A good salary in Brisbane for a single person renting independently is generally considered to be $80,000–$95,000 per year gross. Brisbane has historically been more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, though rapid population growth and significant housing demand have pushed rents and prices sharply higher since 2021.
Key Takeaways
- A single person needs approximately $80,000–$95,000 gross to live comfortably in Brisbane
- Brisbane median dwelling price is approximately $870,000–$920,000 (Domain, early 2025)
- Median 2-bedroom apartment rent: $580–$720/week in inner/middle suburbs
- Average full-time earnings in Queensland: $97,800/year
- Brisbane is increasingly seen as comparable to Melbourne in affordability, though still below Sydney
Brisbane Cost of Living — Single Person Budget
| Expense Category | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment, inner/middle) | $2,500–$3,100 | $30,000–$37,200 |
| Groceries | $400–$600 | $4,800–$7,200 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, internet) | $180–$250 | $2,160–$3,000 |
| Transport (Go card or car) | $180–$500 | $2,160–$6,000 |
| Health insurance (basic) | $120–$170 | $1,440–$2,040 |
| Dining out / entertainment | $300–$600 | $3,600–$7,200 |
| Personal care / clothing | $160–$300 | $1,920–$3,600 |
| Total (mid-range estimate) | $3,900–$5,500 | $46,800–$66,000 |
After-tax income on an $80,000 salary is approximately $61,900/year — this covers costs in Brisbane with modest savings. On $95,000 (take-home ~$72,000), comfortable living with solid savings is achievable.
What Different Brisbane Salaries Feel Like
| Gross Salary | After-Tax Take-Home | Lifestyle in Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$48,800 ($938/wk) | Manageable in share housing or outer suburbs |
| $75,000 | ~$58,600 ($1,127/wk) | Comfortable in share housing; modest savings |
| $90,000 | ~$68,000 ($1,308/wk) | Comfortable renting 1–2 bed; solid savings |
| $105,000 | ~$77,600 ($1,492/wk) | Good lifestyle; meaningful savings; property within reach |
| $130,000 | ~$93,300 ($1,794/wk) | Strong position — homeownership viable |
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Brisbane comfortably?
A single person earning $80,000–$95,000 gross can live comfortably in Brisbane — renting a decent apartment and saving. This is lower than Sydney ($95,000–$120,000) and Melbourne ($85,000–$105,000), though Brisbane has caught up significantly.
Is Brisbane cheaper than Melbourne for living costs?
Brisbane is broadly comparable to Melbourne now in terms of rent and housing costs, though slightly lower on average. As recently as 2019, Brisbane was significantly cheaper. The gap has narrowed considerably due to strong population growth and interstate migration.
What is the average salary in Brisbane / Queensland?
Average full-time earnings in Queensland are $97,800/year (ABS, November 2024). Brisbane metropolitan workers typically earn slightly above this, while regional Queensland workers (mining excluded) earn less.
Related Guides
- Good Salary in Sydney
- Good Salary in Melbourne
- Good Salary in Perth
- What Is a Good Salary in Australia?
- Income Percentile Calculator Australia
Cost of living figures sourced from Domain, REA Group, and ABS. Figures are estimates and vary by suburb and lifestyle. This is general information only.