Living in Brisbane

Considering a move to Brisbane? Use this guide to find out about education, work, costs, transport and more.

Housing

Brisbane offers a range of housing options spanning all styles from the iconic ‘Queenslander’ with its high ceilings and breezy verandahs to the modern, loft-style apartment. Most Brisbane houses sit on their own block of land but the housing boom of the early 2000s saw a flurry of development activity in Brisbane’s central business district. Dozens of apartment buildings were built, and many continue to be built on the back of the boom.

Working in Brisbane

Brisbane is Australia’s fastest-growing capital city for employment and offers a great range of opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Our Working in Brisbane section provides a quick rundown on a few of the need-to-know facts for those looking to join the local workforce.

Health

Brisbane residents have excellent access to healthcare in both public and private sectors, covering hospitals, general practitioners, dentists and other allied healthcare professionals. Urgent and emergency medical care is readily available to everyone.

Transport

Brisbane’s public transport system is a clean and green network of trains, ferries (CityCats) and buses that have been integrated so commuters can travel seamlessly between each service when using a go card. With the TransLink go card you can travel seamlessly on all TransLink bus, ferry and rail services across south-east Queensland. Public transport is one of the best ways to get around the city.

Cost of Living

The IMD’s Quality of Life Index consistently ranks Australia in its top ten countries and its 2010 report (which focuses on infrastructure, health and the state of the environment) placed Australia fourth in its international comparisons. Alongside that, the Mercer Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2010 ranked Brisbane as one of Australia’s most affordable cities – more competitive than other Asia-Pacific locations such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne.

Environment

As the most biologically-diverse capital in Australia, Brisbane is a green city with clean, healthy air and a clear commitment to its environment. Council achieved carbon neutral status for its operations in 2017 and aims to reduce average Brisbane household emissions from energy, transport and waste to six tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2031.