Brisbane vs Hobart
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Brisbane | Hobart |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 2.7 million | 255,000 |
| State | Queensland | Tasmania |
| Median house price2 | $950k | $680k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $650 | $550 |
| Average summer day3 | 30°C | 22°C |
| Average winter day3 | 22°C | 12°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1000 mm | 600 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Construction, health, education, resources services | Tourism, health, Antarctic science, aquaculture |
Brisbane and Hobart share a time zone for half the year. Hobart uses daylight saving, so the gap changes by an hour from October to April. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Brisbane and Hobart beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Brisbane. A subtropical river city with South Bank's parklands and swimming lagoon, a warm climate all year, and easy access to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. It hosts the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Hobart. MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), Salamanca Market, the Dark Mofo winter festival, fresh seafood, and kunanyi/Mt Wellington rising behind the harbour.
Getting around
Brisbane. Buses, CityCats on the river and a suburban rail network, with Cross River Rail adding underground stations. Several motorways and tunnels are tolled. Most residents rely on cars.
Hobart. Metro Tasmania buses and a ferry service on the Derwent. There is no passenger rail. The city is compact but most people drive, and the Tasman Bridge is the main bottleneck.
Sport
Brisbane. Rugby league leads, with State of Origin a highlight at Suncorp Stadium. The Brisbane Lions (AFL) play at the Gabba, which is also the city's cricket ground.
Hobart. AFL is the main code, and a Tasmanian AFL team is in development with a new stadium planned at Macquarie Point. Cricket is played at Blundstone Arena.
Day-to-day life
Brisbane. Relaxed and outdoorsy, with Queenslander houses on stilts, verandas and backyard living. Summers are hot, humid and stormy. The city is growing fast and rents have risen sharply.
Hobart. Small-city calm, close to wilderness and wineries. It is cooler than the mainland. Housing has become much less affordable relative to local wages.
Sources: Translink Queensland · Visit Brisbane · Metro Tasmania · Discover Tasmania