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Brisbane vs Melbourne

Compare cost of living, salaries, and purchasing power between Brisbane (Queensland) and Melbourne (Victoria).

Cost of Living
8% more expensive
Melbourne vs Brisbane
$100k Purchasing Power
$92,632
equivalent in Melbourne
Population
2.6 million vs 5.1 million
residents

Salary Equivalents: BrisbaneMelbourne

To maintain the same standard of living, here's what you'd need to earn in Melbourne compared to Brisbane:

Salary in BrisbaneEquivalent in Melbourne
$60,000$64,773
$80,000$86,364
$100,000$107,955
$120,000$129,545
$150,000$161,932
$200,000$215,909

Based on cost of living index: Brisbane (88) vs Melbourne (95), where Sydney = 100.

Brisbane

State
Queensland
Population
2.6 million
Cost of Living Index
88
View all salaries in Brisbane

Melbourne

State
Victoria
Population
5.1 million
Cost of Living Index
95
View all salaries in Melbourne

Moving from Brisbane to Melbourne?

If you're considering relocating from Brisbane to Melbourne, understanding the cost of living difference is crucial for salary negotiations. Melbourne has a 8% higher cost of living than Brisbane, so you may need a higher salary to maintain your lifestyle.

A $100,000 salary in Brisbane has the same purchasing power as $92,632 in Melbourne. When negotiating a job offer or relocation package, use this as your baseline for salary expectations.

Key Differences

  • Housing: Typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
  • Transport: Consider commute times and public transport availability.
  • Job Market: Brisbane has a population of 2.6 million while Melbourne has 5.1 million.

Cost of living comparisons are based on aggregate data and may not reflect individual circumstances. Always research specific costs like rent, utilities, and transport for your situation.