Cost of Living in Brisbane for Students: 2026 

Imagine waking up to the warm rays of subtropical sun, glistening Brisbane River right outside of your window, and feeling the buzz of the student-friendly city welcoming you. It’s Brisbane – the fastest-growing student destination of Australia with top-notch universities and high quality of life. 

Each year, 100,000+ international students from 140+ countries come to Brisbane because of its global universities, lower cost of living in Brisbane comparison with Sydney and Melbourne, and an outstanding student lifestyle. Regardless of whether you want to pursue your medicine degree at University of Queensland, media studies at Queensland University of Technology, or hospitality management at Griffith University, you can rest assured that your student budget will be stretched better in Brisbane than in Australia’s southern capitals.  

The estimated cost of living in Brisbane for students in 2026 is AUD 2,500-3,800 per month. With affordable cost of living in Brisbane, also comes the vibrant and colourful student life, sunny climate, gorgeous river parks, and welcoming communities. 

Below we will discuss each of your expenses in detail from the prices of student accommodation Brisbane, food in supermarkets and markets, ferries on Brisbane River, hidden costs, and even salary you can earn from doing part-time jobs in Brisbane. We will also give you several useful tips on saving money, as well as introduce you to top student stay in Australia options.  

Curious about your budget? Use University Living’s Cost of Living Calculator to make your estimates and find your ideal student accommodation. 

Average Monthly Expenses in Brisbane, Australia

Numbers speak. The monthly cost of living in Brisbane ranges from AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,800. Your position on the above-mentioned cost range will depend on three factors –your residence, eating habits and the way you explore “the River City.” 

Your housing expenditure accounts for 40-50% of your budget. Students opting for housing in Brisbane at a low price – either in shared accommodation or in non-ensuite setting, spend far less money than those who opt for an exclusive studio apartment Brisbane. Another factor that affects the international student cost of living in Brisbane is whether you prepare your meals at home (a cost-effective option with Brisbane’s abundance of local markets) or eat in one of the popular restaurants in Brisbane by the river. 

The good news is that Brisbane is extremely convenient. It has an integrated, inexpensive and student-oriented transportation system that unites buses, trains and ferries with a single ticketing system. The majority of students live near the university and save hundreds on transportation.  

Here is a realistic monthly cost of living in Brisbane breakdown for a student in 2026: 

NOTE: These figures cover an estimated balanced student life. If you are careful with cooking at home, using student discounts, and sharing housing, you can use the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living for a more accurate budget. 

Student Accommodation Costs in Brisbane 

Let us be honest – it will cost you a lot. But here is the secret of Brisbane, that it is cheaper than the cost of living in Sydney or Melbourne, and you get so much more sunshine and space for your money. 

It is the preference of most international students to choose PBSA, and that is because of good reasons. Such kind of accommodation is safe, fully furnished, and it is usually an all-inclusive student rooms in Brisbane. No unexpected bills. No conflicts with flat mates over electricity consumption. One payment a month and you can be sure that everything is covered without any extra burden of cost of living in Brisbane. 

The average rent in Brisbane for students varies between AUD 175 and AUD 600 per week (that is AUD 700 to AUD 2,400 per month). For example, there are very good offers from such properties as UniLodge Herston, Scape Merivale, Iglu Brisbane City which start from AUD 209-479 per week. 

Types of Student Flats in Brisbane 

Finding the best accommodation in Brisbane for international students is about balancing your budget with your lifestyle. Here are your options: 

1. Purpose-Built Student Housing (PBSA) 

So let us consider PBSA – a move-in-ready accommodation. These are fully furnished and equipped houses, apartments with study lounges, gyms and social areas. There are also properties with all-inclusive bills which helps students to manage cost of living in Brisbane. The average price for PBSA varies between AUD 300 and AUD 550. 

• Studio Apartments: Your personal space in the heart of Brisbane. It is your own room with kitchenette and bathroom. You do not share anything. It is great for postgraduates, couples or any students who value their peace. The cost of studio apartments in Brisbane starts from AUD 400 and goes up to AUD 600+ per week, worth paying for. 

• En-suite Rooms: The middle way between private and social accommodation. It is your own bedroom with attached bathroom, but you must share kitchen and living area with 3-6 other students. It is the most popular type of accommodation for international students. Average weekly price is AUD 250 – AUD 450. 

• Non-Ensuite Rooms: The most budget-friendly type. You get your own room for sleeping and studying and use the facilities in common with other people. In other words, you get your own bedroom and use everything else in common. It is the cheapest type of accommodation and the quickest way to become part of community. The price is AUD 175 – AUD 300 per week. 

• Shared Apartments: This is for the person who loves being social. You share all the rooms – bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room. It is the most affordable option and gives you an instant community. Average weekly rent is starting from AUD 175. 

2. Private Apartments 

These apartments are for the independent soul. Private Apartments are standard residential homes rented directly from landlords. You get full freedom, but you also pay for utilities separately. Average weekly rent is around AUD 350 – AUD 600+. 

Accommodation Cost Comparison

Still unsure which type of student accommodation Australia, fits you? Here is a quick comparison of monthly expenses in Brisbane for students based on housing type: 

Best Student Areas to Live in Brisbane 

Choosing one of the best student areas to live in Brisbane does not only involve rent payments but is also defined by your overall experience. There are numerous colorful and vibrant student-friendly suburbs. Here are the best and affordable student suburbs, help you to manage your cost of living in Brisbane that will fit every budget. 

 Cheapest Areas ($175 – $300 per week) 

 St Lucia  

• Average Rent: $450-$600/week (private units); $175-$220/week (shared) 

• University: The University of Queensland (UQ) 

• Transportation: Walk/bike to UQ, CityCat to CBD in 15 minutes 

• Description: The heart of student life in Brisbane. Very walkable with most students walking or biking to university in 5-10 minutes. Hawken Drive serves as the primary social strip with cafes, takeaways, and groceries. 

• Student hangouts: Yonder Espresso, Saint & Co. Bakery, The Terrace Café 

Kelvin Grove  

• Average Rent: $280 – $520/week 

• University: Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 

• Transportation: Walk to QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Brisbane Metro (M1/M2) 

• Description: Student suburb built specifically for QUT students. The main point is the Kelvin Grove Urban Village while the nearby Victoria Park is where to go for a walk. 

• Student hangouts: Kelvin Grove Urban Village cafes, Victoria Park 

Toowong  

• Average Rent: $380 – $480/week 

• University: The University of Queensland (UQ) 

• Transportation: Train to CBD in ~10 minutes, bus to UQ 

• Description: One of the most balanced student suburbs. It has great pubs and cafes such as The Regatta Hotel, Royal Exchange Hotel, and Riser Café. 

• Student hangouts: The Regatta Hotel, Riser Café, Royal Exchange Hotel 

 Middle-range Areas ($300 – $450 per week) 

 South Bank & South Brisbane 

• Average Rent: $350-$500/week (shared) 

• University: QUT Gardens Point, Griffith University South Bank 

• Transportation: Walk to QUT and Griffith, CityCat, and buses 

• Description: Cultural and entertainment centre of Brisbane. It is home to South Bank Parklands, 17 hectares river park that includes Streets Beach. Students may visit The Plough Inn or various cafes in this part of Brisbane. 

• Student hangouts: South Bank Parklands, The Plough Inn, Streets Beach 

Brisbane CBD 

• Average Rent: $400 – $600+/week 

• Universities: QUT Gardens Point, Griffith University 

• Transportation: Central to all transport (trains, buses, ferries) 

• Description: The heart of the city. Everything is on your doorstep – shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Premium living with premium prices. 

• Student Hangouts: Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier, Howard Smith Wharves 

Best Student Accommodation Options in Brisbane 

It may seem quite challenging to find an apartment and manage international student cost of living in Brisbane that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. However, it does not matter anymore because we found a great variety of accommodations for you. Below, you will find the verified student homes in Brisbane for international students. 

 1. UniLodge Herston 

• Price: From AUD 209 per week  

• Types of rooms: Studios, shared apartments  

• Best for: Students looking for cheap and convenient student accommodation near the UQ  

• University distance; 2.50 miles from the city center, adjacent to UQ  

• Major amenities: Furnished, accessibility facilities, balcony, near UQ  

• Why students love it: Great value for the price. This accommodation near UQ so that you can get there straight after you woke up. The balcony provides additional space outdoors. 

 2. Iglu Kelvin Grove Accommodation 

• Price: From AUD 479 per week  

• Types of rooms: Studios, shared apartments  

• Best for: Students looking for high-quality and all-inclusive accommodation  

• University distance: 2.34 miles from the city centre, student accommodation near QUT

• Major amenities: Free breakfast, furnished, common room, social events, No Visa No Pay  

• Why students love it: Breakfast for free! Iglu is famous for its community and social events – great way to make friends. 

 3. Scape Merivale 

• Price: From AUD 299 per week  

• Types of rooms: Studios, en-suite  

• Best for: Students interested in modern amenities and social activities  

• University distance:  2.10 miles from the city centre, near South Bank 

• Major amenities: Barbecue, bicycle parking, car-parking, No Visa No Pay, No University No Pay  

• Why students love it: The barbecue area is one more opportunity to meet people and socialize. Perfect location close to cultural places of South Bank. 

4. Iglu Brisbane City 

• Price: AUD 479 per week 

• Room Types: Studios, en-suite 

• Best For: Students who want central CBD living with premium amenities 

• University distance: 0.47 miles from city centre  

• Key Facilities: No Visa No Pay, new facilities  

• Why students love it: Iglu is famous for quality and community. You will always be close to transport, university, and fun being in CBD location.  

 5. Scape Tribune  

• Price: AUD 299 per week  

• Room types: studios, en suite  

• Best for: Students who seek affordable and modern accommodation in South Brisbane 

• University distance: 0.82 miles from city centre, South Bank  

• Key facilities: study room, dining area, No Visa No Pay, No University No Pay  

• Why students love it: Study rooms are a godsend during exams time. Great location near the cultural precinct.  

University Living helps you compare verified student homes near UQ, QUT, and Griffith University easily. 

Food & Grocery Costs in Brisbane 

There is one tip which can save your money each month and reduce some burden of cost of living in Brisbane: prepare at home. Brisbane has awesome fresh products, fantastic local markets, great café scene – but eating outside everyday will spend your student budget in Brisbane much faster than “avocado toast”.  

Cost of food in Brisbane is about AUD 400 to AUD 600 per month for most of the students. However, you can stay within AUD 400 by purchasing wisely and preparing at home.  

Affordable grocery shopping:  

• Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths – Great selection of basic products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and local Australian food at reasonable prices.  

• Local markets – Brisbane City Markets in Queen Street Mall (Wednesdays) and Powerhouse Markets (Saturdays).  

• Asian grocery stores – in suburbs such as Sunnybank, where you can buy all kinds of goods for lower price.  

Discounts for food for students:  

• UNiDAYS & Student Beans.  

• EatClub   

• Too Good to Go   

Food experiences in Brisbane on budget:  

• Eat Street Northshore – amazing food trucks market costing AUD 10-15 and live music.  

• Student meal discounts – most of pubs and cafés have $10-15 student lunch specials.  

• South Bank Parklands – perfect place for budget picnic with products bought at nearby Coles. 

Here is how the cost of food in Brisbane typically looks like: 

Pro tip: Meal prep on Sundays. A few hours of cooking can save you AUD 100+ every month.  

Save big on food and balance your cost of living in Brisbane with student discounts and smart home cooking. 

Transportation Costs in Brisbane 

The public transport system in Brisbane is considered one of the best in Australia due to the high integration and affordability. Transportation cost in Brisbane for students who use public transport range from AUD 30 to AUD 130 monthly, and this price includes student discounts, which further helps to manage well the cost of living in Brisbane. 

Your student travel toolkit: 

• TransLink Student Concession – discount up to 50% on standard fares for full-time students. 

• Go Card – reusable smart card for bus, train, and ferry travel. 

• 50 cent flat fare system – introduced by the Queensland government per one trip in all public transport (from 2026).  

Main forms of transport that you are going to use: 

• Bus and Brisbane Metro 

• Queensland Rail (Trains)  

• CityCat and Ferries network  

Here is your monthly transport cost breakdown: 

Pro Tip: Live close to the university campus or a major transport hub. You would not need to spend money on transport and can invest it into a better apartment or eating out more often at Eat Street.  

Book seamless airport pickup from Brisbane Airport with ULInfinity and start your Brisbane journey stress-free. 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Brisbane 

Utility costs in Brisbane are not often mentioned, but when the first bill arrives, it can become a burden, especially in summer which adds extra weightage on your cost of living in Brisbane. This is why most students prefer all-inclusive student residences in Brisbane.  

If you rent a private apartment, here is what utility bills in Brisbane look like: 

Why all-inclusive rent is a lifesaver: 

• Avoid any surprise payments in summer when you decide to switch on air condition. 

• No conflicts with your flatmates about electricity. 

• One bill per month equals one less headache. 

 Mobile tips for international students: 

• Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone – Australian operators with student offers. 

• Amaysim, Boost, or Kogan – affordable prepaid mobile services from AUD 15-25 per month. 

• ULInfinity International SIM – come with data on the first day of arrival. No need to search for a phone store after the long way through the airport. 

Keep in touch with your families overseas with affordable international student-friendly SIM cards from ULInfinity. 

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Brisbane 

Here is something that can change your entire budget: a part-time job. On an Australian student visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week) and unlimited hours during holidays, which allows you to manage overall cost of living in Brisbane. 

The average student’s hourly rate in Brisbane is AUD 23 to AUD 28/hour – higher than the Australian minimum wage of AUD 24.10 (up to 2026).  

Where students work in Brisbane: 

• Retail – Imagine yourself working at shopping centers, boutique stores and department stores. 

• Hospitality – Café, restaurants and bars in CBD, South Bank and West End areas. 

• Campus jobs – Work as a librarian’s assistant, researcher or tour guide. The job schedule suits you and does not interfere with your classes. 

• Tutoring – High demand for tutoring in Brisbane. 

• Delivery – Uber Eats, DoorDash. Requires either a bike or a car. Quite flexible.  

Your earning potential: 

Can part-time work cover your living costs? Partially, yes. A student who earns AUD 25/hour working 24 hours/week would earn around AUD 2,400 per month. It would be enough to pay for your rent in a shared apartment (AUD 700-1,000/month) and food and entertainment expenses. 

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss 

Now, let us look at some of the costs that you were never told about. “Hidden costs” come unexpectedly for all international students. But not for you, as you are reading this.  

Here is what to budget for beyond rent and groceries: 

How ULInfinity helps you avoid unwanted surprises: 

• International money transfer 

• Room essentials  

• Health insurance  

• Airport pickup 

• Flight tickets 

• Guarantor for students  

• Student bank account 

Get ready for your journey abroad with trusted student services from ULInfinity 

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Brisbane 

1. Sharing housing – Splitting a 3-bed room will cut the price in half compared to a studio. Sharing will cost you AUD 200/week instead of AUD 400. 

2. Booking in advance – The budget student apartments in Brisbane will be reserved by October if you are planning to start in February. Early birds save AUD 50-150 per week. 

3. Living near the campus – Student accommodation close to UQ (St Lucia) or QUT (Kelvin Grove) makes any transport expenses unnecessary. 

4. Choosing all-inclusive rental – Avoiding unexpected utility costs. Almost all-inclusive accommodation in Brisbane for international students includes Wi-Fi, electricity, water, heating. 

5. Cooking at home – Weekly cost of home cooking is AUD 60-80. Eating out is AUD 60-80 for 2-3 meals. Cooking with friends – cheaper and more fun. 

6. Using student discounts – UNiDAYS, Student Beans and your student ID will provide you with 10-50% off on absolutely everything. 

7. Using public transport – The flat rate of 50 cents with Translink is a true revolution. One-week transport expenses are less than one Uber trip. 

8. Buying used stuff – Cheap furniture, textbooks and kitchen stuff on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and charity shops. 

9. Walking or cycling – Brisbane is sunny and bike-friendly. Your AUD 100-200 investment in a used bicycle pays for itself in 2-3 months. 

Use the Cost of Living Calculator to calculate your monthly expenses before coming to Brisbane. Know exactly what you can afford. 

Is Brisbane Affordable for International Students? 

The honest answer: Yes, absolutely. Due to the lower cost of living in Brisbane, it is one of the most affordable major student cities in Australia. It offers the quality of Sydney or Melbourne at a 10-20% lower cost. 

With a shared apartment in St Lucia, home cooking, and a flat fare of 50 cents, one can live very well with $2,200-2,600 a month. For those who prefer a private studio in the CBD, regular eating out, and sightseeing, it cost AUD 3,200-3,800 a month. 

Here is how Brisbane compares to other major Australian student cities: 

Conclusion 

Brisbane is a city that combines the best of two worlds – sophistication of a big Australian city and friendliness of a student-friendly place. Every year, thousands of international students find out that the cost of living in Brisbane is low and provides great value for their money.  

Of course, you’ll spend money on accommodation. Of course, you’ll have to budget for the summer air conditioning. But in comparison to Sydney, Melbourne or other big cities in Australia, your cost of living in Brisbane budget will stretch much more. You’ll be able to visit the river, go to the South Bank, save some money for a leisure time and go for a picnic in the City Botanic Gardens or have fun at Eat Street. 

And with University Living, choosing student accommodation becomes easy for everyone. With ULInfinity, all other aspects of your student life in Brisbane – such as international SIM card or airport transfer become effortless.  

Frequently Asked Questions