning is $1,400
- Victoria: median weekly earning is $1,378
- Queensland: median weekly earning is $1,350
Conclusion
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – all these cities provide a high quality of education and lifestyle; however, the cost of living can be one of the important factors affecting the decision on which city an international student or migrant can stay.
If affordability is your top priority, Brisbane stands out as the most budget-friendly option while still offering a vibrant student and community life. Melbourne strikes a balance between cultural richness and moderate living costs. Sydney, although the most expensive, provides good career opportunities and a globally connected environment. The best choice depends on your personal goals and lifestyle preferences.
Wish to know what course you can study in Australia and what visa you may be eligible for? Contact SOL Edu and Migration at 07 3003 1899 or hello@soledu.net or hello@solmigration.com today!