City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Australia
COL index 72.4
Australia
COL index 78.8
Brisbane vs Melbourne — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Brisbane is 8.1% cheaper than Melbourne for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Brisbane | Metric | Melbourne | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72.4 | Cost of living index | 78.8 | +8.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €43,283 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,283 | 0.0% |
| €1,880 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,180 | +16.0% |
| €2,708 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,070 | +13.4% |
| €59,783 | PPP — net / COL | €54,928 | -8.1% |
| 13.4% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.4% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Australia = €3,607 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Melbourne, you would need roughly €55,669 gross in Australia (≈ €3,926 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,880 vs €2,180)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (52.1%)
- −High cost of living (index 79)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (60.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Brisbane carries a lower cost-of-living index; Brisbane wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Brisbane edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Brisbane cheaper than Melbourne?+
Brisbane is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Brisbane 72.4, Melbourne 78.8 — a 8.1% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Brisbane and Melbourne?+
Brisbane sits at 72.4 on our COL index, Melbourne at 78.8. That works out to roughly 8.1% — Brisbane being the cheaper of the two.
Is Brisbane a good place to live compared to Melbourne?+
It depends on priorities. Brisbane delivers €43,283 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 13.4% effective tax rate. Melbourne delivers €43,283 at 13.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,880 vs €2,180.
How do salaries compare in Brisbane vs Melbourne?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Brisbane and €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Melbourne.
Which city has lower taxes, Brisbane or Melbourne?+
Australia has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Australia 13.4%, Australia 13.4%.