Brisbane vs Melbourne
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Brisbane | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 2.7 million | 5.2 million |
| State | Queensland | Victoria |
| Median house price2 | $950k | $780k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $650 | $560 |
| Average summer day3 | 30°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 22°C | 14°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1000 mm | 650 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Construction, health, education, resources services | Health, education, finance, creative industries |
Brisbane and Melbourne share a time zone for half the year. Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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.
Melbourne. Cafe culture and coffee, laneway bars, street art, live music and a packed events calendar: the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup.
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.
Melbourne. The world's largest urban tram network covers the inner city, backed by a metro train network and the Metro Tunnel. Toll roads are fewer than Sydney's (mainly CityLink and EastLink), but traffic on the outer freeways is heavy.
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.
Melbourne. AFL is close to a religion: nine of the 18 clubs are based here and the MCG holds 100,000 people. Melbourne Park, AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium sit within walking distance of the city centre.
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.
Melbourne. An indoor-outdoor city of neighbourhoods, each with its own high street. Weather changes fast ('four seasons in one day') and winters are grey, but housing is markedly cheaper than Sydney.
Sources: Translink Queensland · Visit Brisbane · Public Transport Victoria · Visit Melbourne