Brisbane vs Perth: Perth is cheaper on average ($2,800/mo vs $2,900/mo) in 2026.
Within-Australia comparison: costs, visas, and scores for Brisbane and Perth (2026).
Verify cost and relocation information at official sources
Rules change. SetTern summarizes public data for planning — confirm eligibility, fees, and timelines on government portals before you apply.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-19 · How we source facts
Side-by-side
| Metric | Brisbane | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation score | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Avg monthly budget | $2,900 | $2,800 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,400 |
| Visa route | Skilled / Employer Sponsored | Primary work / residence route (verify official source) |
| Visa timeline | 3–12 months | Varies — check official immigration site |
| Visa friction | 3.5/10 | 3.5/10 |
| English-friendly | 98% | 60% |
| Safety score | 69/100 | 69/100 |
| Housing score | 54/100 | 54/100 |
Recommendation
Overall index: Even on SetTern index. Budget: Perth. Visa friction: Similar visa friction. Your personal visa and family situation may override these defaults.
Frequently asked
- Is Brisbane or Perth cheaper to live in?
- Brisbane is typically more expensive: ~$2,900/mo avg vs ~$2,800/mo in Perth (SetTern estimates).
- Which has easier visas — Brisbane or Perth?
- Brisbane: Skilled / Employer Sponsored (3–12 months). Perth: Primary work / residence route (verify official source) (Varies — check official immigration site). Always confirm with official government sources.
- Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?
- Brisbane leads on our 10-point index (7 vs 7). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.
- What is 1BR rent in Brisbane vs Perth?
- Brisbane ~$1,500/mo; Perth ~$1,400/mo (indicative).
- Who should choose Brisbane over Perth?
- Brisbane suits: Outdoor lifestyles, Students. Perth suits: Research-stage relocators.
- What are main risks in Brisbane and Perth?
- Brisbane: Flood-zone awareness and competitive rentals in inner suburbs.… Perth: Guide-tier hub: costs are indicative Numbeo bands; confirm visa rules on the government site before acting.…
Related calculators
- Relocation Cost EstimatorCited city living costs, optional flight/shipping quotes, and live FX — no invented fares or visa tables.
- Salary Adjustment CalculatorCompare take-home pay across countries using published tax schedules and cited city living costs — not invented PPP factors.
- Housing Affordability CalculatorCited rent midpoints, P3-A6 snapshots, country deposit rules, and income ratios — no live Numbeo or invented agency fees.
- Expat Lifestyle & Integration FitCity lifestyle fit from SetTern catalog scores and cited costs — no Numbeo, Reddit, or InterNations scrapes.
- Currency Runway CalculatorConvert cited city averages with live ECB exchange rates and plan how long to save for your runway.