The Verdict
Living in Brisbane is 4% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Brisbane to Edinburgh, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Brisbane, you would need to earn about £38,049 in Edinburgh.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Brisbane:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Brisbane | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,560 | £1,300 | £-260 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £336 | +£28 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £205 | £213 | +£8 |
| Public transport pass | £128 | £141 | +£13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £166 | +£4 |
| Total Monthly | £2,363 | £2,155 | £-208 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£2,860/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (4% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Edinburgh to match a Brisbane salary
| Salary in Brisbane | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £28,537 | £1,463 less |
| £40,000 | £38,049 | £1,951 less |
| £50,000 | £47,561 | £2,439 less |
| £60,000 | £57,073 | £2,927 less |
| £80,000 | £76,098 | £3,902 less |
| £100,000 | £95,122 | £4,878 less |
Brisbane vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 4%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Brisbane has a rent index of 78, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Brisbane: £2,860/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Brisbane wins 4, while Edinburgh wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.