Brisbane vs Sydney
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Brisbane | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 2.7 million | 5.5 million |
| State | Queensland | New South Wales |
| Median house price2 | $950k | $1.5M |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $650 | $750 |
| Average summer day3 | 30°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 22°C | 17°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 1000 mm | 1200 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Construction, health, education, resources services | Finance, professional services, tech, tourism |
Brisbane and Sydney share a time zone for half the year. Sydney 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 Sydney 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.
Sydney. The Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and more than 100 beaches, from Bondi and Manly to quieter northern bays. It is Australia's finance capital and its most international city.
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.
Sydney. A large Sydney Trains and Metro network plus ferries on the harbour, but the city is spread out and many people drive. Sydney has the most toll roads in the country, and regular commuters can pay thousands of dollars a year in tolls.
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.
Sydney. Rugby league is the dominant code (the NRL was born here), with AFL, cricket and the A-League also strong. Major venues include the SCG, Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and the rebuilt Allianz Stadium.
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.
Sydney. Outdoor, beach-centred living with long warm seasons. The trade-off is cost: housing takes a bigger share of income than anywhere else in Australia, so many people live far from where they work.
Sources: Translink Queensland · Visit Brisbane · Transport for NSW · Destination NSW